Navigating the Ghosting Phenomenon: Understanding Its Impact
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Chapter 1: The Shift in Hiring Practices
In today's job market, traditional methods of hiring are evolving. A friend of mine who runs a startup in Europe has stopped asking for conventional resumés. Instead, he encourages job seekers to create and submit a brief video—under five minutes—using their phones. The job listing includes broad guidelines and a few questions, while candidates have the freedom to express themselves creatively.
This approach differs significantly from the dreaded automated video interviews that many companies have abandoned due to their ineffectiveness. In this new model, candidates maintain control over their submissions. When I brought up the topic of ghosting, my friend simply responded, “What is that?”
Before diving deeper, it’s essential to consider that any material you create for job applications—such as video presentations or writing samples—remains your intellectual property. Toward the end of this article, I’ll share some strategies to safeguard your work.
If you think you don't need to worry about protecting your creations, stay tuned to find out why you might want to reconsider. This week’s Corporate Glossary term is: Ghosting.
Ghosting refers to the abrupt cessation of communication without any explanation. Initially used to describe a common situation in romantic relationships, it has now made its way into professional contexts.
Section 1.1: The Evolution of Job Applications
The job application landscape has changed dramatically. A position that once attracted ten applicants now sees thousands vying for the same role. Before the Internet and the rise of job search platforms, candidates couldn't apply en masse; mailing a typewritten application took time and effort.
Now, you can submit applications to multiple jobs during your lunch break and tailor your resumé for each one—often from the convenience of your mobile device while grabbing coffee.
Employers are left baffled by the number of candidates who accept interviews or even job offers, only to disappear without a trace. Job seekers often submit applications and endure several rounds of interviews, only to hear nothing from the employer.
Ghosting isn’t one-sided; it goes both ways. The dynamics have shifted, but expectations have not kept pace.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Perception of Ghosting
Have you noticed that people rarely say, "I ghosted them!" or "We ghosted each other"? It's almost always framed as, "They ghosted me" or "I've been ghosted."
Ghosting is subjective. Why choose to interpret an experience in such a negative light? If you want to avoid being ghosted, don’t engage in the behavior yourself. The other party isn’t likely to brag about their ghosting actions.
Expectations can be burdensome. Instead of taking offense, consider letting it go. Is ghosting truly a battle worth fighting? Some workplaces still send responses, while others do not. Prepare for silence, and if you receive a reply, appreciate it.
Section 1.2: Embracing Change with a Positive Outlook
The Andy Warhol perspective on life can be enlightening: “I realized that everything was just how you decided to think about it. Sometimes people let the same problems make them miserable for years when they should just say 'So what?'”
Throughout history, changes like new partnerships or homes have been celebrated, while the transitional phase can often be uncomfortable.
Chapter 2: Understanding Your Rights
The video titled "People Helpless And Unable To Walk Being TERRORIZED By DEMONS! | TRIPLE EPISODE! | A Haunting" explores the pervasive nature of ghosting and the feelings of helplessness that accompany it.
On a lighter note, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Angelina Jolie famously has a tattoo that reads "know your rights." In 2020, a fashion designer accused a major brand of using her designs without permission, highlighting the importance of protecting your creative work.
While it’s essential to recognize that misuse of your work can occur, there are steps you can take to safeguard your creations. The moment you create something, you own the rights to it. However, without asserting your ownership, it can be challenging to prove it.
The simplest way to protect your work is by copyrighting it. By adding © [Year] [Your Name] to your work, you signal that it’s protected. This simple act informs others that the material is not public domain and cannot be used without permission.
If someone wishes to use your work, they can inquire and potentially pay for the rights. If you're an artist or creator, consider adding a note like, "To learn more about obtaining rights to this work contact: ____."
In the end, being prepared and informed can save you from future headaches. Just like every boat must have a Personal Flotation Device for safety, so should you have measures in place to protect your intellectual property.
Remember, the Corporate Glossary series aims to clarify commonly used corporate terms so you can navigate the professional landscape with confidence. For previous articles in this series, click here.