This is the weekly Work Life newsletter. If you are interested in more careers-related content, sign up to receive it in your inbox. Sent every Monday afternoon.
It’s officially spooky season, so it’s only right that we talk about the hair-raising phenomenon that is ghosting – also known as disappearing or unexpectedly discontinuing communication.
It’s not just something people encounter in the dating world. Data show both employers and candidates are ghosting each other at increasing rates.
Here’s a scary stat: according to a report from job-posting site Indeed, 40 per cent of job seekers said an employer had ghosted them after a second- or third-round interview, up from 30 per cent in 2022. On the job-seeker side, 78 per cent said they’d ghosted a prospective employer, up from 68 per cent in 2022. More on that side of the story and what employers can do to lower their chances of being ghosted next week.
“There are many reasons why a job may take too long to respond – the company’s communication culture, internal changes to the team, management on [vacation] – the list is endless. And although it’s frustratingly common, it’s not always your fault,” Jan Hendrik von Ahlen, the managing director at Germany-based job-search site JobLeads, says in an e-mail.
Mr. von Ahlen points to a higher volume of candidates and more online interviews as possible culprits.
“Since the surge in online interviews and reduction of in-person first-stage interviews, companies can easily assess more candidates without putting in the extra money and effort of meeting people in person,” he says. “But with that, the digital hiring process has become overwhelming for companies, making replying to everyone harder than it was in the past.”
Unemployment has been steadily rising since last year and digital platforms are also making it easier than ever to apply for a job.
“The huge volume of candidates means hiring managers don’t always have the time to relay the bad news,” Mr. von Ahlen says.
The good news is there are clear actions job seekers can take to try and avoid this disappearing act.
Mr. von Ahlen says cleaning up your social media before you go job hunting can make a big difference.
“Your social presence is an influential tool that can either boost or hinder your career,” he says.
He advises making your accounts private and being conscious of what you share online. One “off” post could threaten your job offer.
“With the increased popularity of calling out employers for their habits on social media, think carefully about the perception of anything you post that puts others in a bad light, or that criticizes without being constructive. If you’re willing to do it publicly, they’ll assume you’d be willing to do so in other contexts, too,” he says.
Mr. von Ahlen says it’s also important to request a timeline.
Once your interview is over, ask about the internal processes or hiring timeline they are aiming for so you can manage expectations and avoid any frustration on either side. This will give you a better idea of if you’re actually being ghosted.
If you don’t hear back within the timeline shared, make sure you follow up.
Tell the potential employer that you’re excited about the opportunity with a short, polite message, expressing gratitude and checking in for an update.
If they don’t reply, Mr. von Ahlen says you can consider reaching out to someone else at the company if you have another point of contact or went through multiple interview stages.
Ultimately, and perhaps the most haunting part of it all, is that you can’t fully control if you get ghosted.
“The competition is high and receiving feedback on the process – or better yet, an offer – is a priority. When you don’t receive either, it can feel unjust. However, if you’ve followed up for a second time and still haven’t heard back, it’s best to keep professional and move on to the next job,” he says.
Fast fact
Too late, can’t wait
40 per cent
This is the number of Gen Z’ers who say they will give up trying to receive customer service if they can’t find the answers online. Nearly a third of people, across all age groups, will hang up if they have to wait on hold too long. This article explores how companies can meet their customers where they are – and how using an omnichannel approach to customer service can lead to more sales and happier customers.
Career guidance
Two under two
One worker who got pregnant during their current maternity leave asks if they can end the leave early so they can go back to work and accumulate enough hours to qualify for another leave.
Experts say that it’s important to refer to your federal and provincial employment standards to understand the statutes around the length of parental leave, when you can return and what type of notice (usually four weeks) you need to give your employer if you’re ending your leave early. As for telling your boss or HR why you’re coming back early, you can share the information on your own timeline.
Quoted
Small moments, big outcomes
“As a leader in today’s rapidly changing world, you must embrace your role as a culture champion and understand that everything you do and say as a leader either adds to your workplace culture or detracts from it. You truly are the orchestra conductor of your workplace who sets the overall tone of your culture,” writes Canmore, Alta. consultant Michael Kerr in his book Small Moments, Big Outcomes.
In this article, Harvey Schachter breaks down the key insights from Mr. Kerr’s book, including how leading with compassion, fostering a growth mindset among employees and helping them feel a sense of belonging supports a healthy culture and business.
On our radar
Another postpandemic pivot
Online sales surged when the pandemic first hit, with people stuck at home. As restrictions eased, in-person shopping spiked, but now it’s slowing down again. How are small businesses responding? They’re hosting community-driven events to offer the experiences Canadian consumers crave after the pandemic, while still boosting sales.