When Communication Goes Quiet

In recruitment, communication is one of the simplest and most effective parts of the process, yet it’s also one of the first things to slip when people get busy. Candidates can lose interest in a role, employers might move on to other priorities, and suddenly one side is left waiting for a response that doesn’t come. It’s something most recruiters experience often. “Ghosting,” as it’s become known, isn’t unique to job seekers, it happens both ways. In most cases, it’s not deliberate. People are balancing workloads, personal commitments, and sometimes multiple job opportunities at once. But when communication drops off, it can create uncertainty, slow down progress, and damage what might have otherwise been a strong connection.

Why It Matters

Recruitment relies on timing and clarity. Interviews, shortlists, and offers all depend on people sharing information when it’s needed. When one link in the chain goes quiet, opportunities can easily be missed. For candidates, staying in touch shows professionalism and reliability. A short message to say you’ve taken another role or need more time keeps relationships positive and future options open. For employers, giving updates to your recruiter helps manage candidates’ expectations and reflects well on your organisation’s reputation. Consistent communication avoids misunderstandings, saves time, and ensures decisions are made with the right information.

What Happens Behind the Scenes

Every vacancy involves a lot more than what’s visible in a job ad. Recruiters review applications, screen candidates, prepare shortlists, coordinate interviews, and follow up for feedback. This process takes time and coordination from multiple people. When updates stop coming through, it puts the process on hold. Recruiters don’t know whether to keep progressing a candidate, reallocate time elsewhere, or wait for confirmation. For candidates, silence can feel just as uncertain, wondering whether to keep waiting or move on. A short, factual update keeps the process transparent and fair for everyone. Even a simple “we’re still reviewing” or “I’ve decided to accept another role” keeps things clear and professional.

When Plans Change

Plans often change, and that’s part of recruitment. Candidates accept other offers, organisations re-evaluate roles, and priorities shift. It’s normal. The key is keeping others informed. For candidates, communication keeps you front of mind for future roles and helps you leave a strong impression. For employers, it allows recruiters to update candidates promptly and protect your employer brand. Clear, timely updates show respect and professionalism, even when the outcome isn’t what someone hoped for.

Building Stronger Connections

Recruitment works best when it’s based on long-term relationships. Many candidates become clients later in their careers, and good communication is what builds that trust over time. Open conversations help everyone understand what’s important, are the skills employers really value, the kind of workplaces people want to join, and how best to match those two things. That’s what makes local recruitment successful: genuine connection, reliability, and mutual respect.

Let’s Stay Connected

If you’re exploring new opportunities, planning to hire, or just want to understand the job market a little better, we’d love to chat. You can contact us through our website at personnelresources.co.nz or reach out directly to one of our consultants in Rotorua, Tauranga, or Whakatāne.

This Halloween, let’s leave the ghosting to haunted houses, costumes and horror movies. In the world of work, keeping in touch never goes out of style.