Candidate ghosting when applicants disappear without notice during the recruitment process has become a growing and frustrating trend in modern hiring. HR professionals and recruiters are increasingly reporting missed interviews, unanswered follow up emails, and even candidates vanishing after accepting offers. For companies trying to fill critical roles, these silent exits not only slow down hiring pipelines but also erode trust and morale across teams.

So, why is ghosting happening? In a competitive job market, candidates are often juggling multiple opportunities. If they feel ignored, overwhelmed, or undervalued during the process or if they simply receive a better offer they may choose not to respond rather than formally decline. In some cases, outdated hiring processes or poor candidate experiences are to blame. Long response times, impersonal communication, and lack of transparency can push candidates away without warning.

To tackle this, HR needs to reimagine the recruitment journey. Creating a candidate-first experience with fast, respectful, and human centered communication is key. Personalized outreach, clear timelines, and consistent updates can keep candidates engaged. Moreover, setting expectations early on and making it easy for applicants to share feedback or opt out respectfully can reduce ghosting rates. Ultimately, treating candidates like valued individuals regardless of the outcome can help HR build stronger pipelines and a more positive employer brand.