The Flakey Candidate Syndrome

Ah yes, we recruiters deal with it on a daily basis. One of our hospital recruiters told me a story last week about a candidate who had accepted a job, completed the application, agreed to a start date, and then didn’t bother to show up, or even call on the day of orientation. I could tell she was at her wits’ end and that she just needed to vent. Hey, I can relate!

So the scenario plays out almost daily. We are contacted by a person who seems excited and optimistic about finding a new job, and they want our help. Yay! They say all the right things, ask good questions, and we spend an hour answering them. Afterwards, we spend another hour putting together details about the job and sending them the information they request. And then…. nothing. Crickets! No reply, and our calls and emails go unanswered.

So what’s the deal here? Why do some people feel it’s okay to disregard common courtesy? I agree with my client that it is unprofessional, but in this business, people are the product. And unfortunately, products break. Yes, disappointment comes in many forms, and in every business. Being a recruiter is no different, and it is easy for a recruiter to get frustrated with those who initially sound so genuine. While the flakey candidates will always be there, let’s look at a few reasons that might cause someone to disengage from the process.

Lack of Interest in What you Told Them:

Some applicants may speak to multiple recruiters without a genuine interest in a particular position. If they find a more appealing opportunity or lose interest in the job they initially applied for, they might not continue with the application process. But still, they should have the professional courtesy to just let the recruiter know.

Better Job Offers:

Job seekers may receive offers from other employers that are more attractive in terms of wage, benefits, schedule, or job responsibilities. In such cases, they just don’t feel like it’s necessary to reply back, even though you spent time trying to help them.

Competitive Healthcare Job Market:

In a competitive job market like the one we are in, applicants may apply to numerous positions to increase their chances of securing employment. However, this can lead to a situation where they have multiple job offers to consider, making it challenging to follow through with everyone.

Personal Circumstances:

Life events or personal circumstances, such as illness, family emergencies, or other unexpected events, can disrupt an applicant’s ability to continue with the job application process. Again, we are not asking for the person to accept our job, only communicate the circumstances as a courtesy.

Misalignment of Expectations:

Applicants may initially apply for a job without a full understanding of the job requirements, or exact location. Upon further consideration, they may realize that the position does not align with their expectations or goals.

Financial Constraints:

Some applicants may face financial constraints that prevent them from making a move. Most, if not all employers, will reimburse applicants for a move once they arrive to their new location. In healthcare, many employers offer bonuses, relocation packages, etc., to assist them, but it’s never advanced.

Burnout or Stress:

The job search process can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Applicants may experience burnout or stress, which can lead to a lack of motivation to continue with applications.

While there are many reasons that cause “flakey candidate syndrome”, there is still no reason for a candidate to be unprofessional. Sure, you might have recruiters contacting you on a weekly basis about job opportunities, but that is a good thing. Just politely tell them that you have decided to go in a different direction and that you appreciate all the information they have provided. Don’t just ignore them after they’ve offered you assistance. You never want to burn a bridge. If you remain in this field long enough, you will likely need their assistance someday.