Ghosting a candidate by not communicating where they stand in the process is the top way for recruiters to lose credibility, according to new survey data from Korn Ferry.

Korn Ferry’s survey found that 90% of candidates and 80% of recruiters believe it is very important that the candidate likes their recruiter. However, more than half, or 53%, of candidates say that the top way communications break down is when a recruiter “ghosts” them by not calling them back or letting them know where they stand in the hiring process.

“Technology has allowed us to make tremendous strides in talent acquisition, such as the use of AI to source the best candidates for a role, but it’s the positive interaction with a recruiter and/or hiring manager that can make or break a candidate experience,” Jeanne MacDonald, global co-operating executive and president of global talent solutions for Korn Ferry’s RPO and Professional Search business, said.

When considering what is the top way a recruiter can gain credibility with a candidate, both surveys cite being knowledgeable about the specific job, organisation and industry.

Meanwhile, when asked for the top reasons as to why candidates are looking for a new job, recruiters cite a better title/more responsibility as the top reason (20%), followed by salary (19%) and they are bored/need a new challenge at 16%.

When a candidate is trying to decide between two offers, they say the best thing a recruiter can do is discuss why the recruiter’s offer better aligns with their career aspirations (44%). When it comes to convincing a candidate to choose their job offer, 50% of candidates say the recruiter can convince them to take the job if they are unsure of the position. When asked the same question, recruiters were much more confident, with 83 percent saying they can convince an uncertain candidate to take the job.