Ghosting Recruiters: A How-To Guide (Just Kidding, Don’t Do It!)
Ghosting might be trendy in dating apps, but it’s a major faux pas when job-seeking. It’s tempting to vanish when you find another job or change your mind about an ongoing interview process. But, it’s universally annoying, not just for your Recruiter, but also for the potential Employer that you were interviewing with.
You’re Not Playing the Long Game: Recruiters are like the secret keepers of Jobs World (yes, we made that term up). They have a network of contacts that could be your golden ticket to your dream job. Burning that bridge by disappearing into the ether is a rookie mistake.
It’s Just Plain Rude: Recruiters are real people, not emotionless bots. They put time and effort into finding you potential opportunities. Ghosting them is like cancelling a dinner date with a friend without a word – not cool.
You Miss Out on Future Opportunities: Recruiters work with multiple companies and have databases to keep track of every single interaction with you, the job-seeker. If you ghost one, they might mark you as a “ghost candidate,” which could limit your future job prospects.
How to Handle It Like a Pro
Be Honest: If you’re no longer interested in a role, a polite decline is always appreciated. A simple email, text or phone call will suffice.
Provide Feedback: If you have time, offer constructive feedback on the interview process or the role itself. This can help recruiters improve their services.
Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your recruiter. You never know when they might have another opportunity that’s a perfect match for your skills and aspirations.
Remember, the job market is a small world: Treat recruiters with respect, and they’ll remember you when the right opportunity comes along.
The next time you’re tempted to vanish into the digital abyss, think twice. A little courtesy can go a long way.
