The Ghosting Epidemic: Restoring Professionalism to the Hiring Cycle

Author: Katie Sechrist January 13, 2026 1 min read

In 2025, nearly 40% of tech candidates reported being “ghosted” by an employer. On the flip side, 25% of managers reported “no-shows” for final-round interviews. In 2026, this lack of transparency is no longer just annoying—it’s a brand-killer.

The High Cost of Silence:

• For Employers: A reputation for ghosting spreads fast on platforms like Glassdoor and Reddit. Top talent won’t even apply to a “black hole” company.

• For Candidates: The IT and Engineering world is smaller than you think. Ghosting a recruiter today could mean being blacklisted from a dream firm five years from now.

Suggested 3-Step “No-Ghost” Policy:

1. The 48-Hour Feedback Loop: We advocate for feedback (even if it’s a “no”) within 48 hours of an interview.

2. Transparency on Timeline: Managers, if the budget is frozen, say so. Candidates, if you have another offer, be honest.

3. Human-First Automation: Use the tools available to you, but never let an AI send a “rejection” without a human check.