A study by The Greenhouse has revealed that 28% of candidates have engaged in job ghosting at some point, a practice that has become more pronounced since the pandemic. Job ghosting is a practice in which the candidate stops responding to messages or calls from the hiring company after signing the contract. It is often associated with romantic relationships but has carried over into the workplace.
The pandemic has influenced candidates’ mindsets when looking for a job, as they prioritize factors such as work-life balance or proximity to work. Human resources professionals are concerned about this practice, which reflects a society that is more focused on itself and on satisfying its desires.
There is no one profile most associated with job ghosting, but it is most prevalent in low-skilled, low-paying positions. Experts point out that if a company does not take care of the candidate, it is interpreted as a lack of commitment and interest, and when the candidate has the power to reverse the roles, he or she does so.
The study revealed that seven out of ten candidates were ignored during the selection process. The workload of industry personnel is one of the reasons for ghosting a candidate.