Job Ghosting Is a Bad Idea. Here’s Why.

A phenomenon usually tied to dating continues to seep into the business world: ghosting. But if you’re considering ghosting your job, think again. This short-sighted behavior could damage your career over the long term.

What Do You Mean By “Ghosting” a Job?

Before we examine why interview ghosting and job ghosting are bad ideas, we must first answer the question, “What is ghosting a job?” The term “ghosting” originated in the dating world and refers to the practice of cutting off all communication with a person with no explanation.

Candidate ghosting is when a job seeker applies for a job and does not respond to the employer’s outreach or stops responding altogether at some point during the recruiting process. Interview ghosting is when an applicant accepts an interview request but doesn’t show up. Job ghosting can be used to mean a new hire who never arrives for their first day of work or an established employee who simply stops coming to work. In all cases, the individual’s disappearance is accompanied by zero further communication.

In romance, this behavior seems immature and callous, but in the job market and professional realms, workplace ghosting can severely impact a company’s production and profitability. Ghosting your job harms your employer, your coworkers, and your reputation. 

On the other hand, actively engaging with an employer throughout the interview and hiring process might increase your chances of getting the job. In fact, 51.0% of employers surveyed in iHire's 2024 State of Online Recruiting Report listed ghosting or unresponsive candidates as a top recruiting challenge, so if you can eliminate that challenge for them it will reflect well on you.

For Employers, the Shoe Is On the Other Foot

That's not to say ghosting isn't an issue for job seekers either – 54.7% of job seekers listed “applying and not hearing back from employers/being 'ghosted'” as a challenge in our 2024 State of Online Recruiting Report. Additionally, 45.0% of candidates surveyed said employers ghosting them would negatively impact their ability to find a job or grow their career in the coming year.

And believe it or not, this phenomenon didn’t start with candidates ghosting jobs. It’s a learned behavior, and many employers who now complain about workplace ghosting exhibited a similar disregard for job seekers during the Great Recession. When the number of unemployed persons per job opening hit 6.4 in July 2009, it was accepted that recruiters and hiring managers would cut off contact with applicants. No one was talking about “ghosting” then.

Back then, the term was “black hole.” As in, I applied for a job and my resume must have fallen into a black hole because I haven’t heard anything since. It was rude for employers to do that to applicants a decade ago and it’s impolite for job seekers to return the favor today.

It’s a Small World, So Don’t Burn Bridges

You may think ghosting your job won’t come back to haunt you, but the world is surprisingly small, and your particular field or industry is even smaller. The recruiter who is a victim of your interview ghosting at one employer may go on to be head of HR at a company you love. Or, the coworker you leave holding the bag when ghosting your job may go on to launch the next big startup.

Predicting the future is impossible, so err on the side of courtesy and caution. Networking plays a huge role in career success, and you can’t afford to dismiss contacts or burn bridges. Also, don’t forget that many companies perform thorough background and reference checks, so it’s in your best interest to stay on good terms with your previous employers.

How to Kick Your Ghosting Habit

If you’re guilty of ghosting, you can easily turn around this bad habit with these tips and tricks:

• Simplify Communications With Email Templates: Create email templates using generative AI tools like ChatGPT to correspond with employers. For example, craft templates to respond to interview requests and follow up on applications. You’ll be able to respond faster with just a few customizations.
• Don’t Mass Apply to Dozens of Jobs at Once: Be selective in and intentional about which jobs you apply for. You’ll be more committed to seeing your application process through and taking the time to respond to all employer outreach. Plus, you won’t need to juggle communications with multiple hiring managers.
• Respond Promptly, Politely, and Professionally: If you receive an email or call from a potential employer, respond as soon as you can. Even if you need more time to make a decision, acknowledge their message, and let them know when you’ll follow up.
• Be Honest About Your Intentions: If you’re not interested in a role or company, or if your circumstances change (for instance, if you’ve accepted another offer), let the employer know as soon as possible. It’s better to be upfront rather than disappear without explanation.
• Respect Employers’ Time: HR and hiring managers are busy, so treat them how you’d like them to treat you when it comes to communicating in a clear and timely manner. Show that you value their time and follow through on your promises. As a result, you’ll be less likely to end up on the other side of the ghosting equation.

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The Bottom Line on Ghosting

At its core, workplace ghosting is just plain rude. There’s nothing wrong with changing your mind about interviewing for a job, deciding you no longer want to accept a position, or choosing to move on from an employer as long as you let the other party know. Being polite and considerate only costs a few moments of your time, but keeping your professional relationships intact may help you land your dream job later.