Ghosting in Recruitment: Why It’s Bad for Business
Ghosting candidates?
It’s annoying, plain and simple.
They apply, go through interviews, and then… crickets.
No feedback, no update, nothing.
The thing is, it’s not just bad practice—it’s basic common courtesy.
Companies love shouting about their employer brand, saying they care about people and culture.
But when they can’t send a quick update on an application?
Those claims fall apart real quick.
Ghosting doesn’t just frustrate candidates, it messes with your reputation long-term.
So, ask yourself:
Is your recruitment process up to scratch? And are the right people representing your business?
Who’s Doing the Ghosting?
A lot of people think ghosting only happens with agencies, but internal HR teams can be just as bad.
Candidates put time and effort into applying and interviewing, but many don’t hear back.
For job seekers, that’s disheartening. But for businesses, it’s risky.
A bad candidate experience can spread like wildfire, whether it’s bad reviews on Glassdoor, complaints on LinkedIn, or just word of mouth.
And that’s going to make it harder to pull in top talent next time.
Employer Brand vs. Reality
Employer branding costs companies a lot of time and money. The fancy careers page, social media posts, and employee testimonials all say how amazing it is to work there.
But none of that matters if you leave candidates hanging.
A strong employer brand isn’t just about what you say, it’s about what you do.
If your hiring process doesn’t match the brand, people notice.
And trust us, a bad recruitment experience sticks with candidates. They remember how they were treated.
Why a Good Recruiter (Internal or External) Makes a Difference
Recruitment is a reflection of your company’s reputation. Whether it’s in-house HR or an agency recruiter, the people handling your hiring process are representing your business.
Good recruiters know that communication is key. A quick rejection email or update doesn’t take long, but it makes a massive difference.
It shows respect, keeps relationships healthy, and keeps doors open for future opportunities.
If your recruiter’s not keeping candidates in the loop, they’re doing more harm than good.
The Long-Term Perks of Treating Candidates Right
Respecting candidates isn’t just about being polite—it’s smart business.
- Stronger reputation: Companies that treat candidates well attract better talent.
- Future hiring: A rejected candidate today could be perfect for another role later.
- Better referrals: Even unsuccessful candidates will recommend your company if they were treated right.
Ghosting might seem like a small thing, but it can snowball into much bigger problems down the line.
Fix the Process, Protect Your Brand
If your recruiters—whether in-house or agency—aren’t keeping candidates updated, they’re hurting your brand.
Ghosting isn’t just lazy—it’s unprofessional.
Make sure your recruitment team is doing its job. A simple email today can save your reputation tomorrow.
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