I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve spoken to clients who have invited someone to an interview after they’ve applied for a position and they’ve just been ignored.

It’s not much different from that dating app (Bumble, I think), when a girl has to make the first move before a man can say ‘yes’ to a message. Technically, you have to apply for a job before someone can turn you down, but it feels like more and more people are turning into Casper before any further interaction can take place. 👻 👻

A previous client of mine is married to someone who works in recruitment. They’ve both travelled a lot with work, and she’s recruited in South Africa, America and Europe at different stages of her career. There will always be notable differences across cultures, but the one thing that stood out for her was that the UK has the rudest people when it comes to ghosting. And it doesn’t at all surprise me (very little does these days). 🙄

Over the years, I’ve had so many promising conversations with job seekers, sent them info on a role they were interested in, then they’ve completely disappeared. Similarly, I’ve spoken to people who have been really enthusiastic about an interview, then they’ve fallen off the face of the earth.

Either there is some sort of freaky Bermuda tringle situation where people who have spoken to recruitment consultants slip into a parallel universe, or their manners leave a lot to be desired. I know which one I’d put my money on.



The truth is that sometimes, individuals just break down communication and turn into little Caspers because it’s easier than replying to a phone call or message and saying ‘thanks,’ or ‘no thanks.’ But markets change and people don’t forget, so don’t be surprised if you’ve ghosted someone in the past and they don’t want to be best mates in your future.