Ghosting

Ghosting was the unofficial theme for 2025… We can all agree that no one deserves to be left in the dark… Human decency dictates that everyone is worthy of being told how an interview or meeting went… This new anti-ghosting legislation coming into effect in 2026 is being received with some pessimism, with some believing that it will offer no real value to someone who could use such feedback from an employer as a catalyst for self-reflection & self-improvement… To fulfill his mandatory media obligations and avoid fines, Marshawn Lynch aka “Beast Mode” of the Seattle Seahawks took part in a memorable media day press conference in 2015. He was quoted as repeatedly saying – “I’m here so I won’t get fined” … “I’m here so I won’t get fined” … “I’m here so I won’t get fined”… Check out the official clip here – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tF7nQibuWjA I’m afraid that many decision makers will only comply with this new law just so they won’t get fined, meeting base standards with the absolute least amount of effort… Cue the rise of automated (generic) responses that job seekers can expect to receive as a result of this new bill – “After careful consideration…” My major concern however is how such feedback will negatively impact our quality of talent, unemployment, and productivity within the work environment. Anyone who has ever written a persuasive essay in grade school is familiar with their professor’s infamous red pen… Those who struggled with persuasive writing are quite accustomed to seeing their papers returned covered in red ink… While disheartening, your professor’s red pen was a sign of mercy and redemption… You were usually given a chance to review the comments with your professor, make the necessary corrections, and re-submit your paper. The process could take 2 or 3 revisions, but in the end, you usually ended up with a better grade had you not taken those steps… This process of self-editing based on constructive qualitative feedback produced a better grade & student in the end… Let’s not forget the importance of feedback that allows someone to make the necessary adjustments and how that can positively impact their future… By not providing job seekers with this sort of information, we are allowing them to proceed through the marketplace at a disadvantage, thereby diminishing the quality of their interactions with companies, which will result in more widespread frustration from both sides… As a Search Partner with 15 years in the recruitment industry, I’ve had countless candidates ask for feedback after their interviews no matter how negative it was… They viewed feedback as a way of measuring their growth… So, if we are going to mandate that decision makers provide feedback to applicants as part of an anti-ghosting initiative, let’s double click to make sure that the feedback is specific, thoughtful, & honest… We owe it to our society to ensure that we are positioning our best for long-term success.