💼The Honest Recruiter: Ghosting Happens

We’ve all been there - waiting anxiously after an interview, refreshing our inbox, checking WhatsApp messages, hoping for an update. But… silence. No rejection, no feedback, no closure. It feels like you’ve been ghosted, and honestly? It sucks. But honestly: Ghosting isn’t a one-way street.

Candidates ghost recruiters. Recruiters ghost candidates. Even hiring managers ghost their own HR teams. It’s not personal, it’s just how business works sometimes. Priorities shift, processes take longer than expected, and sometimes, people just… drop the ball.

That doesn’t mean it’s okay, but it does mean you can handle it better.

What's scarier? Candidates ghosting after accepting the job offer.

It’s one thing to disappear after an interview but lately, we’re seeing more candidates vanish AFTER accepting an offer. No email, no explanation. Just gone. Some even pull a no-show on their first day.

Why?

🚩 They were juggling multiple offers and took a better one last minute.

🚩 They got cold feet but didn’t know how to say “I changed my mind.”

🚩 They weren’t serious from the start, just testing their market value.

For employers, this is a nightmare. The role is closed, onboarding is planned, and suddenly, they’re back to square one. For recruiters, it means wasted time and effort, credibility impacted, it's back to screening candidates again.

Why Ghosting Happens:

>For Candidates: Maybe they lost interest, got another offer, or just didn’t know how to say, “I’m not keen on this anymore.”

> For Recruiters: Sometimes, we’re waiting on feedback from clients, juggling multiple roles, or dealing with hiring managers who take forever to decide.

>For Employers: Internal changes, shifting budgets, and last-minute strategy pivots mean hiring plans can get put on hold without warning.

So, What Can You Do?

💡 Candidates:

🔹 Don’t take it personally. If you haven’t heard back in one to two weeks, follow up politely and professionally. A simple “Just checking in on the status of my application” can go a long way.

🔹 Keep your options open. Don’t put all your hopes on one job. Keep networking, applying, and having conversations.

🔹 If you change your mind, SAY SOMETHING. Declining an offer professionally is far better than disappearing. It keeps doors open for the future.

💡Employers & Recruiters:

🔹 Just say something. Even if it’s “We’re still deciding” or “There’s been a delay.” A quick update keeps candidates engaged and leaves a better impression.

🔹 Close the loop. If someone’s not moving forward, let them know. A rejection with dignity is always better than being left in the dark.

🔹 Secure commitment early. Stay in close contact with candidates before their start date. Regular check-ins reduce the risk of last-minute ghosting.

At the end of the day, communication is everything. No one likes being left hanging, so whether you’re a candidate, recruiter, or hiring manager, let’s all do better.