Generally when someone applies for a job, it's a job they want. They've researched the job and decided it's a good fit, but that hasn't stopped many job-seekers from ditching one opportunity for another without notifying anyone.
It's called 'ghosting,' and it's the act of essentially disappearing. The term is generally used in this social media age when it comes to dating, but now people ar ghosting out on job interviews and job offers.
"It baffles the mind a little," Dan Shomo, director of permanent placement services at Robert Half, a company that connects employers and job seekers to staff positions in finance, law, technology and more, said. "In this environment, sometimes people are afraid of conflict and their best way of doing it is just to avoid it."
Shomo has seen it himself while working at Robert Half, where some candidates get other offers and leave the interviewer or a job offer hanging.
"It's better to just let someone know," Shomo said. "Preferably 48 hours in advance. 'Hey, I looked further into this opportunity and it's just not right for me, I appreciate your time.'"
Shomo also says that hiring companies can make it so they don't lose out on candidates that are getting multiple offers.
"Make that person feel wanted, make that person feel excited to try that new opportunity," Shomo explained, adding that things like taking a candidate to lunch during the hiring process or giving them a gift upon receiving a job can go a long way. "When someone's starting with your company, you want it to be a really positive experience, and they'll build some loyalty from that, and they'll want to grow with your company."
In the end, Shomo says it's on the job-seeker, and 'ghosting' an employer can be bad news for a career, even if the candidate has found another job.
"Word travels when you do something like that, and it will come back to bite you in the long run," Shomo said.
According to experts with LinkedIn, job ghosting is not specific to any job industry or any age group.
