Why 75% of Candidates Never Hear Back—and What It’s Costing Companies

• ResumeBuilder.com Survey (June 2024) found that 40% of companies had posted a fake job listing in the past year, with 3 in 10 companies currently maintaining active fake listings.

  Resume Builder

  
  

• Clarify Capital Survey (2022): This study reported that 43% of hiring managers acknowledged advertising jobs they weren't actively trying to fill.

  Clarify Capital

  
  

• MyPerfectResume Survey (2024): According to this survey, over 80% of recruiters admitted to posting fake job offers, with 36% indicating that one-quarter of their job postings are fake, and over 21% stating that half of their job postings are fake.

  Consumer Affairs

The finding that 75% of job applicants never receive a response highlights a pervasive and deeply problematic trend in recruitment. This silence signals a failure to prioritize candidate engagement in an era where empathy and personalization are critical to organizational success. Ghost jobs aren’t just wasting candidates’ time—they’re eroding trust, damaging brand reputations, driving top talent to competitors, and completely undermining business objectives.

The Candidate's Experience 

For applicants, the experience of being ignored is not merely disappointing; it is profoundly disheartening. Crafting tailored resumes, writing customized cover letters, and completing detailed applications require considerable effort. Silence in response to these efforts leads to feelings of rejection, diminished confidence, and disillusionment with the organization.

One candidate described the experience succinctly: “It’s like shouting into a void. You don’t even know if they’ve looked at your application.” This indifference not only alienates potential employees but also casts a shadow over the organization’s perceived professionalism and integrity.

In today’s world, where people have been trained by technology to expect an immediate response, this silence becomes even more glaring. Recruiting is a human business, and while candidates shouldn’t expect immediate calls from recruiters the moment they apply, a basic acknowledgment goes a long way.

The Business Consequences 

Failing to communicate effectively with candidates has ripple effects that extend far beyond the individual applicant. Research by Glassdoor reveals that over 70% of job seekers evaluate a company’s hiring process before deciding to apply. Organizations with negative reviews regarding communication risk deterring highly qualified talent.

1/3 of applicants who experience a negative hiring process stop engaging with the company’s products or services entirely

Moreover, many applicants are also consumers. Studies indicate that one in three individuals who experience a negative hiring process stop engaging with the company’s products or services entirely. This dual impact—on both talent acquisition and customer retention—can significantly harm the bottom line.

Practical Solutions for Better Communication

• Empathetic Automation: Leverage automated tools to deliver personalized rejection emails that offer constructive feedback.

• Clear Communication Timelines: Establish transparent expectations about the hiring process and adhere to them.

• Proactive Follow-Up: Maintain communication with all candidates post-interview, regardless of outcome, to demonstrate respect and maintain goodwill.

Candidate communication is more than a best practice; it is a strategic imperative. By treating applicants with respect and fostering transparency, organizations can enhance their reputation, attract superior talent, and create enduring value.

Is your hiring process building trust or breaking it?

If you’re ready to revolutionize your hiring process and stand out as an employer of choice, start by assessing your current candidate communication strategies. Schedule a Consultation and discover actionable steps to improve engagement, build trust, and drive better results.