Ignored by Your Job Interviewer? You’re Not the Only One

Today’s job market seems like a lawless place. Desperate candidates send out hundreds of applications, and thousands apply for entry-level positions, causing overcrowding in the recruitment process.

In this landscape, recruiters are inundated with resumes and common courtesy seems to have fallen by the wayside. In a recent study of recruiting teams, CV Genius found that a third of hiring managers are likely to cut off contact with a candidate without explanation.

As communication standards decline, the practice of ghosting (where someone cuts off contact without warning) is in danger of becoming the norm. But the impact on hopeful job seekers can be devastating. Here’s why ghosting happens and how to respond.

Most hiring managers accept ghosting

Ghosting originated in online dating. Many users began reporting that after a few candlelight dinners, their date disappeared, finding it easier than ending the relationship properly. Now, it seems like the line between finding “the one” and pursuing a dream job is blurry.

CV Genius surveyed 625 hiring managers for its report. According to the results, 33% would probably ignore an unsuccessful candidate without explaining why. Meanwhile, 23% recruiters have no problem ignoring job candidates.

Just 44% recruiters say they are unlikely to ignore a candidate. This suggests that being ignored is now the norm in many British workplaces.

However, being ghosted can haunt job seekers. In a separate study by CV Genius, 86% respondents who experienced ghosting said they felt depressed or down. What’s even more disturbing is that 17% They said that the experience gave them a sense of severely depressed.

Seb Morgan, career expert at CV Genius, says: “It’s an incredibly frustrating experience when you put effort into your CV and interview and the employer suddenly disappears,” adding: “job seekers deserve more than just silence.”

The Spirit of a Job Opportunity

Despite CV Genius’ findings, other research suggests ghosting isn’t one-sided. According to new research from the CIPD, 27% UK employers trying to fill vacancies in the last 12 months have had new employees fail to turn up for work on their first day.

For a culprit, look no further than Generation Z. It seems younger workers are treating work like a bad date. In an Indeed study, 87% Generation Z employees admitted that they left their boss in the lurch on their first day at work, preferring to get enough sleep rather than face the nerves associated with starting a new job.

This habit can become a self-fulfilling prophecy: Job seekers who are ignored by recruiters can carry their aversion to being ignored into future positions, turning the hiring process into a revolving door problem.

CV Genius confirms this generational divide. According to the report, younger hiring managers (Gen Z and Millennials) are 61% are more likely to cut off contact with unsuccessful candidates than older hiring managers (Gen X and Baby Boomers).

It’s coming like a ghost town

It’s clear that ghosting doesn’t do hiring managers or new hires any favors with their bosses. But as the practice becomes more common, companies need talent more than ever.

According to a CIPD survey of over 1,000 UK HR and HR professionals, 64% of those who tried to recruit in the last year had difficulty attracting candidates. 69% all employers agree that competition for talent has increased over the past year.

Claire McCartney, policy and practice manager at the CIPD, says the problem stems from poor communication. “During the recruitment process, employers should maintain open lines of communication with candidates, clearly outlining their organisation’s purpose and values, as well as benefits such as flexible working,” she advises.

A clear and structured approach to responding to job applications can be the solution for companies struggling with a flood of applications.

Not only will this help job seekers feel more valued, but it will also ensure that the employee you choose is more likely to turn the tables and cut off contact with hiring managers before or during their probationary period. In short, good messaging will prevent your workplace from becoming a ghost town.

“It’s important to make sure prospective employees are committed to their role and know what to expect when joining a new organisation,” McCartney adds.