Ghosting Employers: When Is It Justified?
It’s a common dilemma for job seekers – the fear of ghosting a potential employer. After submitting a job application and going through interviews, the thought of not sending a follow-up email or simply not showing up for the scheduled interview can be daunting. But as the job market becomes more competitive, ghosting employers is becoming a common trend. But when is it justified? Is it ever okay to leave an employer hanging without any explanation? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at ghosting employers and discuss the instances where it may or may not be justified.
The Rise of Ghosting Employers
In the past, ghosting was mainly associated with the dating world. It’s the act of suddenly disappearing and cutting off all communication with someone, leaving them wondering what went wrong. However, in recent years, ghosting has become a common practice in the job market.
It’s not uncommon for job seekers to be in contact with multiple employers at the same time. With the ease of submitting online job applications, job seekers have more options than ever before. And with multiple potential job offers, some may feel hesitant to decline those offers, resulting in ghosting employers instead.
When is it Justified to Ghost an Employer?
The answer to this question may vary depending on who you ask. Some may argue that it’s never justified to ghost an employer, while others may believe that there are certain circumstances where it’s acceptable. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to make the decision based on their own personal circumstances.
The Job Offer is Not What You Expected
One situation where it may be acceptable to ghost an employer is when the job offer is not what you were expecting. Perhaps you were promised a certain salary or benefits, but the offer came in lower than what was discussed. In this case, it’s understandable that you may not want to pursue the job any further and choose to ghost the employer rather than engage in a negotiation process that may ultimately lead to disappointment.
Unprofessional Behavior from the Employer
If during the interview process, the employer exhibits unprofessional behavior, such as rudeness, disrespect, or discrimination, then it may be justified to ghost them. After all, you wouldn’t want to work for a company that doesn’t value its employees and treats them poorly.
Personal or Family Emergency
In some cases, life happens, and we are faced with unexpected personal or family emergencies that require our immediate attention. If this happens during the hiring process, it’s understandable that you may need to withdraw your application or decline a job offer. In such cases, it’s okay to ghost the employer as long as you have a valid reason and communicate it as soon as possible.
When is it NOT Justified to Ghost an Employer?
While there may be certain situations where ghosting an employer is acceptable, there are also instances where it’s not justified. Here are a few examples:
After Accepting a Job Offer
If you have gone through the entire hiring process, accepted a job offer, and signed a contract, it’s not okay to ghost the employer. In this case, you have made a commitment, and it’s important to honor it. Not showing up on your first day of work without any communication is unprofessional and will reflect poorly on your reputation.
Without an Explanation
In any case, if you have decided to turn down a job offer or withdraw your application, it’s common courtesy to provide an explanation to the employer. This not only shows professionalism but also allows the employer to move on and find another candidate for the position.
As a Regular Practice
Ghosting an employer is never justified as a regular practice. If you make a habit of leaving employers hanging without any explanation, it will eventually catch up to you. Employers often communicate within their networks, and word can spread quickly. This could hinder your chances of getting hired in the future and damage your professional reputation.
In Conclusion
While ghosting employers may seem like an easy way out of an uncomfortable situation, it’s important to consider the consequences. As a job seeker, it’s crucial to maintain a professional image and treat potential employers with respect. If you do decide to ghost an employer, make sure it’s for a valid reason and communicate it to them as soon as possible. Remember, the job market is a small world, and you never know when your paths may cross again.
