Are you guilty of ghosting?
You post a job, and suddenly you’re flooded. Your inbox has 300 new applications, and your week just got a whole lot busier. You try to get through them all, but time runs out. People don’t hear back, and just like that, you’ve ghosted your candidates.
You didn’t mean to… but it still happened.
Here's why that matters more than ever:
In the current job market, people are feeling the pressure. Many are out of work, applying widely, and waiting anxiously to hear back. When businesses don’t respond, it’s not just disappointing. It can be damaging… mentally, emotionally, and professionally.
Worse still, it chips away at your employer brand. Word gets around. People remember how they were treated. And the best candidates? They move on quickly.
So, how do you fix it?
Filter smarter from the start
Add a few well-placed application questions to cut down the volume and focus on quality. Fewer, more relevant applicants makes the process quicker for everyone.
Set a review schedule and stick to it
Waiting a week to open applications is one thing. Waiting three weeks and ghosting half the list? That’s when reputational damage kicks in. Put hiring on the calendar like you would any client work.
Use simple comms to buy time
A quick automated reply, a follow-up with a timeline, even a “we haven’t forgotten you” message helps. You don’t have to send personalised notes to 300 people, but going silent isn’t the answer either.
Protect your brand like it’s your business card
Because it is. If your hiring process leaves a bad taste, people will talk. They’ll leave Glassdoor reviews. They’ll tell mates in the industry. And you’ll find it harder to attract good people next time.
Get help when it’s all too much
If your hiring process is snowballing, you don’t need to tough it out. Bringing in a recruitment partner can take the weight off your shoulders, help you move faster, and keep the experience positive for everyone involved.
At HOME, we do this every day.
We help businesses across New Zealand avoid the common hiring pitfalls, from ghosting to decision delays to CV overload. Whether you need a hand with one role or a full process refresh, we’re here when you need us.
Need to talk it through? We’re here to help.
Get in touch with us today.