When hiring managers don’t respond during the hiring process, it can have significant negative consequences for both the employer and the candidates, including lost talent, brand damage, and ultimately, difficulty in filling key roles. 

Spending just 5 minutes to call a candidate or send them an an email with an update, or even a rejection, is worth it to maintain a strong, professional reputation which ultimately leads to attracting and retaining the best candidates.

Here’s a look at some of the negative impacts from ghosting:
  • Disengaged Candidates: When hiring managers fail to respond in a timely manner, candidates can quickly lose interest. They might interpret the lack of communication as a sign that the company isn't serious about the hiring process or that their application isn't being valued and drop out of the process.
  • Lost Top Talent: Top candidates are exploring multiple opportunities; if they don’t hear back from you, they will likely move forward with other offers, resulting in losing out on top talent who may have been a perfect fit.
  • Damaged Employer Brand: A lack of communication can make candidates feel disrespected or undervalued. Dissatisfied candidates will share their negative experiences online, damaging the company's reputation and making it harder to attract future talent.
  • Negative Word of Mouth: Candidates who have a negative experience will often tell their current (and former) colleagues, friends, and other they know which can discourage them from applying in the future. 
  • Difficulty Attracting Passive Candidates: Passive candidates are often more selective and want clear, timely communication. If they don’t receive feedback or responses, they may not want to pursue the opportunity further.
  • Failure to Address Candidate Concerns: Communicating with a candidate allows the hiring manager to address any concerns the candidate might have, whether regarding benefits, work schedules, expectations or performance management, but those concerns can easily be missed without clear communication. 
  • Stalled Decision-Making: Without timely feedback or decisions, the hiring process drags on, and key stages, like extending offers or negotiating terms, are delayed, which can ultimately make it harder to fill the role.
  • Wasted Time and Resources: Recruiters and HR teams spend a lot of time coordinating interviews, screening candidates, and providing feedback but when hiring managers don't respond, this investment is essentially wasted if the organization is left without a hire.
  • Misperception of Company Culture: A lack of communication can reflect poorly on the company’s culture and values. No or slow responses can suggest disorganization, which can deter high-quality candidates who value structure and clarity.
  • Unrealized Insights into the Hiring Process: When hiring managers fail to respond or give feedback, there’s a missed opportunity to assess and improve the recruitment process, leveraging valuable feedback from candidates to make changes.  
More by the Andrews & Cole Team
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.