The Ghost Protocol | How to avoid your graduate intake disappearing on you

Ghosting /ˈɡəʊstɪŋ / noun/ The practice of ending a relationship with someone by suddenly, and without explanation, withdrawing from all communication.

A disheartening 94% of employers report that they have been ghosted by jobseekers. It’s not a new phenomenon, but in these times of low unemployment and tight labour markets, it’s becoming increasingly prevalent.

What’s more, there’s particularly bad news for graduate employers. A 2022 report from ZipRecruiter found that 31% of first-time job seekers said they had ghosted an employer during their current search, compared to only 12% of experienced professionals.

Ghosting can occur at all stages of the recruitment process. Some applicants simply don’t turn up to interviews, others complete several rounds before bailing, and a sizeable number accept an offer but then don’t take up the job, causing maximum disruption. Research from Indeed showed that of the 83% of employers who report having been ghosted, 65% say the candidate accepted their offer, but failed to show up on day one.