Halloween is a time for ghosts, goblins, and other spooky creatures to come out and play. But there’s one kind of ghost that’s not so scary, yet still haunts the job market: the ghosting employer.

Ghosting, in the context of job hunting, occurs when an employer simply stops responding to a candidate after they’ve applied for a position. It’s a frustrating and disrespectful practice that can leave job seekers feeling confused, disheartened, and even a little spooked.

Why Ghosting is a Trick

While it might seem like an easy way to avoid rejection, ghosting candidates is a trick that employers should avoid at all costs. Here’s why:

1. It’s disrespectful: Ghosting candidates shows a lack of respect for their time and effort. It can leave them feeling undervalued and dismissive.
2. It damages your employer brand: Word gets around, especially in the digital age. Ghosting candidates can tarnish your company’s reputation as an employer of choice.
3. It can lead to missed opportunities: You might be missing out on talented candidates who could be a great fit for your team.
4. It’s unprofessional: Ghosting is simply unprofessional. It reflects poorly on your company culture and values.

A Better Approach: The “No-Ghost” Policy

Instead of ghosting candidates, employers should adopt a “no-ghost” policy. Here are some tips for communicating effectively with job seekers:

1. Acknowledge receipt of applications: Send a brief email or automated response to let candidates know you’ve received their application.
2. Provide updates on the hiring process: Keep candidates informed about the status of their application, even if it’s just a quick update to let them know you’re still considering them.
3. Be honest if you’re not interested: If you decide not to move forward with a candidate, be honest and respectful. A brief email explaining your decision is better than leaving them hanging.
4. Provide feedback: If possible, offer constructive feedback to candidates who didn’t make it to the next round. This can help them improve their job search in the future.

By following these guidelines, employers can create a more positive and respectful job-seeking experience for candidates. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find your next superstar employee.

Match Point Recruiting is a boutique consumer goods executive search firm in Bentonville, AR

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