Ghosting Candidates—and How It Can Be Reduced

For many job seekers, applying for a job involves dedication, time, and hope. But in today’s competitive job market, the experience can sometimes be marred by a common frustration: ghosting. In hiring, ghosting happens when communication stops abruptly, often leaving candidates with no feedback or closure. But why does ghosting happen, and how can we help create a more transparent and efficient process?

Hiring is inherently a fast-paced, high-stakes process with a goal to find the best fit quickly. While most recruitment teams and hiring managers recognise the value of good communication, they may lack the bandwidth or systems to follow up with everyone. Despite best intentions, ghosting can happen as a by-product of operational priorities rather than a deliberate choice.

Ghosting is more than an inconvenience for candidates; it also affects companies’ reputations and future hiring success. Candidates talk, and stories of ghosting can damage an organisation’s employer brand, making it harder to attract top talent.

One way to address these challenges is by using technology to create a more targeted and manageable candidate pool from the start. Traditionally, job postings are open to anyone who wishes to apply, often leading to hundreds (or even thousands) of applications, many of which may not meet the position’s core requirements. This high volume can overwhelm recruiters and increase the likelihood of ghosting.

With algorithmic matching like GT Match©, candidates whose qualifications align with predefined criteria-including skills, experience and certifications-are encouraged to apply. By narrowing the applicant pool to only the best-matched candidates, hiring teams can focus on a smaller number of applicants who are genuinely suited to the position. This means recruitment teams can give more time and attention to each candidate, keeping the communication loop open and significantly reducing the likelihood of ghosting.

For companies, a streamlined application process also reinforces their brand as a thoughtful and communicative employer. Candidates who feel they’ve had a respectful experience, even when they aren’t chosen, are more likely to reapply in the future or recommend the company to others. This combination of human empathy and digital innovation offers a promising path to reducing ghosting and building stronger relationships with candidates across the board.

At Grab Talent, we recognise that recruitment is a human-centric process, where clear communication and respect are essential to a positive experience. We are committed to assisting companies create meaningful interactions with candidates and reducing ghosting through innovative technology. Watch this space for further enhancements to our software as we continue to evolve and refine our products to make hiring smoother, more efficient, and genuinely people centred.