In the last few years, there has been a trend by recruiters and companies to ‘ghost’ candidates. Ghosting is the act of ceasing ALL communication with a candidate in the hiring process. It can happen at the initial contact, all the way to final interviews. I’ve even heard of ghosting happening after an acceptance letter was sent!

I feel this is utterly unacceptable. I feel it is important for us all to reprimand recruiters (and companies, for that matter) and chide them when they ghost. I know, I know, they may not g.a.s., but still, I feel it is crucial for us to refuse that treatment.

To that end, I have created a template that I will begin sending to any recruiter or company that ghosts me. It follows:

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Hi _______,

I’m going to say this as respectfully as I can.

I am avoiding working with people or companies who have the approach of ‘ghosting’ a candidate.

I’m fortunate: I’m employed well, I am flourishing and growing in my current position. Ergo, ‘ghosting’ does not really hurt me.

I do understand your dilemma: The flood of candidates you get may make returning emails (etcetera) difficult. However, in today’s A.I.-powered environment, I’m thinking it would be possible to at least automatically fire off rejection emails. ‘Ghosting’ is unacceptable in the professional ecosystem in which we live.

I’m not trying to create conflict with this email; I only hope to advise from the perspective of a candidate. Please try to take my comments in the correct light.

Thanks for reading!

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