Recruitment is a rollercoaster. One minute, you’ve lined up the perfect candidate for an interview; the next, they’ve ghosted you - vanishing into thin air without a trace. And it’s not just interviews. Day one no-shows are a real issue too, leaving employers frustrated and recruiters scratching their heads. But why do candidates ghost, and more importantly, what can be done about it?
This article looks into some of the excuses candidates give, the reasons behind their no-shows, and how recruitment agencies can swoop in to save the day. Whether you’re a recruiter, an employer, or just someone fascinated by the quirks of the job market, read on for insights, laughs, and solutions.
Why Candidates Ghost Recruiters and Employers
First, let’s unpack the reasons behind ghosting and no-shows. The job market in 2025 remains highly competitive, with candidates juggling multiple interview processes and job offers and employers competing to secure the best talent.
Here are some of the key reasons candidates flake:
Interview Nerves: It’s no surprise that interviews can be intimidating. A 2024 CIPD survey revealed that 64% of candidates feel anxious about interviews. For some, the fear of failure is enough to make them ghost entirely.
Better Offers Elsewhere: With 43% of UK professionals considering multiple job offers before committing (LinkedIn UK Insights 2024), ghosting often happens when a shinier opportunity comes along.
Miscommunication: Details like unclear times, locations, or expectations can leave candidates feeling disengaged or confused. In some cases, they’re unsure of how to follow up and simply don’t.
Life Happens: From unexpected childcare issues to transport delays, sometimes life just gets in the way. These genuine reasons can spiral into missed opportunities if not addressed early.
Cold Feet on Day One: Starting a new job can be daunting. A 2025 Glassdoor report found that 22% of candidates back out before their first day due to nerves, last-minute regrets, or poorly managed onboarding.
Excuses Candidates Use for No-Shows
If you’ve worked in recruitment, you’ll recognise these excuses - some valid, others hilariously far-fetched:
“My cat’s unwell and needs comforting.”
“I missed my train, and the next one’s in two hours.”
“I dropped my phone down the toilet and couldn’t call you.”
“I didn’t realise the office was that far away.”
"I didn't realise my interview was today...."
“I’ve decided to take a gap year... starting tomorrow.”
Honourable mentions also go to:“I forgot...", "Something came up...” and the ever-classic “I’m stuck in traffic.”
While some excuses highlight genuine issues, others... well, let's just say they show a lack of creativity.
How Recruitment Agencies Prevent No-Shows
Good recruitment agencies don’t just send out masses of unscreened CVs in the hope one fits what an employer is looking for. Through thorough screening, they’re the secret weapon in reducing no-shows, ghosting, and interview flakiness. Here’s how they make it happen:
1. Spotting Serious Candidates
Good recruiters excel at identifying candidates who are genuinely interested. Through in-depth conversations, they uncover motivations, red flags, and potential barriers. This helps weed out those who aren’t serious about the role.
2. Clear Communication
Miscommunication is one of the leading causes of no-shows. Recruitment agencies confirm every detail - from interview times to dress codes - and ensure candidates know exactly what to expect.
3. Building Trust
Good recruiters build strong relationships with candidates, offering support and guidance throughout the hiring process. Candidates who feel valued are less likely to ghost, as they see the recruiter as a partner rather than just a middleman.
4. Candidate Preparation
Many no-shows stem from a lack of confidence. A good recruitment agency, like Gerrard White, will prep candidates with mock interviews, company insights, and pep talks to ensure they’re ready to succeed.
5. Keeping Candidates Engaged
The hiring process can feel long and drawn-out. Recruitment agencies keep candidates warm with regular updates, reminders, and insights about the company's culture to maintain interest and excitement.
6. Salvaging Ghosting Situations
When candidates do ghost, agencies often have the skills to re-engage them. A friendly, non-judgemental nudge can sometimes bring them back into the fold.
7. Providing Employers with Insights
Agencies offer feedback to employers about candidate behaviour. Whether it’s highlighting issues in job ads or suggesting improvements to the interview process, recruiters help employers stay competitive in the hiring market.
8. Always Having a Backup Plan
Even with the best strategies, no-shows can happen. Good recruitment agencies minimise disruption by keeping a pool of pre-vetted candidates on standby, ensuring employers aren’t left high and dry.
What Employers Can Learn from Recruitment Agencies
Employers can adopt some of these proven strategies to reduce no-shows and ghosting:
Streamline the Process: Long, complicated hiring processes put candidates off. Simplify interviews and keep communication open.
Sell the Role: Candidates today are spoilt for choice. Highlight unique perks, career growth, and your company’s culture to stand out.
Follow Up Regularly: Candidates who feel forgotten are more likely to drop out. Regular check-ins keep your role top-of-mind.
Partner with Experts: Recruitment agencies have the experience and tools to tackle ghosting and no-shows, saving employers time and stress.
Turning Ghost Stories into Success Stories
No-shows, ghosting, and flaky candidates are part of the recruitment landscape, but they don’t have to derail your hiring plans. Recruitment agencies, like Gerrard White Consulting, bring expertise, strategies, and a human touch to the process, ensuring both candidates and employers have a smoother experience.
At Gerrard White Consulting, we specialise in recruiting for legal, tech, and insurance roles. With years of experience navigating the challenges of the modern job market, we know how to find reliable talent and keep candidates engaged throughout the process. Whether it’s reducing ghosting and improving the quality of your applications or managing complex or specialist hiring needs, we’re here to support your business every step of the way.
Ready to reduce no-shows and hire with confidence? Partner with Gerrard White Consulting today and watch your hiring headaches disappear - no ghostbusters required.
Contact us today – 01892 553355| info@gerrardwhite.com
