Is Your Recruiter Ghosting You?

You applied to that staffing agency with such high hopes.

The recruiter was personable and reassuring, and you parted ways thinking you’d surely receive a phone call with a job offer. Or a short-term assignment. Or any indication that they were working to find you an employment opportunity.

Instead? All you heard was crickets. And when you called to check in and follow up on your application, the receptionist gave you the standard “They’re in a meeting, but you can leave a message on their voicemail.”

There’s a name for what happened to you: you were ghosted.

The term “ghosting” comes from a social trend Urban Dictionary defines as:

“the act of suddenly ceasing all communication with someone the subject is dating, but no longer wishes to date. This is done in hopes that the ghostee will just ‘get the hint’ and leave the subject alone, as opposed to the subject simply telling them he/she is no longer interested…”

It’s rude. Immature. And unfortunately, this type of disappearing act is an all-too-common practice among staffing agency recruiters.

Don’t get ghosted again. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for staying top-of-mind with a recruiter, once they’ve given you the classic “We’ll be in touch” speech:

Do:

• Ask about available assignments.
  Before you leave the interview, find out what types of assignments are currently available. Inquiring demonstrates your enthusiasm to get to work, so the recruiter knows you’re serious about your job search.
• Ask about their check-in policy.
  Almost every staffing firm has a policy about communicating your availability, as well as what to do if you find a job on their board for which you’re well qualified. Follow their standard procedures to stay top-of-mind, without becoming a pest.
• Send a well-timed “thank you” letter.
  While this step may seem obvious, most job seekers fail to do it. Leverage this opportunity to stay on a recruiter’s radar by using the recruiter’s preferred method of communication; sending your note within 24 hours of the interview; customizing the content; and reviewing your skills, qualifications and relevant accomplishments.
• Breakthrough the silence.
  If a recruiter doesn’t contact you within the period they’ve specified, it’s acceptable to send a polite inquiry (e.g., a brief phone call or professional email asking about the status of your application).

Don’t:

• Draw attention.
  Don’t bring up the fact that your recruiter has failed to follow up with you. Instead, keep the communication positive.
• Be a nag.
  Every recruiter and employment agency is unique. As a job seeker, it’s up to you to understand the “rules of engagement” and make good judgment calls about the frequency and timing of follow-up.

Tired of being ghosted?

Join PrideStaff’s Talent Network. We’ll stay connected with you by sending alerts with new job opportunities that match your interests, as well as relevant communications and updates from our organization.

Perhaps most importantly, our recruiters strive to create a great experience every time you interact with us. At PrideStaff, finding you the ideal employment opportunity isn’t “work”; it’s an adventure! Our job is to ensure that you don’t just search, but succeed.