👻Why Ghosting Recruiters Is a Bad Idea👻 We’ve all been there: a recruiter reaches out with a job opportunity, and for whatever reason, you’re not interested or just too busy to respond. Ghosting recruiters might seem like the easiest option, but it can leave a bad impression and close doors. Here's why: 1. It’s Unprofessional Ghosting recruiters reflects poorly on your professionalism. Even if you’re not interested, a quick, polite response shows respect for their time and effort. 2. You Never Know What Opportunities Will Come The role they’re offering might not be a fit now, but what about in the future? By ghosting, you’re closing the door on potential opportunities down the road. 3. The Industry Is Smaller Than You Think Recruiters network with people in your industry, and word gets around. If you ghost them, there’s a chance it could damage relationships with people you might want to work with in the future. 4. It’s Easy to Respond Taking just a few minutes to reply to a recruiter with a polite "thanks, but no thanks" message is an easy way to avoid burning bridges. 5. You Leave a Positive Lasting Impression By responding thoughtfully, you maintain a positive relationship with the recruiter, who might think of you for future roles or recommend you to others. So, next time a recruiter reaches out, be flattered ((*remember we reached out to you because we were impressed by you!*)) and take a moment to respond—your professional network will THANK YOU!
I LOVE this. As much as you think we will be mad or upset for you pulling out of a process or not looking for something new anymore, we APPRECIATE it so much more when you just let us know. Thanks for sharing.
As a Recruiter and a candidate seeking opportunities I would like to mention this goes both ways. In my job search I have experienced so much unprofessionalism from Corporate Recruiters in ghosting especially after multiple company interviews.
Wait wait wait. Do you also think this applies to recruiters? I have seen way more posts by people who say that no one is owed a response from a message. We can’t have it both ways. If you are consistent then great - but I wouldn’t frame your post like this is expected of the candidate. You need to change the culture surrounding messaging first.
Caroline Smith A quick 'thanks but not now' takes 30 seconds but keeps doors open for years to come.
Such a valuable post, Caroline! Your insights highlight the importance of professionalism and long-term relationship-building in career development. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful perspective!
Corporate Controller Seeking New Opportunity
3wWhat about recruiters that ghost you in the middle of a search and a specific opportunity they’ve built up your expectations for causing wasted time and energy and hope for a role you have to constantly follow up with them about only to receive a spot response four weeks later that the company has a candidate in mind already and you never even sniffed an interview. That is wrong and disingenuous of the recruiters and leaves a very bad impression on your field. Just saying’!