The Haunted Hiring Process: Don’t Let Ghosting Haunt Your Recruitment Efforts!

Ah, Halloween – the time for all things spooky. But while we can handle skeletons, witches, and the odd pumpkin spice obsession, there’s one thing that truly sends a chill down our spines in the recruitment world: ghosting.

No, we’re not talking about actual ghosts (though, with some of the spooky construction sites we’ve heard about, we wouldn’t be surprised). We’re talking about recruitment ghosting—that dreaded moment when a candidate vanishes into thin air, or even worse, when a recruiter or client drops off the face of the Earth, leaving a hopeful job seeker in limbo.

At FBR Recruitment, we believe ghosting belongs in haunted houses, not in recruitment. So, let’s take a look at the horrors of ghosting and, more importantly, why you’ll never get spooked by us.

The Phantom Candidate

Picture this: You’ve got a brilliant candidate lined up. They’ve interviewed, they’re perfect for the job, and then… poof! No calls, no emails—nothing but the sound of crickets.
Sure, life happens—things change, and sometimes a role isn’t right for someone. But disappearing without a word? Now that’s just scary.

Ghosted by Clients

Let’s not forget the other side of the coin: when candidates get ghosted by clients. You’ve had a great interview, and you’re eagerly awaiting feedback. Days turn into weeks, and you start to feel like you’re chasing after a shadow. “Did they even receive my application? Am I still in the running? Is this how it ends?”
Cue the spooky music. Candidates might feel like they’re wandering through a fog, trying to figure out where things went wrong. But here’s the thing—it’s not you. At FBR, we make sure you’re never left in the dark. Whether it’s good news or not, you’ll always hear from us. No one likes a cliffhanger, especially when it comes to their career.

The Spooky Disappearing Offer

Imagine this—you’ve gone through multiple rounds of interviews, received a verbal offer, and you’re on cloud nine. Then suddenly… silence. No formal offer letter, no follow-up calls, just radio silence. Days turn into weeks, and the excitement you once felt slowly turns to confusion and doubt. What happened to the job? Did it disappear like a puff of smoke?
This kind of ghosting is particularly frustrating for candidates who’ve emotionally committed to a role, even started making life changes in preparation for the new job. While we can’t always control what happens on the client side, at FBR we believe in keeping candidates informed. If there’s a change in the process or the position gets pulled, you’ll hear from us. And if things don’t go as planned, we’ll support you as much as possible to find something else that’s a great fit. We won’t leave you in the dark wondering what went wrong.

The Gory Details: Why Recruiters Should Never Ghost

Recruitment is about building relationships, and ghosting destroys trust. Imagine applying for a job, getting your hopes up, and then… nothing. It’s frustrating, it’s unprofessional, and frankly, it’s something we think should be buried six feet under.
At FBR, we pride ourselves on staying in touch—whether it’s good news, bad news, or just an update. We won’t leave you hanging in a creepy corridor wondering what went wrong. Transparency and communication are the anti-ghosting spells we cast every day.

How We Keep the Ghosts Away

We believe in keeping the process as human as possible, here’s how we do it:

  1. Communication at Every Step – Whether you’re a candidate or a client, we’ll always keep you in the loop. Waiting to hear back? We’ll let you know where things stand, even if it’s “no news yet.”
  2. Real Feedback – We know feedback is crucial, even when it’s constructive. We’re not afraid to have those conversations that some might shy away from.
  3. No Vanishing Acts – If you’ve applied through us, you’ll always get a response. Even if the fit isn’t right, we’ll let you know and keep you in mind for future roles.

Final Thoughts: No Ghosts Here

So, as the nights get darker and Halloween approaches, remember: FBR Recruitment is here to guide you through the process, no tricks, just treats. Ghosting might be good for a scary movie, but it has no place in the world of construction recruitment.

Happy Halloween from all of us at FBR Recruitment.

FBR Construction Recruitment – Specialists in Sourcing Construction Workers, Trades & Labour, Main Contractors, Civil Engineers, and M&E Professionals

When it comes to recruitment services in the construction field, FBR Construction Recruitment is your ideal partner. Established in 2017, we have built a strong reputation as a trusted provider of both temporary and permanent staffing solutions across the South East, Home Counties, and South Coast of England. Our focus includes main contractors, residential developers, and a wide variety of positions ranging from labourers to senior executives. Additionally, we offer nationwide recruitment services for Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) roles.

Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring the right fit for every position. Whether you need skilled tradespeople, managers, civil engineers, or M&E specialists, you can count on FBR Construction Recruitment to deliver exceptional candidates and reliable service.

Get in touch with FBR Construction Recruitment today to address all your construction staffing needs!

How to Get the Most Out of Working with a Recruiter.

How to Get the Most Out of Working with a Recruiter.Are you currently seeking a role in the construction industry? Whether you’re a labourer, painter, site manager, or another skilled professional, understanding how to make the most of a recruitment agency can be a game-changer in your job search.

For hiring managers, partnering with the right recruitment agency can streamline the hiring process, ensuring you find the best talent quickly and efficiently.

At FBR Recruitment, we specialise in connecting top talent with leading construction companies, and we’ve seen firsthand how working with a recruiter can enhance your job search. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of working with a recruitment agency like ours.

1. Be Clear About Your Goals

When working with a recruiter, clarity is key. Whether you’re looking for a temporary role, a permanent position, or something more flexible, communicate your goals from the start. At FBR Recruitment, we want to know about your long-term career objectives, preferred location, and desired working environment. The more information you provide, the better we can match you with a role that aligns with your aspirations.

Pro tip: Think beyond job titles. Consider the company culture, team size, and potential for growth as part of your ideal job criteria.

2. Stay Open to Opportunities

You may have a specific role in mind, but being open to a wider range of possibilities can reveal unexpected and rewarding career paths. With access to roles across the construction industry, including many that aren’t publicly advertised, we can help you discover opportunities you might not have considered. Many skills, such as site management, project planning, or technical expertise, are highly transferable, and by keeping an open mind, you could find a role that fits you even better than you originally envisioned.

3. Provide Honest Feedback

Honesty is one of our core values here at FBR, we believe transparent communication is the key to helping you succeed. After an interview or job offer, we encourage you to share your thoughts with us—whether it’s excitement or reservations about the role. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to let us know. Your feedback allows us to better tailor our search and find opportunities that align with your goals. At FBR, we’re not just here to place you in a role; we’re here to find the right role for you, with honesty and your best interests at heart.

4. Trust Their Expertise

At FBR Recruitment, each of our consultants work within a specific sector—whether it’s trades, civil engineering, or main contracting—building strong relationships with hiring managers and staying ahead of industry needs. When we offer advice, whether it’s refining your CV or highlighting the skills that matter most, it’s based on deep industry knowledge and close connections. Trust us to showcase your strengths in a way that stands out to employers, because we know exactly what they’re looking for.

5. Be Responsive

In the fast-paced world of recruitment, being responsive is key to securing the best opportunities. When your recruiter reaches out with a new job listing, an interview request, or any updates regarding your application, aim to respond promptly. This is especially crucial in the construction industry, where demand for skilled workers is high, and opportunities can fill quickly. By staying engaged and communicating effectively, you not only demonstrate your enthusiasm but also increase your chances of landing the role that’s right for you.

6. Follow Up and Stay Engaged

Even after securing a role, it’s beneficial to maintain communication with your FBR recruiter. Staying engaged helps us keep you in mind for future opportunities that align with your evolving career goals. By fostering a strong relationship, you’ll have a dedicated recruitment partner who understands your preferences and can assist you when you’re ready to take your next career step.

Conclusion

Working with a recruitment agency like FBR Recruitment can be a game-changer in finding the right job in the construction industry. By being clear, staying open, providing feedback, trusting your recruiter’s expertise, being responsive, and maintaining engagement, you’ll maximise your chances of landing a role that’s the perfect fit for your skills and ambitions.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Reach out to FBR Recruitment today and let us help you find your ideal role in the construction sector.

FBR Construction Recruitment – Your Go-To Specialists for Construction Staffing Solutions
FBR Construction Recruitment – Experts in Recruiting Construction Workers, Trades & Labour, Residential Developers, Main Contractors, Civil Engineering, and Mechanical & Electrical Services throughout the South East of England.

When it comes to recruiting top talent in the construction sector, FBR Construction Recruitment is your trusted partner. Established in 2017, we have excelled in providing both temporary and permanent staffing solutions tailored for the construction industry throughout the South East, Home Counties, and South Coast of England. Our extensive expertise includes working with main contractors, residential developers, and filling a diverse array of positions, from labourers to senior management. Additionally, we offer nationwide recruitment services for Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) roles. Our dedicated team is focused on connecting you with the right candidates for every position. Whether you require skilled tradespeople, project managers, civil engineers, or M&E specialists, FBR Construction Recruitment ensures outstanding service and high-quality candidates.

To fulfil all your construction staffing requirements, contact FBR Construction Recruitment today.

Spotlight on Women in Construction: Firsthand Insights from FBR's Female Candidates.


Celebrating Women in Construction Week! This is a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in the Construction Industry. Despite being historically male-dominated, women have been breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and making strides in various roles within the Construction sector.

In this special blog edition, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing several of our inspiring female candidates. Their stories, experiences and insights shed light on the challenges they’ve overcome, the successes they’ve achieved, and advice for women looking to get into construction.

Interview 1:

Meet Emma Arnold, currently working as an Assistant Site Manager placed by one of our Consultants, Cameron Whitley.

What is your role and what does it entail?
Assistant Site Manager – My job role is to help the Site Manager in delivering construction projects to completion. I generally supervise the project from 1st fix through to handover, this includes organising both trades and materials while also making sure that health and safety regulations are adhered to at all times.

What has it been like being a woman in construction, and how do you see the industry changing?
I have worked in the construction industry for almost 9 years now and I have never had any problems with being the only woman on a site. I think that women on construction sites is becoming more common and generally most men are not concerned about this, I do believe it is down to the individuals you come across rather than the industry as a whole.

What advice would you give other women looking to start a career in Construction?
My advice would be to just go for it, most of the men I’ve come across are more scared of you than you are of them.

Experience on working with me and FBR Recruitment in general.
I first dealt with Cameron from FBR last year when I got made redundant from my previous role, he was very helpful and friendly. He helped me find a new job within one month so my unemployment time was to a minimum.

Interview 2:

Meet Emma Richards, a Contracts Manager placed by FBR.

What is your role and what does it entail?
Contracts Manager for a fit-out and refurbishment company which involves raising orders for sub-contractors, suppliers and materials for each project, material take-offs, putting together the Health & Safety paperwork and site plans as well as liaising with clients, designers/architects and site teams. Projects can range from empty offices to live, multi-occupancy buildings and sites.

What has it been like being a woman in construction, and how do you see the industry changing?
I began in the construction industry back in 2000 starting with an NVQ 3 in Carpentry & Joinery, from there working as a machinist making doors, windows, frames and kitchens etc. I then decided to look into Site/Contracts Management completing various qualification and gaining valuable experience mainly within the shop fitting and fit-out sectors. I have been very fortunate to have worked with some amazing people and companies that have both been supportive and encouraging throughout my career.

The industry has changed a lot over the years and will continue to do so. It is already working hard to encourage more women to pursue a rewarding career within the sector. There’s much more consideration taken and provisions put in place on site as standard and there is now much more choice in site clothing, boots and PPE etc. which is really encouraging. I certainly look forward to the next 20 years and seeing how much further we can progress as an industry.

What advice would you give other women looking to start a career in Construction?
If it’s something you would like to do and are passionate about just go for it, don’t over think it, there really are so many options and avenues you can follow, something to suit everyone from cost management, site management, engineering, trades, designing, architecture, health and safety etc. If you look for the opportunities, they are there to take, be pro-active and enjoy!

Conclusion

As we conclude this blog honouring Women in Construction, we extend our gratitude to the women who shared their stories and insights. These journeys serve as reminders of the resilience, strength, and talent that women bring to the Construction Industry every day.

If you’re a female looking for work within the Construction Industry, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Or to browse some of our current available jobs visit our Jobs Board.

Let’s continue to champion diversity, promote inclusivity, and create opportunities for women to thrive in Construction and beyond.

Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future for all.

FBR – Construction, Residential, Civil Engineering and Trades and Labour Recruitment Services in the South East of England

We are a recruitment agency serving the South East, Home Counties & South Coast of the UK, including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, East & West Sussex and Middlesex. Whether you are a construction contractor, housing developer, civil engineering contractor, client or job-seeking candidate, contact FBR Recruitment for all construction recruitment and staff requirements — we’ll be very happy to help you.