Halloween may be months away, but many job seekers already feel haunted by prospective employers.
As the labor market cools and competition increases, candidates are encountering fewer opportunities and longer hiring processes. For many, the most frustrating part is not rejection. It is silence.
Candidate Ghosting Is Widespread
A LiveCareer survey of 1,000 workers found that 45% had been ghosted by an employer during the hiring process. Nineteen percent said communication stopped after initial outreach, while 22% were ghosted after completing at least one interview. Thirteen percent reported being left without further communication even after being told an offer was coming.
Employer surveys suggest the issue is not isolated. In 2024, approximately 80% of hiring managers surveyed by Résumé Genius admitted to ghosting candidates. That same year, 81% of recruiters surveyed by My Perfect Résumé said they had posted ghost jobs.
Why Employers Go Silent
Most candidates assume an employer selected someone else and chose not to provide an update. Others believe the organization decided they were not the right fit, placed the position on hold, or canceled the opening entirely.
Some companies may also post jobs without an immediate intention to hire. Isaac Hagen of ManpowerGroup previously told HR Brew that employers may use postings to evaluate labor market demand or strengthen their candidate pipelines.
Operational issues can also delay communication. Budget changes, internal approval delays, high application volume, compliance requirements, labor shortages, and turnover can all disrupt the hiring process. These circumstances may explain the silence, but they do not eliminate its impact.
The Cost to Employers
Ghosting creates uncertainty for candidates and weakens confidence in the hiring process. It can also damage an employer’s reputation. Candidates who receive no closure may be less likely to apply again, recommend the company, or accept a future offer.
Clear communication does not require a lengthy explanation. A brief update that a role has been filled, delayed, or canceled allows candidates to move forward and protects the organization’s credibility.
Hiring managers competing for strong talent should view candidate communication as part of the employer brand. Even when the answer is no, timely and respectful follow-up leaves a stronger impression than silence.
Venteon & Harvard Resource Solutions help companies connect with qualified professionals while maintaining a candidate experience that reflects well on the organization. Contact our team for staffing support aligned with your hiring needs.