You post a chef job, finally get a decent applicant, set up the interview... and then nothing. No call, no show, no explanation.
Sound familiar?
Candidate ghosting — when a job seeker disappears during the hiring process — has become a frustratingly common experience in the UK hospitality industry. And with chefs in such high demand, it’s happening more than ever.
If you're tired of being left hanging by potential hires, you're not alone. But there are things you can do about it.
Let’s break down why candidates ghost, and how you can protect your time, your sanity, and your kitchen.
👻 Why Candidates Are Ghosting Employers
It’s tempting to chalk it up to rudeness or laziness. But in most cases, there’s more going on. Here are the key reasons:
1. Too Many Job Options
We’re in a chef shortage. Good candidates get multiple job offers — sometimes within days or even hours of applying. If your process is too slow, they’ve already accepted somewhere else.
Rather than telling you they’ve moved on, some just vanish. It’s not ideal, but it’s the reality of a hyper-competitive market.
2. Poor Candidate Experience
Candidates are increasingly choosing jobs based not just on pay, but on how they’re treated during recruitment.
If your process is:
- Unclear
- Delayed
- Impersonal
- Disorganised
…it can turn people off. A bad first impression = ghosting risk.
3. Fear of Awkward Conversations
Let’s face it — turning someone down feels awkward, especially for younger candidates or those early in their career.
Rather than saying “thanks but no thanks,” many just go quiet. Ghosting is often avoidance, not malice.
4. They Were Never Serious to Begin With
Not every applicant is genuinely looking. Some are:
- Applying to meet a job centre quota
- Exploring options with no real intention to move
- Applying on impulse and then getting cold feet
If they weren’t invested, it’s easy to walk away with no warning.
⚠️ Why This Hurts Employers
When a candidate ghosts:
- You waste time prepping interviews or trial shifts
- You lose momentum in the hiring process
- Your team stays understaffed
- Your confidence in the next candidate drops
For small hospitality businesses, a no-show can derail a week’s plan. For larger groups, it means delays and higher cost-per-hire.
✅ How to Reduce Ghosting (and Respond When It Happens)
You can't eliminate ghosting entirely — but you can make it less likely and less painful. Here's how:
1. Move Fast
Speed kills ghosting. If someone applies on Monday, interview them by Wednesday.
🕒 Set up trials or interviews within 48 hours of application where possible. Chefs are in high demand — act like it.
2. Communicate Clearly (and Often)
Let candidates know what happens next at every stage:
- When they’ll hear from you
- Who will be contacting them
- What the trial/interview will involve
- What they need to bring or prepare
Set expectations. Remove ambiguity. It reduces dropouts.
3. Make It Personal
Send a quick voice note or friendly WhatsApp message to confirm a trial shift.
Call instead of emailing.
Use their name.
If they feel like just another number, they’ll treat you the same.
4. Follow Up Once — Then Move On
If someone ghosts:
- Send one polite message (e.g., “Hey, just checking in — are you still planning to attend your trial shift tomorrow?”)
- If no reply, move on.
Don’t waste energy chasing. Keep the door open, but don’t hold the kitchen for them.
5. Create a Standout Employer Brand
Candidates ghost less when they want to work for you.
- Show your team culture on social media
- Share success stories of chefs growing in your business
- Make your ad exciting, not generic
- Use platforms (like Only Chefs) that attract chefs who are serious about their craft
6. Stay Professional
Even when ghosted, resist the urge to rant or call out candidates publicly. It can damage your brand.
Instead, use it as feedback: how can your process be more engaging, more personal, and more candidate-friendly?
Final Thought
Ghosting might be a trend — but it’s not something you have to accept.
By moving faster, making the experience smoother, and focusing on quality over quantity, you can cut down on no-shows and keep your kitchen running.
And if you’re hiring chefs, we’re here to help.
👨🍳 Only Chefs connects you directly with serious, career-minded chefs — no agency markup, no time-wasters.