How to avoid getting ghosted by a job recruiter

Here's what you need to know before you go into that next job interview. (Photo: Getty)

If you’re one of the unlucky ones, you’ve had the unfortunate and unpleasant experience of being ‘ghosted’ by a recruiter.

When recruiters go AWOL, jobseekers stand to lose valuable feedback regarding performance and suitability, said Robert Half Australia director Andrew Morris.

But the problem of poor communication runs both ways, too – hiring managers have experienced candidates pull out of the hiring process out of blue.

It’s important both candidates and employers alike understand the impact ghosting can have on their career path and reputation, Morris explained.

“In a digital age where more candidates are sharing their experiences using online review sites, offering no response to candidates after an interview could have long-term consequences, such as developing a poor company reputation and inability to attract top talent,” he said.

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“Similarly, candidates who ghost companies could suffer damage to their professional reputation which could negatively impact their career if the hiring manager becomes the face of another company the candidate later applies to.”

“By simply keeping communication lines open and maintaining transparency, employer and candidates alike will avoid burning bridges they may wish to cross in the future,” Morris added.

But there are three things candidates can do during and after the interview to prevent the possibility of a potential future employer disappearing on you:

1. Find out the next steps in your interview

Don’t leave the interview until you establish the hiring manager has all the information they need and they inform you of the next steps in the hiring process, Morris said.

“To set expectations, jobseekers need to ask prospective employers for an outline of the hiring process and expected timeframe which will help them gain a clear understanding of when they should expect to hear from the hiring managers,” he said.

2. Follow up

Stay at the front of the recruiter’s mind by following up with a thank-you email within 48 hours of the interview, Morris advised.

“Communication goes both ways, so if a jobseeker hasn’t heard back from the hiring manager after a week, they should pick up the phone and call them,” he said.

If there’s no update from the employer, ask when you can expect to hear back from them again and re-emphasise your interest in the role.

3. Make it clear your job search is moving forward

If you’re job-hunting, you’re likely fielding attractive opportunities of your own – so don’t be shy about letting the company know as much, said Morris.

“Jobseekers should politely inform the hiring manager that they are interviewing for other positions, which lets the employer in question know they’re not the only business competing for their talents,” he said.

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