The Ghost Of Thoughtfulness Present Appears

The ghosts are loose, and they are real.  These ghosts are savvy – they appear as qualified, recruitable flesh and blood. They respond with a high level of alleged interest and engage as if their career timing is ideal. I mean – you feel fortunate to be talking with them. Hell, I work alone, and I am almost looking over my shoulder to see if another recruiter is eavesdropping on my conversation with this find.

They send their resume like they said they would. You set up an interview. This is seamless. We fall in love with recruiting all over again. Then… it begins… you receive a highly-detailed text canceling the interview.  You optimistically attempt to reschedule, but no response will come. Poof! They are gone. He could have dropped a ghost emoji in there to say “Thanks.”

Truth is – the ghosting candidate has to live vicariously through the recruiter. It gives them life and causes us to analyze every interaction we had along the way. “What did I miss?” We discount it with explanations – “I mean, Really?! But I discerned that he was viable…. we talked about career details…critical junctures they had…boss traits they loathe…I invested, and this is what I get?” Eventually, you begin to feel better with reasons. “Well, I was on the phone, and I couldn’t see his breath. I didn’t get to shake his cold, dead career hand.”

Maybe a little revenge sets in – “Why does my nice recruiting desk have to turn into a Ouija board to summon the Spirit of the Opportunistic?” My poor emotional intelligence takes over, and I feel better after plotting what I can do to quietly and negatively impact their career. I may still inadvertently call his boss for a reference. Oooops!  No, No. I wouldn’t do that. I take the High Road exit to the corner of Long Memory Lane and DBag Street – where I write this post to make me feel better and provide content for you. I am feeling better, btw.

Then it happens again. The same role, same client, same everything. Not again! These are not the unvetted resumes of hacks  – these are career-minded people. But then – it happens – I swear I heard a choir sing – I get this gem from the 2nd ghost:

Andy, I apologize for not being with my phone and getting back to you yet. I have decided to stay where I’m currently positioned. I took a hard look at what I’m doing for our company and where I’m looking to move and have decided to stay with (company) and move to their California facilities. I appreciate all the hard work you put into getting me recognized by the company and apologize for the inconvenience this puts both of you in. If I decide to move back and an opportunity arises with you involved I would be greatly appreciative to work with you again. Also if I find anyone that I know of that could fill the role they are looking for, I will definitely refer them to talk with you. Thanks again, (The Ghost of Thoughtfulness Present)

Those words from that guy will be remembered by this recruiter as that ghost returns to mortal status. But the other ghost? I won’t forget about the other ghost, but I will decide if I get to be his Ghost Of Recruiter Past, for there is a dark side to the hidden job market – where the paranormal, human resources, and offers you thought you were going to get – collide. No, No. What I am saying here? I wouldn’t do that.  That’s not me. Is it?