By Caitlin O’Brien
Spooky Season may come once a year, but candidates' spooky behavior can pop up at any time. Be it the strange silence of being ghosted or seeing a resume shape-shift before your eyes, today’s job market is full of tricks!

With Halloween right around the corner, let’s dive into these eerie experiences, explore the reasons behind them, and see what both recruiters and candidates can do to avoid falling into these traps.
Ghosting
One of the spookiest trends for recruiters today is "ghosting." This happens when a candidate, who seemed interested and engaged in the process, suddenly disappears without a trace. Whether it’s after an interview, during negotiations, or even after accepting a job offer, ghosting has become a common phenomenon. Whether it is not replying or going as far as blocking recruiters and hiring managers, it leaves a sour taste.
Ghosting isn’t unique to one side, though. Candidates, too, may be ghosted by recruiters who fail to follow up after an interview. The rise of candidates ghosting recruiters is especially frightening for businesses that invest significant time and resources into the hiring process.
So, why do candidates ghost? Some may feel overwhelmed by the interview process or lose interest in the role but don’t want to face the uncomfortable conversation of rejection. Others might have found another opportunity or be juggling multiple offers. It’s easier for some to simply disappear than to explain why they’re no longer interested. For recruiters, try giving them an easy out to at least get confirmation. For example, “We understand things change and this may no longer be a role you’re interested in. Please reply ‘no thanks’ and we’ll be sure to remove you from consideration. Hope to hear from you either way and to stay connected!”
While ghosting may seem like the easy way out, it can definitely have its consequences. Not only does ghosting burn bridges, but it also leaves a lasting negative impression. Many industries are smaller than they seem, and word gets around. You never know when you might cross paths with the same recruiter or hiring manager in the future.
The Mystery of Shape-Shifting Resumes
Another spooky situation is when a candidate’s resume seems to “shape-shift,” with candidates mysteriously changing their experience and qualifications to fit a job posting. This might mean exaggerating their experiences, adding skills they don’t have, or claiming responsibilities that belonged to someone else.
Recruiters get spooked by resumes that seem too good to be true, only to realize that’s exactly it, they aren’t true. This behavior can be particularly difficult to catch early on, especially if the candidate can talk a good game during a screening or initial interview. But, once on the job, it quickly becomes clear when someone is out of their depth.
There are several reasons why candidates might feel compelled to shape-shift their resumes. In a competitive job market, some feel pressure to stand out. Others may believe they can “learn on the fly” and are confident they can pick up new skills as they go. In reality, though, this often leads to mismatched expectations, wasted time, and increased frustration for both the employer and the employee. While we understand wanting to put your best foot forward, it still needs to be your foot.
The best way to get ahead of hiring a shape-shifter is through thorough screening. Skills assessments, reference checks, and panel interviews are excellent tools for revealing the true depth of a candidate’s experience. By taking extra steps during the hiring process, recruiters can save themselves from a chilling surprise down the road.
In today’s job market, spooky candidate behavior is a reality, but with the right approach, both recruiters and candidates can keep these ghoulish tricks at bay. Honest communication, transparency, and professionalism are the best ways to ensure that the hiring process remains more treat than trick.
No time for dealing with spooky candidates?
Consider partnering with TalentRemedy. Our industry experts are fearless and can help your team with all the thrills and chills of spooky candidates. We cultivate personal connections with candidates which reduces the chance of encountering spooky folks. Contact us at info@talentremedy.com or 703-362-0175 to set up a time to learn more about how our team can support your hiring needs.
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