Ghosting --- It's not Just for Spook Houses Anymore!

Ghosting - When you accept a new job and don't even show up to your first day of work!

The U.S. job market is exploding with positions to fill and hiring expert David Cathey with Unity Solutions says ghosting often happens when a job seeker accepts two new jobs - but only wants one and then doesn't even let the other company know. Cathey says it's almost understandable - especially with Millennials and Gen Zers. "Since we have become less of a 'touch' society we are more 'remote.' It's just easier to not call a new job back to say I'm not coming to work for you.'"

Job Jump: Massive Hiring Spree Continues

In the last couple of years - more and more new workers are vanishing from the job even before they start! It's called ghosting and Hiring Expert David Cathey with Unity Search Group says it's more common with new-hires 40 and under, but is prevalent in a wide spectrum of jobs with lots of availabilities. Cathey says there's on key to hedging the chances of being ghosted.

David Cathey/Unity Search's Anti-Ghosting Suggestions

1. If you have a cumbersome hiring process, like having the candidate back a few times to visit with different people, and you have them take a couple of tests, all at your company premises...streamline your process. We have found that a cluttered hiring process increases the chances of candidates just removing themselves from the process altogether.
2. Overcommunicate. First you communicate to set expectations. Then you follow up with communication about that first communication. e.g., 'Yes, we told you we this would happen and we're telling you it happened.'
3. (sounds weird, but read on) Scare People Off a Little Bit. Testing the candidate with questions like, 'Are you sure this is what you want?' 'Do you think this is going to be a good fit for you?' That way you can look to see signs that they may back out.

photo: GettyImages