As a candidate, recruitment consultants spend a lot of time qualifying you, coaching you for an interview, giving you feedback and trusting you to put the effort in to get the position you originally said you wanted. 

Candidates ghost recruiters all the time.  What’s the big deal? – There is always another candidate, right?

Well, yes, there is, but the only person you are really harming is yourself.  By ghosting a recruiter, you are not only burning a bridge with them but also burning a bridge with the company you were set to interview with and the hiring manager you were set to interview with.

Recruiters also talk to other recruiters and hiring managers in the industry, which could harm your entire reputation.

Why do people ignore their recruiter?

We’re not sure, but there are many reasons why you should never ignore calls – they could have possibly changed their mind about the opportunity, they're too busy, or something has happened that puts things on hold.  Either way letting your recruiter know what’s going on will enable them to focus their efforts where they need to be rather than spending time chasing you and having you ignore their calls.

What should you do if you change your mind?

Tell your recruiter as soon as you can.  The only way to work with other people is to be transparent and open about your feelings towards the position or company. Being open and transparent will encourage your recruiter to contact you about other opportunities which may be a better fit, or it will let them know that now isn’t the right time so they can contact you in the future.

Be Honest

There is no need to make up some elaborate excuse as to why you’re no longer interested in the opportunity, be honest! If it’s not the right time or you’re quite happy where you are at the moment, then say exactly that! Great recruiters will always appreciate honesty!

By being transparent, you aren’t burning any bridges and will only gain from the situation by expanding your network.

Ghosting aside, cutting out a recruiter can also be detrimental to your career.

When approached by an executive search consultant, it’s a breach of professional integrity to directly contact the employer. Some candidates mistakenly believe they're doing the future employer a favour by attempting to reduce recruiting costs. They hope this will make them stand out favourably by bypassing the recruiter's list.

However, most companies—whether large multinationals with global ambitions or fast-paced tech startups—have more pressing priorities. Occasionally, a candidate might even be bold enough to request a cut of the potential savings. Such actions make candidates marked individuals, arousing suspicion within the client company.

Straying from professional integrity can lead to career-damaging consequences. If a recruiter retained by the client or partnered with the client contacts you, attempting to sidestep them will backfire. The client will communicate with their recruiting partner, and your direct approach will be known to both parties. This behaviour will be seen as deceitful rather than clever, making you appear difficult and dishonest, damaging your chances of securing the position.

Severing the relationship with your recruiter

Recruiter and candidate relationships have the potential to span the entire duration of an individual’s career. Bypassing recruiters can sever relationships, losing out on valuable assistance and inside knowledge of the organisation.

Recruiters invest significant time and effort into qualifying, coaching, and providing feedback to candidates. Ignoring their calls or cutting them out entirely not only damages your relationship with them but also jeopardizes your reputation with potential employers and hiring managers.

The recruitment industry is interconnected, and word about unprofessional behavior can quickly spread among recruiters and hiring managers. This can result in a tarnished reputation that might follow you throughout your career.

If your circumstances change or you have second thoughts about a position, communicate openly with your recruiter. Transparency and honesty are crucial in maintaining a positive relationship, allowing your recruiter to better assist you in the future and presenting you as a professional candidate.

By treating recruiters with respect and maintaining integrity throughout the hiring process, you not only protect your professional reputation but also expand your network and open doors to future opportunities. Remember, a strong recruiter-candidate relationship can be a valuable asset throughout your career, providing you with insights and opportunities you might not access otherwise.