How job seekers and employers share the blame

The phenomenon of ‘ghosting’, usually associated with dating, has now entered the workplace, with both employers and employees abruptly cutting off communication without explanation. According to a report by Business Insider India, this trend raises major concerns about the professionalism of hiring and employment practices, especially in today’s rapidly changing labor market.

Traditionally, ghosting describes the abrupt severing of all communication without any explanation, leaving the other party in a state of limbo. While this behavior is often related to personal relationships, it is also becoming increasingly common in business environments. Both job seekers and employers engage in this practice, leading to frustration on both sides of the hiring process.

A JobLeads survey found that 45 percent of applicants reported experiencing ghosting from potential employers, a significant increase of 30 percent in recent years. Many candidates have been left in limbo after interviews, receiving no feedback or closure, leading to increased anxiety and disillusionment. In addition, some have highlighted the prevalence of ‘ghost vacancies’: vacancies advertised by companies with no intention of filling them. These misleading statements often serve internal purposes, such as assessing available talent pools or promoting a perception of growth within the organization.

Jan Hendrik von Ahlen, co-founder of JobLeads, noted in the report that delays in communication can sometimes be the result of internal changes within companies or their organizational culture. He advised job seekers to move on without a response after two follow-up attempts.

Interestingly, job seekers have also adopted ghost behavior. A February 2024 report from Fortune, based on Indeed research, found that 93 percent of Gen Z workers in Britain admitted to having applied for a job but then skipped interviews. Furthermore, 87 percent of these candidates did not show up on the first day after securing a position. This trend underlines a growing desire among Gen Z workers for more control over their career choices, as many are reluctant to commit to roles that don’t meet their financial or personal expectations.

Danny Stacy, head of talent intelligence at Indeed UK, highlighted that a lack of transparency among employers – especially when it comes to salaries and benefits – has fueled the rise of candidate ghosting. As the cost of living continues to rise, employees feel increasingly justified in turning down positions that do not meet their financial needs. “It’s clear that financial offerings are the biggest carrot for employers looking to attract talent,” Stacy noted. “Wages, benefits and other factors that support the rising cost of living are likely to prevent a job seeker from ghosting,” Stacy added in the report.

Beyond financial considerations, younger generations are embracing a broader movement focused on work-life balance. Many Gen Z workers are willing to retire from jobs that lack flexibility or opportunities for personal growth. While this mentality empowers individuals, it has also led to increased instances of ghosting as younger employees feel comfortable walking away from positions they find unfulfilling.

However, despite the perception that Gen Z is at the forefront of this trend, ghosting is not exclusive to them. Older workers have also admitted to ghosting employers, although many express feelings of guilt or regret. Younger workers, on the other hand, see it as a legitimate strategy for managing their career paths.

Experts recommend that employers set clear expectations during the hiring process, maintain transparent communication and offer competitive compensation packages to help reduce this behavior. For job seekers, requesting timelines and following up with employers can ease uncertainty, although professionals advise against investing too heavily in roles that lack communication.

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