There's a troubling new trend in the workplace: 45% of job applicants are left in the lurch, reveals study

Have you ever experienced the sting of being ghosted? If you haven't, consider yourself fortunate; it's a painful experience. But did you know that ghosting can also occur in the professional world, often leaving just as deep a wound, if not more? Recent reports reveal that workplace ghosting has surged by a staggering 30% in recent years, highlighting a troubling trend that¡¯s affecting countless individuals.

According to a recent study by JobLeads, an online job-hunting platform, employer ghosting has surged by 30% in recent years, leaving a staggering 45% of job applicants without any response.

The culprits? A shortage of job openings, protracted interview processes, and an influx of candidates vying for each position.

Maddie Macho, a former recruiter with over a decade of experience, sheds light on her past ghosting behavior: "I was a recruiter for a really long time and yes, I ghosted candidates. I want to explain why I ghosted candidates - mostly because I was a lazy recruiter and would get overwhelmed."

JobLeads even lays down how to deal with workplace ghosting, or rather, how to prevent it:

Ask for a timeline

After your interview, ask about the hiring process timeline. This helps set expectations and shows your seriousness about the role. Knowing when to follow up can also clarify if you're being ghosted or if the process is just taking longer.

Clean up your social media

Credit: Unsplash

Your online presence matters. Jobleads suggests making personal accounts private and being mindful of what you post, as employers often check social media.

Follow up after the deadline

If you haven¡¯t heard back by the given timeline, politely check in to express your continued interest. Use a clear subject line, reintroduce yourself, and thank them for their time.

Reach out to another contact

If you¡¯ve interviewed with multiple people, consider contacting someone else at the company for updates. There may be internal delays unrelated to your application.

Jan Hendrik von Ahlen, Co-Founder and Managing Director at JobLeads, notes that delays in responses can stem from many factors like communication culture and team changes but if you¡¯ve followed up twice without a response, it¡¯s best to remain professional and move on.

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