The Real Halloween Horror: Ghosting in Recruitment 🎃👻
BOO! ITS A GHOST!
Halloween is here, spooky decorations adorn our doorsteps, and children prepare to haunt the streets in search of candy! But let’s be real—the scariest thing about Halloween isn’t the ghouls lurking in the shadows or the creepy clowns lurking around every corner. No, my friends, the real fright comes from ghosting! That’s right: ghosting by candidates and recruiters alike can turn a simple job search into a spine-chilling horror story.
The Haunting of Candidates Past
Picture this: you’re excited about a new job opportunity, your resume has been submitted, and you’re ready to shine in that interview. But then, instead of hearing back from the recruiter, you’re met with eerie silence. They’ve vanished into thin air! This can be frustrating and disheartening. So how can you avoid getting ghosted by your recruiter? Here are some tips to keep that communication alive and kicking!
1. Set Clear Expectations
From the very first conversation, make it a point to establish a line of open communication. Discuss what you both can expect from each other. Ask the recruiter how often they’ll provide updates and set a timeline for follow-ups. For example, "When can I expect to hear back from you?" or "When would be a good time for me to check in?" This creates a mutual understanding that will make you both feel more accountable.
2. Be Proactive in Communication
Recruiters can get busy, and sometimes, updates slip through the cracks—like a ghost in the night. If you haven’t heard back after your set timeframe, don’t hesitate to follow up! A quick call, text, or email can keep you top of mind and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. Just remember, over-communication is your friend here!
The Other Side of the Graveyard: Why Candidates Shouldn’t Ghost Recruiters
Now that we’ve tackled how to avoid getting ghosted, let’s flip the script. Why shouldn’t you ghost your recruiter, even if you’ve accepted another job or decided not to pursue the role anymore?
3. Leave a Lasting Impression
Every interaction you have with a recruiter is recorded in their Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This includes notes from interviews, feedback from hiring managers, and all communication between you and the recruiter. If you choose to ghost them, it could come back to haunt you! Just a simple email to inform them you’re no longer interested or have accepted another offer can go a long way in keeping your professional reputation intact.
4. Don’t Burn Bridges in a Small World
Recruiting is a tightly-knit community. You never know when you might cross paths with that recruiter again—perhaps for a future opportunity or through a mutual connection. One bridge burned could lead to several lost opportunities down the road. Instead, send a courteous message thanking them for their time and letting them know your decision.
In Conclusion: Communicate to Avoid the Spooky Silence
In the world of job searching, ghosting is one of the scariest things that can happen. But by establishing clear communication, being proactive, and treating your recruiter with respect, you can avoid the frightful silence that haunts so many candidates. So, this Halloween, don’t let ghosting be part of your job search horror story. Instead, keep the lines of communication open, and you’ll set yourself up for a much smoother and more rewarding experience in your career journey.
Happy Halloween, and may your job search be free of ghosts! 🕷️✨
