Candidate Ghosting: What to Do When This Happens to You

Ghosting can happen at any point in your recruitment process. Candidates might not show up for interviews, respond to job offers, or follow up with you. Perhaps they lose interest in your company or accept an interview or job elsewhere. In any case, you need to figure out why candidates leave your recruitment process without a word and how you can resolve the issue.

Here are three steps you can take when ghosted by a candidate.

Follow Up

Contact candidates by their preferred communication method to see why they did not move forward in your recruitment process. Let them know they are welcome to pursue other opportunities; you simply would like an update on whether they still are interested in working for you. If you do not hear back, send an email with a survey link asking for feedback about your company. If the candidate had a bad experience, they are more likely to share details in an email than over the phone. Use the information you receive to improve your recruitment process.

Review Your Recruitment Process

Find ways to improve your recruitment process. For instance, be sure you are connecting with each candidate from the start. This includes reaching out several times throughout each stage to keep each candidate informed about where they are in the process and what to prepare for next. Also, use different touchpoints to share your company’s story and provide a feel for its culture. Also, maintain transparency in every interaction. This involves setting clear expectations throughout the hiring process and following up. Additionally, make sure your interview process is as short as possible. This includes taking out unnecessary steps and clarifying each person’s role to avoid redundancy. Plus, use recruitment marketing tools to create detailed performance reports that demonstrate candidate engagement in real-time. This shows where in your recruitment process candidates tend to stop moving forward. Use the data to improve this part of the process.

Improve Your Candidate Experience

Determine how you can enhance your candidate experience. For instance, use your employer brand to show the advantages of working for your organization. Also, set up personalized email campaigns focused on your company culture and impact in the community. Additionally, let your chosen candidates set and/or change their interview times to fit their schedules. This increases the odds of candidates meeting with you.

Contact a Recruiter

Candidate ghosting is becoming increasingly common. When candidates decide not to move forward in your recruitment process, follow up with them. Ask for feedback on why they decided to pursue other opportunities. Use what you learn to improve your recruitment process and candidate experience.

To avoid being ghosted by accounting and finance candidates, talk with Casey Accounting & Finance Resources. We have a deep network of accounting and finance professionals with the skills and qualifications needed to enhance your team. Talk with a recruiter today.

Why Hiring Beyond the Resume May Just Be Your Key to Finding Top Talent

Although a candidate’s resume provides you insight into how they may benefit your company, you need to look beyond what is on paper to determine which candidate is best for your team. Here are some actions you want to take to find top talent during your interview process.  

Discuss Career Goals 

Talk with each candidate about their career goals. For instance, find out whether they intend to stay with your company for an extended period. If they desire management experience and want to help shape their department, odds are they want to be with you for the long haul.   

Ask Unique Questions 

Asking unusual questions encourages open discussion and gives insight into what makes each candidate who they are. Look for whether a candidate is self-aware and wants to continue to grow. For instance, ask “What is your natural strength?” While the strength may be easy for the candidate to display, it may be difficult for others. Also, “What kind of animal would you be and why?” If you are looking for a candidate to work in teams much of the time, you may want to hear an answer that includes a social animal. The candidate’s reasoning will provide insight into their level of self-awareness.     

Uncover Thoughts on New Technology 

Find out the candidate’s attitude toward new technology. Whichever industry you work in, technology plays a vital part in your business. Because technology continues to evolve, your employees need to adapt accordingly. A candidate should embrace technology and be willing to learn new programs and tools to enhance their work and improve performance.  

Find Out About Desire for Growth 

Look for a candidate who desires professional growth. They should be aware of which areas they excel in and where they can improve. Wanting to add to their skill set, experience level and position within the organization is required.  

Evaluate Candidate Personality  

Determine whether each candidate’s personality blends with those of your team members. For instance, when you take them on a tour and introduce them to others, how do they interact? Does the candidate ask questions about what each person does and how things work? Will the candidate get along with potential colleagues and enhance morale?   

Determine Candidate Potential 

Evaluate the potential each candidate may have. For instance, although they may lack the master’s degree or type of experience you prefer, a candidate may bring enthusiasm and energy to the office. Also, they may have fresh ideas to enhance your company. Plus, a candidate may be able to grow into leadership. 

Work With a Chicagoland Employment Agency   

Work with Casey Accounting & Finance Resources to find the talent you need when you need it. Our professional recruiters want to get to know your company and fill your accounting and finance staffing needs!