What to do if You're "Ghosted" by an Employer
Being “ghosted” by an employer can be one of the most frustrating experiences during a job search.
You may feel confused, rejected, or even frustrated—especially if you thought the interview went well or you were eager to join the team.
However, it’s important to understand that while being ghosted is unpleasant, it doesn’t always reflect poorly on you as a job seeker. Here’s what you need to know about being ghosted and how to handle it when it happens.
What Does “Ghosting” Mean?
“Ghosting” refers to when an employer stops communicating with you after initial contact, such as an interview or even just after submitting your application. Instead of receiving the next steps or a simple rejection email, the employer goes silent, leaving you unsure of where you stand in the hiring process. While ghosting is common in personal relationships, it can also happen in professional settings, especially during the recruitment process. It can happen for various reasons, including internal hiring delays, changes in priorities, or even just poor communication practices by the employer.
If you’ve ever sent follow-up emails, made polite calls, or waited weeks without a response from an employer, you’ve likely experienced ghosting firsthand.
What Does Ghosting from an Employer Look Like?
When you’re “ghosted” by an employer, it can take different forms depending on the stage of the recruitment process you’re in. Here are some common ways ghosting might happen:
1. No Response After Submitting Your Resume
You’ve spent hours perfecting your resume and writing a tailored cover letter. After applying, you eagerly await a response, but… nothing. Weeks go by, and the silence becomes deafening. You may start to question whether the application even made it to the hiring manager or if the job was filled without posting an update. Ghosting after resume submission can leave you feeling overlooked but remember—this often has more to do with the employer’s processes than your qualifications.
2. Silence After an Initial Screening Call
After submitting your resume, you land an initial screening call with the recruiter. You’re excited that the process is moving forward, and the call seems to go well. However, after the conversation, you never hear back again. Maybe you follow up a few days later and still get no response. This can feel especially disheartening since you thought you were one step closer to landing an interview.
3. No Feedback After an Interview
This is probably the most common form of ghosting. You’ve made it through the first round (or even several rounds) of interviews. You’re eager for feedback or an update on the next steps. Weeks pass, and still, nothing. You reach out again and are met with either no reply or an empty promise of “we’ll get back to you soon.” It’s easy to feel disrespected in this situation but know that delays or no responses can sometimes happen for reasons outside of your control.
4. Failure to Inform You That the Job Was Filled
This form of ghosting occurs when an employer never lets you know that the position was filled. You may have completed all the steps, felt positive about the outcome, and expected to hear back. After waiting a long time, you discover through other channels (perhaps the job posting is removed) that they’ve moved on with another candidate. This lack of communication can leave you in a limbo where you don’t know whether you were rejected or if they just never got around to telling you.
5. No Response After an Offer or Negotiation Stage
Ghosting can also happen after you’ve received a job offer, or during the negotiation stage. Perhaps you’ve agreed on terms, but then the employer goes silent, leaving you wondering if the offer is still valid or if they changed their minds. This can feel even worse, as you may have already been mentally committed to the role.
How to Respond When You’re Ghosted
Ghosting can be frustrating, but it’s important not to take it personally. Here’s what you can do when faced with this situation:
1. Wait a Reasonable Amount of Time
Sometimes, employers are simply busy or have other priorities that delay their response. It’s okay to follow up, but remember to give them time to get back to you. A week or two is usually a fair time to wait before reaching out again.
2. Send a Polite Follow-Up Email
If you haven’t heard back after an interview or submission, a polite follow-up email is a great way to nudge the employer. You can express continued interest and ask if there’s any update on your application status. Make sure your tone is positive and professional.
Example:
“I hope you are doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding the [Job Title] position. I remain very interested in the role and would appreciate any updates on the status of my application. Please let me know if there’s anything further you need from me. Thank you for your time and consideration!”
3. Be Persistent, But Not Overbearing
If you’ve followed up once and haven’t received a response, it’s okay to try one more time, but don’t bombard the employer with multiple emails or calls. Persistence is good, but being too aggressive can make you appear unprofessional. If you still don’t hear anything, it’s time to move on.
4. Continue Your Job Search
It’s tempting to hold out hope, but remember that your time is valuable. Continue applying to other jobs while you wait for a response and don’t put all your eggs in one basket, as you may never hear back from this employer.
We know this can feel discouraging, but we have a few extra articles you can read on this topic:
5. Learn From the Experience
After you’ve been ghosted, take a moment to reflect on the experience. Was there anything you could have done differently during the interview process? Were there red flags during your interactions with the employer? Take note of any lessons learned and apply them to future opportunities.
Strategies to Improve Your Chances and Avoid Ghosting
1. Ensure Clear and Professional Communication
From your resume to your interview follow-up emails, clarity and professionalism go a long way. Make sure your communications are well-written and free of errors. This shows employers that you are detail-oriented and serious about the role.
2. Follow Up, But Know When to Stop
After an interview or application, send a follow-up email. It shows initiative and enthusiasm. However, don’t overwhelm the hiring manager with multiple follow-ups. A polite inquiry a week or two after your interview is usually enough.
3. Be Honest and Transparent
If you have another offer or are considering other opportunities, it’s okay to let the employer know. This can create a sense of urgency for them to decide, especially if they are still in the interview process.
4. Stay Positive and Professional
Even if you’ve been ghosted, don’t let it affect your professional demeanor. Maintain a positive attitude in all your communications. Employers are more likely to respond to candidates who are professional, upbeat, and respectful.
5. Keep Building Your Skills and Network
Use the time spent waiting for a response to improve your skills and expand your network. Attend industry events, webinars, and workshops, or consider taking a course to boost your qualifications. A well-rounded skill set will make you more attractive to future employers.
Ghosting can be disheartening, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t define your worth as a job seeker. The best thing you can do is remain professional, follow up appropriately, and continue pursuing other opportunities
Additional resources to help you navigate ghosting!
Indeed Career Guide – “6 Steps To Take After Being Ghosted Following an Interview”
This article offers tips on how to handle ghosting, including strategies for follow-up and moving on. It also discusses the common reasons why ghosting happens.
Kootenay Employment Services has a collection of articles on related career advice topics.
The Muse – “9 Signs You’re Being Ghosted by a Recruiter”
This article covers different signs to watch out for to know if you’re being ghosted, and how to stay professional when ghosted and provides practical steps for how to follow up without being overly persistent.
Forbes – “Job Ghosting: Why Employers Ghost Candidates During the Interview Process”
Forbes’ article explains why employers ghost candidates and gives tips on how to handle it if it happens to you.
