--- title: "Job Seeker and Employer Ghosting: A Rising Trend" description: Since the onset of the pandemic, job seeker and employer ghosting have been on the rise. 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- - - [whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/job-seeker-and-employer-ghosting-a-rising-trend](whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/job-seeker-and-employer-ghosting-a-rising-trend) - [mailto:?subject=Job%20Seeker%20and%20Employer%20Ghosting:%20A%20Rising%20Trend&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/job-seeker-and-employer-ghosting-a-rising-trend](mailto:?subject=Job%20Seeker%20and%20Employer%20Ghosting:%20A%20Rising%20Trend&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/job-seeker-and-employer-ghosting-a-rising-trend) ![Job Seeker and Employer Ghosting Rising Amid COVID-19](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Job%20Seeker%20and%20Employer%20Ghosting%20Rising%20Amid%20COVID-19_optmized.jpg?width=1000&name=Job%20Seeker%20and%20Employer%20Ghosting%20Rising%20Amid%20COVID-19_optmized.jpg) At one time, the only people who seemed to get “ghosted” were millennials in the dating world who shared their stories across social media. Then, the traumatic practice of ending personal relationships suddenly by cutting off all communication started appearing in the business world. Due in part to the record-low unemployment rate at the time, employees began ghosting their employers by simply not showing up for work one day. In 2019, [89% of employers](https://www.indeed.com/lead/ghosting-guide?hl=en&co=US) indicated they had been ghosted. However, since the onset of COVID-19, ghosting has evolved and has been adopted by employers, too. While we no longer have record-low unemployment rates due to COVID-19, ghosting in the business world isn’t disappearing. In fact, it is evolving and becoming a rising trend among both employers and job seekers during the recruiting and hiring process. ## What is Job Seeker and Employer Ghosting? You may know how ghosting works in the dating world, which is where the term originated, but what does it look like during the recruiting and hiring process? It’s simple. One party simply vanishes from the interviewing/hiring process. It may be a job seeker doesn’t show up for their first interview or a follow-up interview, but sometimes the candidate doesn’t show up for the first day of work. An employer, for example, may simply vanish after an initial phone interview with no additional follow-up with the candidate. [An Indeed survey](https://www.indeed.com/lead/impact-of-covid-19-on-job-seeker-employer-ghosting) of 500 job seekers and 500 employers in the U.S. across various industries revealed 77% of job seekers had been ghosted by an employer since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this same time frame, 76% of employers indicated they had been ghosted by a job seeker. Only 27% of employers said they had never ghosted a job candidate in the past 12 months. While it may seem as though ghosting has been normalized, especially during COVID, employers should refrain from ghosting candidates. Employer ghosting creates a poor job seeker experience, tarnishes the employer’s brand (especially on websites like Glassdoor and Indeed), harms the organization’s ability to attract high-quality candidates and makes it difficult to keep the talent pipeline full. [![  Ghosting: How to Issue Final Paychecks     When an Employee Disappears  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/interactive-167637413498.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIB9IQz7Cpp%2FKQvMyf3cldqzDN4PjUNEdwHyp1%2BZgsK5m03JKGVzAoRCPG278rVSBMtoKhApOxaNoZt0NZseV3%2B6DQIYaRSLZ8GlKdHufeGbEsbMWcSYU4wgWR5NAW7yaLg%2FVckOx4DgND3hwOc4RybnykBtUrfQLNAIff1%2BscoxVKop2OCbawWfenjPE9wMfXzys%2BsyBpePMiqnBKl52eEfXVOqC68rv641jgTFMoiF3FOAL1nm5k%3D&webInteractiveContentId=167637413498&portalId=2652187) ## Why Do Candidates and Employers Ghost Each Other? While you may think the rise in ghosting is a direct result of the pandemic, only 4% of respondents indicated COVID-19 as their reason for ghosting. Rather, the reasons for job seeker ghosting include: 1. Receiving another job offer (20%) 2. Dissatisfying salary offer (13%) 3. Deciding the job wasn’t for them (15%) When it comes to employer ghosting, the sheer volume of unemployed individuals seeking employment combined with continued economic uncertainty may be causing employers to feel overwhelmed. That said, treating job seekers with respect and communicating when they have been removed from the candidate pool for a position at your company will go a long way in preserving your reputation. If you have found recruiters at your business are unable to keep up with responses to applicants, consider the benefits an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can provide. [![four ways an ATS improves talent recruitment](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/ebc4c9a2-4925-4c18-8072-8956295904a4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/ebc4c9a2-4925-4c18-8072-8956295904a4) ## What Can Employers Do to Prevent Ghosting? While an automated response from an ATS is one solution for employers so they won’t be perceived by candidates as ghosting, there are other steps that make it less likely a job seeker will ghost your organization. 1. **Communicate with job seekers.** Candidates who feel uninformed are more likely to ghost employers. By communicating and being attentive to the potential employee’s needs, research has shown they will be less likely to ghost. 2. **Build candidate trust.** Being authentic and transparent with job seekers helps them feel more comfortable and have more trust in the process. 3. **Keep a record of candidates who have ghosted your organization.** Sixty-five percent of job seekers who have ghosted an employer have worried about the consequences and 54% have experienced repercussions (a significant increase from 6% in 2019). This may be in part because 93% of employers surveyed have indicated they keep records of the job seekers who have ghosted their company. The consequences of ghosting may be enough to stop the growing trend. At the end of the day, when recruiters at your organization ghost job seekers, there may be consequences. Taking steps at your organization to improve the relationship between recruiters and job seekers can help ensure your talent pipeline stays full and your organization’s reputation intact. ## **[![Talent management consulting for small businesses by Axcet HR Solutions](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/interactive-189247610683.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJlWop5NDkbJw4cYv3fpALiR3hHXuNNbuwg6ej1k5EC7hCWCLmBbKz6QNw23s7IV8I1F66xqQpCPbeuWehauIFuceod%2BEvSeIDIL%2BJwuyvLiv1OSPi%2FnRVyMs%2B0Zjd9CeUbMurkKJohhTGrcT9T9QS1%2FtpLnun8MgWk4nd8jm7%2BKjDQYxgJE5V8yaGY5%2BRflxLMeIpc3N68j2y4FgOb00xR%2Bt9OpslO8ukB0mRBaUknHTJJnU39bRKoFByFH0tgEXfcQW%2BBhvrHZV0lcXlR69sm%2BKjLvux5Z4Y%3D&webInteractiveContentId=189247610683&portalId=2652187)** ## **Break the Cycle: Build a Transparent and Trustworthy Hiring Process** Ghosting—whether by candidates or employers—has become an all-too-common challenge in today's hiring landscape. This breakdown in communication not only frustrates job seekers but also damages employer reputations and hinders talent acquisition efforts. At Axcet HR Solutions, we understand the importance of fostering open, respectful, and consistent communication throughout the recruitment process. Our HR experts can help you design and implement hiring practices that enhance candidate experience, strengthen your employer brand, and reduce the likelihood of ghosting on both sides. **Ready to Enhance Your Hiring Strategy? [Schedule a Consultation with Axcet HR Solutions Today](https://www.axcethr.com/schedule-consultation/) and Discover How We Can Support Your Recruitment Success.** ### Related Reading [Why an Applicant Tracking System is an Undeniable Asset for Your Small Business](https://blog.axcethr.com/an-applicant-tracking-system-is-an-undeniable-asset-for-your-small-business) [Applicant Tracking Systems Aren't Just for Large Companies; Learn What They Can Do for SMBs](https://blog.axcethr.com/applicant-tracking-systems-arent-just-for-large-companies-learn-what-they-can-do-for-smbs) [Recruiting: How to Get More Job Applicants](https://blog.axcethr.com/recruiting-how-to-get-more-job-applicants) [![See if a PEO makes sense for your business](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/18caba7b-fa27-458e-b41c-5af2422700be.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/18caba7b-fa27-458e-b41c-5af2422700be) [![Lacey Conner, SHRM-CP](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lacey%203.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=Lacey%203.jpg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/lacey-conner) Written by #### [Lacey Conner, SHRM-CP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/lacey-conner) Lacey serves as a Human Resources Consultant for Axcet. Her passion is assisting her clients in creating safe, compliant, and effective work environments for their employees. Prior to joining the Axcet team, she provided HR services within the banking and mortgage industries. Lacey holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University and is SHRM-CP certified. Read more [View all posts →](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/lacey-conner) ### Get HR Updates ### Table of Contents #### [What Employers Can Do When Employees Discuss Wages ![what employers can do when employees discuss wages](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/what%20employers%20can%20do%20when%20employees%20discuss%20wages.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/what-employers-can-do-when-employees-discuss-wages) #### [![top PEO companies help small and medium-sized businesses achieve their growth plan](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/grow%20your%20business%20by%20partnering%20with%20a%20PEO.png) How PEOs Help Your Business Grow](https://blog.axcethr.com/how-peos-help-your-business-grow) ## Let us know what you think... ![AxcetHR Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Subscribe to Latest Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [\[ Client Portal \]](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - - - - - Search for: Copyright © 2023 Axcet HR Solutions – Kansas City's PEO Since 1988 | [Privacy Policy](https://www.axcethr.com/privacy-policy/) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.axcethr.com/terms-conditions/) | [**Join our Team – Careers »**](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) 10975 Grandview Drive Suite 200, Corporate Woods Building 27, Overland Park, KS 66210 | Call us: 913-383-2999 *The IRS does not endorse any particular For more information on [certified professional employer organizations](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/), go to [www.irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).* Remove cookies ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=43031&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lacey Conner, SHRM-CP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/lacey-conner" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-22T18:42:20.011Z", "datePublished" : "2021-05-06T14:15:00.000Z", "headline" : "Job Seeker and Employer Ghosting: A Rising Trend", "image" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Job%20Ghosting%20and%20Employer%20Ghosting%20Are%20Rising%20Trends.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/job-seeker-and-employer-ghosting-a-rising-trend", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/_logo_axcethr_primary.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" }, "aggregateRating" : { "@type" : "AggregateRating", "bestRating" : "5", "ratingValue" : "5", "reviewCount" : "100" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United States" }, "award" : [ "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO)", "Award-Winning HR Solutions Provider", "SHRM Certified HR Professionals", "HRCI Certified HR Professionals" ], "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "Customer Service" }, "description" : "Award-winning Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing comprehensive HR solutions, payroll services, employee benefits, and risk management to small and mid-sized businesses. 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Then, the traumatic practice of ending personal relationships suddenly by cutting off all communication started appearing in the business world. Due in part to the record-low unemployment rate at the time, employees began ghosting their employers by simply not showing up for work one day. In 2019, 89% of employers indicated they had been ghosted. However, since the onset of COVID-19, ghosting has evolved and has been adopted by employers, too. While we no longer have record-low unemployment rates due to COVID-19, ghosting in the business world isn’t disappearing. In fact, it is evolving and becoming a rising trend among both employers and job seekers during the recruiting and hiring process. What is Job Seeker and Employer Ghosting? You may know how ghosting works in the dating world, which is where the term originated, but what does it look like during the recruiting and hiring process? It’s simple. One party simply vanishes from the interviewing/hiring process. It may be a job seeker doesn’t show up for their first interview or a follow-up interview, but sometimes the candidate doesn’t show up for the first day of work. An employer, for example, may simply vanish after an initial phone interview with no additional follow-up with the candidate. An Indeed survey of 500 job seekers and 500 employers in the U.S. across various industries revealed 77% of job seekers had been ghosted by an employer since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this same time frame, 76% of employers indicated they had been ghosted by a job seeker. Only 27% of employers said they had never ghosted a job candidate in the past 12 months. While it may seem as though ghosting has been normalized, especially during COVID, employers should refrain from ghosting candidates. Employer ghosting creates a poor job seeker experience, tarnishes the employer’s brand (especially on websites like Glassdoor and Indeed), harms the organization’s ability to attract high-quality candidates and makes it difficult to keep the talent pipeline full. Why Do Candidates and Employers Ghost Each Other? While you may think the rise in ghosting is a direct result of the pandemic, only 4% of respondents indicated COVID-19 as their reason for ghosting. Rather, the reasons for job seeker ghosting include: Receiving another job offer (20%) Dissatisfying salary offer (13%) Deciding the job wasn’t for them (15%) When it comes to employer ghosting, the sheer volume of unemployed individuals seeking employment combined with continued economic uncertainty may be causing employers to feel overwhelmed. That said, treating job seekers with respect and communicating when they have been removed from the candidate pool for a position at your company will go a long way in preserving your reputation. If you have found recruiters at your business are unable to keep up with responses to applicants, consider the benefits an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can provide. What Can Employers Do to Prevent Ghosting? While an automated response from an ATS is one solution for employers so they won’t be perceived by candidates as ghosting, there are other steps that make it less likely a job seeker will ghost your organization. Communicate with job seekers. Candidates who feel uninformed are more likely to ghost employers. By communicating and being attentive to the potential employee’s needs, research has shown they will be less likely to ghost. Build candidate trust. Being authentic and transparent with job seekers helps them feel more comfortable and have more trust in the process. Keep a record of candidates who have ghosted your organization. Sixty-five percent of job seekers who have ghosted an employer have worried about the consequences and 54% have experienced repercussions (a significant increase from 6% in 2019). This may be in part because 93% of employers surveyed have indicated they keep records of the job seekers who have ghosted their company. The consequences of ghosting may be enough to stop the growing trend. At the end of the day, when recruiters at your organization ghost job seekers, there may be consequences. Taking steps at your organization to improve the relationship between recruiters and job seekers can help ensure your talent pipeline stays full and your organization’s reputation intact. Break the Cycle: Build a Transparent and Trustworthy Hiring Process Ghosting—whether by candidates or employers—has become an all-too-common challenge in today's hiring landscape. This breakdown in communication not only frustrates job seekers but also damages employer reputations and hinders talent acquisition efforts. At Axcet HR Solutions, we understand the importance of fostering open, respectful, and consistent communication throughout the recruitment process. Our HR experts can help you design and implement hiring practices that enhance candidate experience, strengthen your employer brand, and reduce the likelihood of ghosting on both sides. Ready to Enhance Your Hiring Strategy? Schedule a Consultation with Axcet HR Solutions Today and Discover How We Can Support Your Recruitment Success. Related Reading Why an Applicant Tracking System is an Undeniable Asset for Your Small Business Applicant Tracking Systems Aren't Just for Large Companies; Learn What They Can Do for SMBs Recruiting: How to Get More Job Applicants", "author" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/lacey-conner#author", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lacey Conner, SHRM-CP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/lacey-conner" }, "dateCreated" : "2021-05-06", "dateModified" : "2025-05-22", "datePublished" : "2021-05-06", "description" : "At one time, the only people who seemed to get “ghosted” were millennials in the dating world who shared their stories across social media. Then, the traumatic practice of ending personal relationships suddenly by cutting off all communication started appearing in the business world. 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