The silent killer: How ghosting damages your employer brand

Did you know that 34% of candidates assume they've been ghosted after just one week of silence? This stark statistic reveals a critical pain point in the hiring process that costs companies top talent. I hear it every time I work with candidates about their job search. They take silence as rejection, believing they are no longer in the running, sometimes after just a day or two. 

When candidates face the void of silence, they don't just move on – they remember. Each instance of ghosting — real or perceived — creates a ripple effect, damaging your employer brand and potentially turning away future candidates.

The solution? Implement a robust communication strategy that keeps candidates in the loop and shows that you value them.

• Set clear expectations about your timeline upfront and hold your recruiters accountable for responding to candidates.

• Use automated updates for basic status changes.

• Provide brief but personalized feedback when possible. Share helpful feedback to help candidates make improvements that will help them stand out in the process.

• Train hiring managers on the importance of timely responses.

And remember: A quick "no" is better than no response at all.