Remember when “ghosting” was something that happened in the dating world? You’d meet someone, text for a bit, maybe even go on a date or two… and then poof—nothing. Radio silence. You’ve been ghosted.
Well, guess what? Ghosting has packed its bags and moved into the business world. And one of its favorite new hangouts? Recruitment agencies.
Many recruitment consultancies talk a big game on their websites. They proudly boast about “candidate care” and invite you to join their exclusive “talent banks,” promising to match you with amazing companies. Sounds nice, right? But here’s the million-dollar question: How genuine is it?
Because in practice, it often feels like the script flips the moment you hang up the phone or hit send on that follow-up email. Suddenly, the enthusiastic consultant you spoke to is nowhere to be found. No reply to your email, no returned call, not even a polite “we’ve gone in another direction” message. Just… silence.
Let’s be honest—it seems the consultant is working for the one who pays the bill: the employer. Much like in real estate, where the agent technically works for the seller, recruiters often serve the interests of the client (the company) rather than the candidate (you). Fair enough, they’ve got targets to meet. But here’s where it gets a little short-sighted…
What if that candidate you ghosted ends up becoming a potential client? It happens more often than you’d think. Today’s jobseeker could be tomorrow’s hiring manager. And believe me, people remember how you made them feel. If you couldn’t be bothered to return their call, do you really think they’ll want you representing their brand to future candidates?
Here’s a real-world example: A colleague of mine has been ghosted four times. Not once. Four. Twice by recruiters who knew them reasonably well—in-person meetings and everything. The other two were after a Zoom call and a solid phone chat. Emails, texts, calls—sent into the void. Never heard from again.
So, recruiters, if you’re reading this, here’s my two cents: Don’t underestimate the long game. Even if you can’t place someone today, that doesn’t mean they’re not valuable. Just like in real estate, your buyer could become your next vendor.
And hey, one day you might be the one looking for a job. The world has a funny way of turning the tables.
To borrow from the wise Maya Angelou:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
So let’s all be a bit kinder, more responsive, and just a little more human in this process. Ghosting might belong in bad Tinder stories—but it’s got no place in recruitment.
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