With the job market struggling, many job seekers are finding it tough to not only secure their next gig, but just to have their applications acknowledged!
There has been a lot of talk about candidate ghosting by agency recruiters, internal recruiters & hiring managers. It's risen to epidemic proportions over the past 18 months. Without acknowledgement or feedback, you have no idea if you were suitable or not. How can you adjust your approach or strategy without some form of feedback benchmark?
IT IS SOOOOOO FRUSTRATING!
So, what can you do if you've been ghosted? As they say, 'the squeaky wheel gets the oil'! My advice - get squeaky!
Here are some things you can do to get some attention:
1. Be Persistent. Make regular contact with recruiter to acknowledge your application & gain feedback on your suitability. Message them on LinkedIn, email them, call them. It might feel like you're hounding them, but remember that they advertised a role, you applied & you deserve feedback. If you don't have their contact details, look them up on LinkedIn & click on 'Contact Info' - you may find their email address & mobile number.
When you do get hold of them, confirm next steps & timeframes, & then keep in contact. It's important to drive the process to get a result.
2. The Circle Back Initiative - Check to see if the recruiter or employer are a member of The Circle Back Initiative founded by Steve Gard. The initiative is a collection of employers and recruitment agencies who commit to a range of guiding standards on candidate communication. If they are a member, remind them of their commitment.
3. Use FOMO - Recruiters suffer acute FOMO (fear of missing out). They hate it when a candidate they could have placed has gone direct to the employer or is placed in the role by one of their competitors! Use FOMO to your advantage. If the recruiter ghosts you, give them an ultimatum. Respond with feedback by X date or you will go direct to the client or approach another agency.
4. Complain - If you're still having no luck reaching the recruiter, let the recruiter know that you will complain to their manager or agency owner if they don't respond. Managers & owners of recruitment companies are generally sensitive to receiving complaints.
5. Tell Your Friends & Colleagues - In a recent Talentology survey, 49% of respondents said that they wouldn't deal with companies who ghosted them again, both recruitment companies & employers. The power of word of mouth is an immensely powerful force - warn your friends & colleagues to stay away from companies who don't respond to or respect people.
6. Remember - when you do secure your next role, remember the recruiters who were good to you & the ones who ghosted you. Make smart choices on who you engage to recruit for you in the future!
Share any other tactics that have worked for you.
Good luck in fighting the ghosts!