Ghosting is the professional equivalent of standing someone up for a date. And it’s one of the most unprofessional things a candidate can do when they’re on the job hunt.
Unfortunately, the trend of workers ghosting employers is on the rise according to those who keep track of such things.
So what makes an otherwise rational person go radio silent on employers and recruiters as this article suggests? Unemployment is at its lowest rate in decades, and for many industries in the U.S., there are more open jobs than candidates.
In this tight labor market, job seekers often call the shots and there are some who, shall we say, aren’t taking every job offer as seriously as they should.
A tight labor market also means that desirable candidates may face multiple job offers, giving them the idea that they can simply choose the job they want and totally ignore other offers or employers.
Which is wrong on so many levels!
But the fact is, hiring managers and HR professionals would rather have you give them a polite “No” than to just vanish into thin air. If at any point you decide the job isn’t what you’re looking for, the right thing is to just say so.
Also, remember that job markets are unpredictable. You never know when your employment status could change, and you’ll need a job. If you burn bridges, you could be up a creek.
So here are four examples of how ghosting has some very negative consequences for jobseekers:
1. It’s Unprofessional
Did we mention that ghosting a potential employer is weak? Ignoring someone after you’ve engaged in mutual communication reflects poorly on you and it comes off as you being someone they’re glad they didn’t hire. Flaking out after accepting a job offer is even worse – because you can be sure word will get out on you.
2. You’ve Burned a Bridge with Your Recruiter
If you want to apply for a job with the same recruiter, good luck. Recruiters don’t have time for ghosters. Or if you were working with a headhunter, he or she might have a new client. Either way, that recruiter knows what happened and you won’t be on the top of their applicant list since your reputation isn’t good.
3. You’ve Burned a Bridge with a Hiring Manager
Whether you live in a big city or a small town, word gets around. You might want to apply for a job with the same hiring manager. But not so fast – like the recruiter, the hiring manager is going to know what happened. If the manager has moved to a different company or taken on a different role within the same organization, the first thing they’ll remember about you is ghosting and your chances of being hired is zilch.
4. You’ve Burned a Bridge with Your Friends
If your friends find out, they might stop sharing openings with you and there goes your network. Many jobs are uncovered through friends and colleagues, and the minute they find out you ghosted the company, they’re probably not going to share other openings with you. Especially if they referred you.
At Focus Staff, we understand the ins and outs of traveling healthcare professionals and have access to a wide variety of excellent professional opportunities locally or around the country. To learn more, contact us today.
