Causes of Ghosting
Why Applicants Ghost
From the applicant's perspective, there can be several reasons to suddenly disappear from the application process:
- Accepted another job: The applicant chooses a more attractive offer or more security elsewhere.
- Overwhelmed by the application process: When the process takes too long or has too many steps, some candidates drop out without communicating.
- Lack of interest: Sometimes it becomes clear during the process that the position or organization does not align with the candidate’s expectations or personal values.
- Poor experience in the process: A slow response, unclear communication, or an unpleasant atmosphere during interviews may cause a candidate to drop out without notice.
Why Employers Ghost
Employers also engage in ghosting – often without realizing it. These are common causes:
- Too busy or understaffed: During busy periods, following up on applications or providing feedback may be deprioritized.
- Position filled: When a suitable candidate has already been hired, other applicants are sometimes not informed.
- Internal changes: Think of restructurings, reorganizations, or suddenly freezing job openings, causing processes to halt without external communication.
- Lack of structure or automation: Companies without clear recruitment procedures or HR tools often fail in proper follow-up.
An Unconscious Pattern in a Busy Job Market
In the chaos of the modern job market, ghosting often happens unconsciously. Both applicants and employers deal with high workloads, rapid changes, and multiple communication channels. As a result, a "I'll respond later" moment sometimes never gets followed up.
The Impact of Ghosting
Ghosting affects both parties. For candidates, it can lead to uncertainty, frustration, and a negative image of the company. For employers, it can cause reputational damage, loss of talent, and inefficiencies in the hiring process. In a job market where experience and candidate journey are increasingly important, transparent communication is essential.
Conclusion: Choose Clarity and Mutual Respect
Ghosting during the application process is often the result of miscommunication, busyness, or disinterest, but it is largely preventable. Open and timely communication – even if brief – helps leave a positive impression, even when the outcome is negative. Both employers and applicants share this responsibility. In a time when employer branding and personal work values are becoming more important, mutual respect is the foundation for a professional match.
How to Deal with Ghosting from the Applicant's Perspective
Communication: make yourself heard
Have you decided not to continue in a job application process? Always let the employer know. This shows respect for their time and effort. A short, friendly rejection by email or phone leaves a positive impression and can be valuable for the future. You never know when your paths might cross again.
Employers appreciate candidates who communicate professionally, even when they decide to withdraw. It contributes to your personal brand and strengthens your network within your industry. By communicating openly and honestly, you keep the door open for future opportunities.
Follow-up: take initiative
Have you applied or had an interview but haven't received a response? Feel free to send a follow-up email. There can be many reasons why you haven’t heard back yet: internal busyness, a recruiter's absence, or delays in decision-making.
With a friendly and professional follow-up, you show engagement and perseverance. For example, mention that you're curious about the status of your application and that you're still enthusiastic about the position. This increases the chance of getting back on the employer's radar.
Stay patient: the process takes time
A job application process rarely follows a strict schedule. Sometimes you hear back within a few days, but in other cases, it may take weeks before a decision is made. This can be frustrating, especially if you've invested a lot of time and energy into your application.
In the meantime, try to shift your focus. Keep applying, work on your network, or take a relevant course. By staying active, you maintain a sense of control. Patience and perseverance are important traits for any job seeker.
How to Deal with Ghosting from the Employer's Perspective
Be transparent about the application process
Transparency is essential for a positive candidate experience. Make sure applicants know what to expect from start to finish. In the confirmation email, clearly outline the number of interview rounds, the duration of the process, and any assessment components.
Candidates appreciate honesty and clarity. By communicating openly about the process and expected timelines, you can prevent uncertainty and frustration. Additionally, this strengthens trust in your organization and employer brand.
Provide prompt and constructive feedback
Timely feedback is an important part of professional employer conduct. Try to provide candidates with feedback as quickly as possible, even if they are not selected. Don’t wait until the end of the process—briefly and clearly share the outcome at each step.
Even a rejection can contribute to a positive experience, as long as it is delivered respectfully and with substance. Many candidates are looking for ways to improve themselves. A brief explanation of why someone was not selected gives them valuable insights and shows that you took them seriously.
Respect the time and effort of applicants
Every applicant invests time and energy into the process. Don’t leave them in uncertainty. As soon as it’s clear that a candidate will not proceed or the position has been filled, communicate this immediately. Avoid ghosting—failing to respond to applications—as it damages your reputation as an employer.
Even when you receive many applications, it pays to reject candidates politely. It shows professionalism and respect. Candidates talk to each other and share their experiences online. A careful and timely message contributes to a positive employer image and encourages people to apply again in the future.
Minimizing the Risks and Effects of Ghosting
Why is ghosting becoming more common?
The job market has changed. Candidates often have multiple options at once, and employers are dealing with high pressure in the recruitment process. Lack of time, automated communication, and the absence of personal follow-up all play a role. In addition, a lack of transparency or mutual respect can lead to dropping out without giving feedback.
How can you prevent ghosting as an employer?
Completely eliminating ghosting isn't realistic, but there’s a lot you can do as an organization to reduce the risk. Here are some proven strategies:
- Ensure clear communication channels: Use dedicated contacts and communicate quickly and transparently about next steps and expectations.
- Respect the candidate: Treat applicants the way you’d like to be treated. Always provide feedback, even when rejecting someone.
- Build a positive candidate experience: A pleasant and professional application process increases the chance that candidates stay engaged – even when they have multiple options.
- Work on your employer brand: Candidates talk to each other. A good reputation as an employer reduces the chance of ghosting and increases your appeal to talent.
- Use automation wisely: Tools can help you respond quickly, but should not replace personal contact.
What can you do if you've been ghosted?
Have you, as an employer or recruiter, been ghosted yourself? There are still steps you can take:
- Send a final friendly reminder: Give the candidate a chance to respond before closing the process.
- Evaluate internally: Check if there’s anything in your process that might be unintentionally encouraging ghosting.
- Learn from it: Include ghosting as a discussion point in recruitment evaluations, and adjust your approach as needed.
A culture of empathy and respect
Combating ghosting starts with realizing that we’re all human beings with our own challenges, schedules, and emotions. A culture that centers on empathy, clear expectations, and mutual respect can make all the difference.
Preventing ghosting pays off
In the end, a people-oriented and transparent application process leads to a better reputation as an employer. Candidates who feel heard and valued talk about it. This not only helps prevent ghosting but also strengthens your brand and increases your chances of attracting future talent.
The psychology behind ghosting
1. Fear of Confrontation
One of the most common reasons for ghosting is the fear of confrontation. Many people find it difficult to openly communicate their feelings or intentions, especially when the conversation is uncomfortable or emotionally charged. By simply disappearing, they avoid the awkward confrontation — at the expense of clarity and respect.
2. Need for Control
Ghosting can also be a way to maintain control. By abruptly stopping communication, the 'ghoster' unilaterally decides how and when the contact ends. There is no room for dialogue or mutual closure. This form of control can stem from insecurity or past negative experiences.
3. Lack of Empathy
Some people are simply unaware of the impact of their behavior. A lack of empathy — or the inability to put themselves in someone else’s shoes — often plays a role. The 'ghoster' is mainly focused on their own comfort and emotions, without considering what it means for the other person.
4. Fear of Rejection
For some, ghosting is a way to protect themselves from possible rejection or negative reactions. Instead of saying how they really feel, they retreat into silence. Ironically, this approach often causes more harm than open and honest communication.
5. Self-Protection in Toxic Relationships
In some cases, ghosting is a survival mechanism. If someone feels unsafe, threatened, or overwhelmed in a relationship — for example, due to manipulation or emotional abuse — ghosting can be a way to protect themselves. While it may feel sudden and painful to the other person, in such situations it is often a necessary boundary.
6. Influence of Technology and Digital Communication
The rise of online communication has made ghosting easier and more accessible. Through apps, social media, and messaging services, it's easier than ever to ignore or block someone. This anonymity and distance lower the threshold for ghosting, especially in the context of online dating or professional networks.
7. Ghosting in Job Application Processes
Ghosting doesn’t only occur in personal relationships. It also happens frequently in the business world, especially during job application processes. Employers sometimes go silent after an interview, and candidates may also disappear after an initial meeting or offer. This creates frustration and uncertainty on both sides and undermines professional relationships.
How to Deal with Ghosting?
If you've ever been ghosted, it's important to realize that this behavior says a lot about the other person — not about you. Ghosting often indicates an inability to handle situations in a mature and respectful way. So don’t blame yourself and try to let go of the situation, no matter how painful it is.
If you tend to ghost others, it can be helpful to reflect on why. Is it fear, insecurity, or a lack of communication skills? In that case, working on your communication skills or seeking professional support, such as coaching or therapy, may be beneficial.
The Power of Empathy and Openness
Ghosting is a complex phenomenon with many layers, but one thing is clear: empathy and openness are key to healthier relationships — both personal and professional. By communicating respectfully, even when it’s difficult, we show humanity and courage. We create space for mutual understanding and dignity, even when paths diverge.
In a world that is becoming increasingly fleeting and digital, it’s more important than ever to make real connections — and to say goodbye honestly when needed. This is how we build a more respectful and connected society together.