UYO, Nigeria seekers worldwide are facing a growing challenge: employers who promise positions but then vanish without explanation. The practice, often called “ghosting,” leaves candidates uncertain and frustrated.
Career specialists note that ghosting can disrupt professional plans, delay financial stability, and weaken trust in hiring systems. “It’s not just about missing out on a job,” said one workplace consultant. “It’s about the silence that follows, which can feel deeply disrespectful.”
Workers are encouraged to follow up with polite emails or calls, keep records of all communication, and continue applying elsewhere until an offer is confirmed in writing. Labor unions, professional associations, and career centers may also provide guidance.
In some countries, labor laws require employers to provide written communication once hiring reaches a certain stage. In other regions, professional networks and online communities are stepping in, sharing experiences and pressing for more transparent hiring practices.
“I was told the role was mine, then nothing,” said one applicant in Europe. Another candidate in Africa added, “I learned to keep applying until I see a contract. Verbal promises are not enough.”
