If you’ve ever had a great candidate disappear midway through hiring, you’re not alone. Ghosting – when candidates go silent and don’t show up for interviews, or even on the first day – is the hiring horror story no one wants to face. But don’t worry; there are ways to keep candidates hooked and eager to join your team. With ‘Ghosting Prevention’ as our theme today, we’re here to show you how to keep candidates engaged so they don’t pull a disappearing act!
Why Do Candidates Ghost?
We’ve all heard the stories, and faced the reality ourselves, of a candidate vanishing like smoke, why does it happen? Sometimes it’s as simple as finding another role, but there are common reasons:
- Slow hiring processes make candidates lose interest or accept another job.
- Lack of communication leaves candidates, making they’re still in the running.
- Interview overload can tire out candidates, making them more likely to back out.
Knowing the ‘why’ behind ghosting can help you put a stop to it before it even starts!
How To Keep Candidates From Ghosting
Set The Tone Early
Engagement starts from the very first message. Be clear about each stage of the hiring process, expected timelines, and next steps. When candidates know what to expect, they’re less likely to feel lost or disengaged.
Oliver Rae Tip: We keep things friendly and clear from the start, giving candidates the lay of the land so they’re never left in the dark.
Speedy Feedback, Always
Quick, honest feedback is a game-changer in ghosting prevention in hiring. A prompt message after each interview keeps candidates excited and reduces their chances of disappearing.
Oliver Rae Tip: Our team makes sure candidates get feedback quickly, so they’re not stuck wondering where they stand. Speedy responses mean no one’s left waiting too long!
Check-In Regularly
No news is… not always good news. Candidates appreciate brief check-ins to reassure them that they’re still in the running. Even if there’s nothing new to report, a quick message can make all the difference.
Oliver Rae Tip: We keep candidates updated on their status regularly. If a decision’s delayed, we let them know right away so they stay engaged and don’t drift off.
Keep Interviews Smooth & Respectful
The hiring process should be as streamlined and enjoyable as possible. Too many interviews or unnecessary steps can lead to burnout. Streamlined processes keep things moving and keep candidates invested.
Oliver Rae Tip: We work with our clients to make the interview process meaningful, quick, and respectful of the candidate’s time.
Onboarding With Enthusiasm
Once a candidate accepts, the work isn’t over yet! A welcoming onboarding experience gets candidates excited for Day One. A quick call or welcome email can reduce any second thoughts they might have and make them feel like part of the team.
Oliver Rae Tip: We encourage clients to connect with new hires before their start date, so candidates feel valued and ready to go from Day One.
The Bottom Line: Candidate Ghosting Doesn’t Have To Haunt You
Keeping candidates engaged throughout hiring isn’t just about reducing ghosting, it’s about building a reputation as a transparent, respectful employer. At Oliver Rae, we prioritise candidate engagement at every stage, making sure candidates feel valued and informed – so they’re less likely to vanish.
We don’t claim to be the ultimate miracle workers (although, we do try!), candidates ghosting is an increasing problem in recruitment as a whole. However, at Oliver Rae we always go above and beyond for both our clients and candidates to ensure a seamless hiring process that reduces the risk of this predicament. We are Your Ultimate Recruitment Partner and we’re always on hand to tackle any given situation. Get in touch with us if you see yourself facing ghosted candidates, or other hiring problems for your company.
