In today’s fast-paced job market, ghosting has become a frustrating reality for both recruiters and job seekers. In the context of recruitment, ghosting is when a candidate or a recruiter goes silent during the hiring process, leaving the other party unsure of what is happening.
Whether it is a candidate suddenly vanishing after an interview or a recruiter going silent after promising a follow-up, the lack of communication leaves both parties feeling uncertain and frustrated. It is not just about missed opportunities; it is about wasted time and a growing disenchantment with the hiring process.
We have all been there: submitting a job application, getting through a few interview rounds, only to be met with complete silence. No rejection email, no update, just… nothing. That is recruiter ghosting. It is when companies stop responding to job seekers without any explanation, leaving them wondering where they stand.
Recruiters or hiring managers do not mean to ghost candidates (well, most of the time). But here are some of the reasons it does happen:
Unfortunately candidate ghosting is widespread epidemic. According to LinkedIn's most recent research, more than half of Australian job seekers have been ghosted by recruiters, with 57% reporting that they hear back less frequently than ever.
Ghosting does not just frustrate candidates; it damages a recruiter’s reputation. Luckily, there are simple solutions. A bit of organisation and the right tools
(like XeopleRecruit) can help recruitment teams stay on top of communication.
Instead of drowning in disjointed emails and notifications, an ATS allows recruiters to track every application in a centralised portal, so no candidate gets missed.
With XeopleRecruit’s SmartEmail feature, recruiters can automatically take any CV's received by email and turn them into job-linked candidate profiles using custom job email IDs. This allows the recruiter to manage applications from any source in a single space, but also spares the candidate from having to fill out an additional application if they've connected with the recruiter. It's recruitment made simple, efficient, and ghosting-proof!
Keep candidates in the loop, effortlessly! With XeopleRecruit, you can design the perfect recruitment process for every role and set up automated emails to candidates as they progress or fall off the shortlist. No more uncertainty or guesswork; candidates always know where they stand. It’s a simple way to keep communication professional and hassle-free for both recruiters and job seekers!
But here’s the thing: ghosting isn’t a one-way street anymore. Frustrated by being left hanging, candidates are now ghosting recruiters too by disappearing mid-process, skipping interviews, or even vanishing after accepting job offers. So, why is this happening, and how can we break the ghosting loop?
A recent Edge Recruitment survey found that 15% of Gen Z job seekers in South Australia have ghosted a recruiter at least once, while 34% have done it multiple times. With different job opportunities, faster application processes, and AI-driven hiring, it is easier than ever for candidates to move on without a word.
It’s not just about convenience, Gen Z and millennials are hesitant to get their hopes up for every job they apply to because most have been burned before. Gen Z in particular (but this applies more broadly) started their careers in unpredictable times. Company restructures, economic shifts, and evolving industries make stability feel out of reach. Without clear communication from recruiters or hiring managers, job seekers have neither the time or the will to wait around—they move on to the next opportunity instead.
With job seekers applying to multiple roles and hearing nothing back, it is no surprise that motivation starts to fade. While there are practical reasons for ghosting, like overflowing inboxes and shifting hiring priorities there is an emotional toll. Constantly following up with no response can be exhausting, leaving candidates feeling undervalued, discouraged and ultimately resentful.
As we've unpacked above, most recruiters are not ghosting out of malice. However, recruiters have an opportunity to implement change and improve the candidate experience.
The solution is actually pretty simple: candidates and recruiters need a structured way to handle communication. Providing timely responses, even if it’s just a short update or constructive feedback, can make all the difference. A simple, respectful interaction whether it’s a rejection email or a quick check-in goes a long way in keeping the hiring process fair, professional, and frustration-free for everyone.
If you're looking to implement technology into your recruitment business, XeopleRecruit is a great option to consider. An Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) with smart tools, enables recruiters to keep candidates informed at every stage. The impossible task of communicating clearly and effectively with hundreds of candidates manually is replaced with passive automations. No more lost applications, no more candidates left wondering what’s next. It’s a win-win for both recruiters and job seekers, creating a smoother, more transparent hiring process.
Ready to take the guesswork out of recruitment? Fine out more about us or request a demo today and see how XeopleRecruit can transform the way you hire!