It’s hard being a recruiter, especially when filling in a remote position. Most of your hours are spent determining specifications, posting ads, and interviewing applicants. After investing much time and effort, you finally found the ‘perfect’ candidate—only for them to reject your offer.

Where did you go wrong?

Assuming the interview went swimmingly, and you offered the same role, salary, and benefits as initially advertised. Perhaps you even gave a higher amount due to their skills and experience. You’d think they had no reason to turn you down but they did. Relax; it’s not you, it’s them.

Why Does This Happen?

As vexing as it might be, it’s a common situation while headhunting. Applicants drop out from the hiring process for various reasons, mainly because:

• They lack the motivation. They are relatively content with their present role so they aren’t inclined to switch careers or employers. They’re curious if the grass is greener on the other side, and will flake if it isn’t.

• They want more money. They will use your job offer to negotiate with their current company. The veiled threat of their resignation to transfer to your organisation may push their boss to give them a raise.

• They’re feeling desperate. They really need work so they’re likely to accept any post that comes their way. However, they’re also quick to change their mind when a better option is given.

• They’ve met their goal. They are searching for an additional source of income to fund dreams, such as starting their own business. They might no longer see the need to augment their salary for some reason.

What Should You Look Out For?

Now that you’re aware why they do what they do, you have to watch out for the following signs that they aren’t actually interested in the position. Doing so will prevent you from wasting your time on someone who’ll only ghost you later on.

They’re not following instructions

Even first-time job seekers know to follow the instructions given on the listings. If they aren’t providing a customised cover letter with their curriculum vitae as asked, they maybe lacking commitment or are disinterested.

They’re no longer responding

They may have answered your calls and returned your emails in the beginning when it suddenly halted. If the lines of communication have failed on their end, they likely don’t think that replying to you is of any immediate importance.

They’re not asking further questions

It’s natural for a candidate to ask questions, be it regarding the company, the position, or the team. However, consider it a red flag if they stop after learning the details about the pay or the benefits. They clearly don’t think it’s necessary to ask further.

They’re not doing their homework

Someone who truly wants the job will research the organisation and opportunity earnestly. When an applicant doesn’t bother knowing what they’re getting themselves into, they might not care if they get hired or not.

They are no stranger to job-hopping

Remote workers tend to switch roles a lot when they’re starting out. But then, if you notice a consistent pattern of resignation on their resume, it’s hard not to wonder about their work ethic, commitment, or drive.

They’re not using formal language

Pay attention to the words they’re using when communicating with you. Emails that are rife with slang or shortened terms imply a level of disregard for their superiors. Grunts or mumbles are never acceptable responses even on video calls either.

They’re not giving you the time of day

Here’s a rule that applies for all kinds of relationships: if somebody truly cares, they’ll make time for you. Anyone who keeps rescheduling meetings or interviews without explanation is not worth going after.

They’re not in-line with the company

There will be some people with no relevant experience who are really interested in the opportunity. It’s another matter when an individual has conflicting views about the whole corporate mission and vision.

They’re not clarifying their background

It’s not necessary for a person to tell the full details of why they suddenly left their employer after 30 years of service. Still, it’s concerning when they refuse to give even a hint and will shut down all questions related to it.

They’re not careful on social media

Personal profiles aren’t always an accurate reflection of how somebody would behave in a professional setting. Even so, you’d much rather avoid dealing with people who have no qualms about slandering their employer online.

They’re not able to provide a good reason

There’s a reason so many recruiters ask, “why did you apply for this job?” and it’s to determine if the other party is actually interested. If all you get is an “I don’t know”, you’ll have to pass on them.

They’re not showing up on time

Those who are serious about applying will be available at least 30 minutes before any scheduled online meetings. Even if a delay is unavoidable, they’ll inform you ahead of time, apologise for the inconvenience, and have a valid excuse.

They’re not dressed for the part

It’s not usual for a remote team to have a uniform. However, this doesn’t mean it’s fine for anyone to show up for a video call in scruffy attire. A formal evening suit is uncalled for but a decent look is an absolute must.

They’re not listening to you

It might be that they’re cutting you off at every chance they get, or they’ll always dispute your words. Perhaps they’ll insist their own terms and rudely shut down any of your attempts to negotiate the pay or the hours.

They’re not paying attention

Face-to-face interactions are wholly different from video interviews, but this doesn’t excuse anyone from refusing to make eye contact, slouching the whole time, rolling their eyes, or drumming their fingers on the table.

What Should You Do Next?

There are strategies to prevent candidates from ghosting you and they’re certainly worth applying throughout the recruitment process. In the event that they don’t work, i.e. the person still seems uninterested, it’s better to cut ties as early as possible.

Another effective means to avoid wasting your time on a candidate that isn’t interested in booking our staffing services here at Remote Workmate. Unlike freelancing marketplaces where you do everything yourself, we handle the heavy lifting (e.g. recruitment, onboarding, payroll).

As we endorse only those who match your requirements, you’re less likely to encounter any ghosting situations.