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“Ghost jobs” refer to legitimate job postings that do not result in any actual hiring. These postings may be created to collect data on salary expectations, attract talent for future needs, or maintain an online presence.
Conversely, “candidate ghosting” happens when employers cease communication with job candidates after they have applied, or even after a verbal offer has been extended. While ghost jobs can sometimes occur unintentionally due to changing circumstances or as a means to build a talent pool, candidate ghosting is a common and frustrating experience for job seekers. A 2021 study found that 77% of job seekers reported being ghosted by employers.
Legal recruiters are not immune to the trend of ghosting, which can leave candidates feeling particularly disheartened and undervalued. Unlike traditional job seekers, candidates in the legal field often invest significant time and resources into their applications, from crafting tailored resumes to preparing for intensive interviews. However, many legal recruiters may go silent after initial conversations or interviews, failing to provide feedback or updates on the status of applications. This lack of communication exacerbates the already stressful job search process, with candidates feeling abandoned at a crucial stage of their career journey. The legal profession’s competitive nature heightens the impact of such ghosting, making it essential for recruiters to maintain transparent communication to foster trust and respect within the candidate pool.
Why An Employer May Create A Ghost Jobs
Talent banking.
Companies may post jobs to collect resumes for future openings or to build a talent pipeline for potential turnover.
Market research.
Employers can use ghost postings to gather data on candidate salary expectations and skill sets.
Company image.
Some companies post jobs to create the impression that they are growing and hiring.
Evergreen Roles.
Some job ads remain open indefinitely to attract a steady stream of applicants for in-demand, long-term positions.
Redundancy.
Job listings are often posted by third parties. When copied by a third party on a job board, the company may not realize there is a duplicate post.
5 Reasons Employers May Ghost A Candidate
There area a high volume of applicants.
Recruiters and hiring managers may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of applications they receive.
Ineffective Communication.
Some companies lack effective communication processes, leading to missed emails or other communication breakdowns.
Company Lakes Resources.
Companies may not have enough internal recruiters to manage the entire hiring process, especially after layoffs.
The Company Has Already Selected A Job Candidate.
A company may be ghosting a candidate because they have already selected another candidate for the position.
What about Ghosting By Legal Recruiters?
Recognizing when a recruiter is ghosting you can be challenging, but there are several signs to watch for. One key indicator is the lack of communication after initial contact. A recruiter should follow up within a reasonable timeframe after interviews or discussions with a job candidate. Additionally, if a recruiter fail to respond to follow-up emails or messages despite your polite inquiries about your application status, this is a red flag.
Another sign to consider is inconsistent communication—if a recruiter was previously enthusiastic and responsive but suddenly goes silent, there may be a change in their interest level. Lastly, if you see the same job posting repeatedly or if the position remains open for an extended period without any updates, it is possible that the recruiter is not prioritizing your candidacy, further suggesting a potential ghosting scenario.
At Strategic Recruitment Solutions we connect top legal professionals with law firms committed to building inclusive teams. Our expertise in legal recruitment helps firms strengthen diversity efforts while adapting to the evolving legal landscape. As AI and DEI continue to be essential to the legal industry, we remain dedicated to supporting firms in achieving meaningful, lasting change.