Ghosting is the practice of ending all contact with someone without any reason or warning. It is a familiar occurrence in the dating scene, but it has also become widespread in the professional field. According to a survey by Indeed, 28% of job seekers confessed to disappearing on an employer at some point in their job search.
Disappearing can have adverse effects for both the employer and the candidate, such as lost time, money, and resources, missed opportunities, tarnished reputation, and diminished trust.
How disappearing can affect the economy and the society?
Disappearing can have a domino effect that extends beyond the individual level and affects the broader economy and society. For example, Andrew Hairs, the CEO of Select Headhunter, a leading executive search firm, told a story of how disappearing influenced a major business decision.
"I was working with a client who was thinking about investing in setting up a new office in the Philippines. He was searching for senior level talent to lead his operations there. He had several potential candidates who showed interest and went through the initial screening process. However, when it came to the final interviews, they all disappeared on him. They did not answer our calls or emails and did not give any feedback or reason. It was very annoying and disheartening for my client."
"As a result, my client decided to scrap his plans in the Philippines over concerns of the levels of professionalism in the domestic market, and instead focused on an alternative Southeast Asian country to establish in.
"This is just one example of how disappearing can have a significant impact on the economy and the society. By disappearing on prospective employers, candidates are not only harming their own career prospects, but also potentially depriving the country of valuable investment, job creation, and innovation."
How can you avoid disappearing and maintain your professional reputation?
Disappearing is not only unethical, but also unnecessary. There are better ways to manage your job search and communicate with prospective employers. Here are some tips to avoid disappearing and maintain your professional reputation:
Be honest and transparent. If you are not interested in a job opportunity, or if you have accepted another offer, inform the employer as soon as possible. Do not leave them in the dark or make false promises.
Be respectful and courteous. Appreciate the employer for their time and consideration, and provide constructive feedback if possible. Do not disregard their calls or emails, or block them on social media.
Be mindful and responsible. Consider the impact of your actions on the employer, the recruiter, and the other candidates. Do not waste their time or resources, or jeopardize their plans.
Be professional and ethical. Remember that your reputation is your most valuable asset in the job market. Do not burn bridges or damage your credibility. You never know when you might cross paths with the same employer, recruiter, or colleague again.
Conclusion
Disappearing is a serious problem that can have unseen effects for both the employer and the candidate, as well as the economy and the society. It is important to avoid disappearing and maintain your professional reputation by being honest, respectful, mindful, and ethical. By doing so, you will not only enhance your career prospects, but also contribute to the growth and development of the country and the region.