SINGAPORE – Have you ever felt the sting of silence from recruiters during your job hunt? If you've been ghosted time and time again, you're definitely not alone.

Take Mr. Ng, for example. This user experience designer has submitted over 130 applications in just six months, hearing back from only a handful of recruiters. "It felt like I wasn’t good enough to get a reply or an update from them," lamented the 29-year-old. Initially excited by recruiters who showed interest in his experience and salary expectations, his dreams quickly faded into a ghostly void.

A recent LinkedIn poll by Robert Walters Singapore reveals a shocking statistic: a staggering 88% of job seekers feel ignored or ghosted by recruiters. With over 300 respondents weighing in, it’s clear that this silent treatment is rampant.

Dr. Chong Sinhui, an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University, sheds light on this growing issue. The rise of digital application systems has led to an avalanche of job applications, complicating personalized communication for recruiters. Features like 'easy apply' might offer convenience, but they also make it easier for recruiters to overlook individual candidates.

So why don’t recruiters respond? Mr. Loh, a recruiter, admits the pressure. Managing multiple job postings and speaking to at least 30 applicants for each opening makes it daunting to provide feedback to everyone. He understands the frustration of candidates yearning for closure, but believes that a little empathy on both sides could ease the process.

Joan Yip, a consultant at Hays recruitment agency, acknowledges candidates deserve to know their application status, and she strives to keep them informed. Yet, with increasing layoffs and career transitions leading to a surge in applications per role, it’s easy for some to slip through the cracks.

Dr. Paul Lim, a senior lecturer in organizational behavior, points out that ghosting reflects an imbalance of power between job seekers and employers. In a market favoring employers, companies may opt out of responding to unsuccessful candidates, viewing it as a mere courtesy rather than an obligation. And if conditions shift to favor candidates, the tables could turn, with job seekers ghosting employers instead.

In this dog-eat-dog job market, both parties could benefit immensely from communication. Candidates should continue their search actively instead of waiting for responses, which can boost their perceived value. Meanwhile, for recruiters, keeping candidates informed—even if the news isn’t what they want to hear—can enhance their reputation and attract future talent.

Ultimately, in an ideal world, treating each other’s time with respect would go a long way, creating a more pleasant job-hunting experience for all.