There is something you can do - keep the candidate up to date with what's going on. If the candidate has to write a sodding bot to pester the company, that's a

There is something you can do - keep the candidate up to date with what's going on. If the candidate has to write a sodding bot to pester the company, that's a sign the company has dropped the ball on communications. I've been there. Had coffee with start up boss when unemployed, was good. Had chat with current senior Dev, was good. Ask about discussing further, nothing. Chase, nothing. 2 months later I have a different job, I see boss at event, we wave across room and the next day he emails asking if I'm still looking. No. How is this a professional way to deal with someone? In contrast, good interviews have always told me clearly when things would happen and have stuck to that. It only takes a minute to communicate well, and it really pays off.