We were recently hiring for an open position in our office. We had a number of great applications and we picked our top candidates to bring in for an interview. We had a number of great interviews over the course of a few days and we were waiting for the final person to arrive. We kept working and waiting, and looking out the door. Five minutes went by, then ten minutes, and by twenty minutes our office convened to answer the question, "What will we do if this person shows up now? Will we interview them or turn them away?" We never had to actually act on the answer to that question. We were ghosted.
Ghosted is a term often used in the dating world these days, but I never thought it would be used in the workplace. Then I read an article on LinkedIn by Chip Cutter that this is actually a thing! Who knew!?!? Apparently, it's more than just interviews, as sometimes people don't show for their first day of work. WHAT?!?! Mind-blown over here.
At the time of our no-show interviewee, the word "ghosted" had not entered my mind. Instead we had all chalked it up to either, they forgot about the interview, or they took another job. In either case, it didn't leave a great impression on us. We’ll never know what actually happened.
For those out there looking for a job, don't be afraid of telling a potential employer that you're no longer interested. The employer will be grateful for your honesty. As a result, they won't feel like you've wasted their time, or that you're unreliable when you simply don't show. Plus, you just never know when you might need a job in the future at this employer.
Here's a prime example of why you should communicate with a potential employer. I interviewed for a job a few years back and they were ready to hire me. They made me an offer that was just slightly lower than what I was currently making. This job would have been a lateral move for me and I considered the offer alongside the benefits package. Unfortunately, as excited as I was to have the opportunity, I had to let them know that I would not be able to take the position at that salary. There was no wiggle room on the salary, and they were grateful for the communication, even though they were disappointed I wouldn't be joining the team. As a result, I kept my relationship with them intact. I am confident if the right job comes up in their organization I'm sure I could successfully interview for it and obtain it (or at least be given an opportunity to do so). Had I "ghosted" this employer there is literally zero chance they would even call for an interview in the future.
Was I afraid of disappointing the organization? Sure. Did I like the uncomfortable situation of having to turn them down? Of course not. Ultimately, I valued the relationship and needed to make the right decision for me and my family. At the end of the day, there's no shame in that and no reason big enough to "ghost" them.