By Cindy Stephens
Today’s job market has more opportunities than ever before with fewer qualified candidates to fill positions. There are a number of reasons for the shortage, especially within the healthcare technology management (HTM) field. For example, baby boomers are retiring leaving positions open to a less experienced workforce. Further compounding this is the reality that few community colleges or trade schools are offering specialty biomed programs. All this significantly impacts health care organizations nationwide as fewer qualified and experienced candidates are available for hire.
The hiring process can be very lengthy and can feel frustrating for the candidate and the employer. Candidates often apply for several positions, creating a situation where multiple job offers are on the table from different companies. On the flip side, employers frequently take too much time within their internal hiring process, leaving candidates to question their status and to ultimately pursue other opportunities.
Ghosting refers to the sudden stop of communication between two or more parties. While the term is typically used to reference a personal relationships, it certainly happens in the work environment too. Unfortunately, ghosting can be a common occurrence during the hiring process, and across all fields. But it shouldn’t be.
Ghosting is very unprofessional behavior. The HTM community is a small world, so do not burn bridges. Ghosting a hiring authority may come back to haunt you when applying for future opportunities. Networking and reference checks are important in an individual’s career success, and you never know when the person you ghosted will impact your next potential career move.
As tempting as it may be to assume the hiring authority is ghosting you … don’t. Recognize that the hiring authority has multiple priorities and, as hard as it is to hear, your job application may not be the top priority. That does not necessarily mean they are ghosting you. Ask questions during the process, including what the next steps are, and certainly follow-up. In the occasions when you do not hear back, stay professional. Remember that as much as we change positions within our field, others do as well. The last thing you want to do is burn a bridge now that can impact your career advancement later.
If you change your mind about a position, it is important to remain professional and reach out to let the hiring authority know you are declining to move forward. David Hailberstam once said, “Being a professional means doing your job on the days you don’t want to do it.” This applies during the hiring process too. How you behave and respond says volumes about you and your character. So, stay positive and professional even when you aren’t feeling it!
Cindy Stephens is the president and CEO of Stephens International Recruiting Inc.
The views expressed here are those of the author’s and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of TechNation or MD Publishing.
