Ghosted by an employer after a job interview? Searching for a job can be a long and sometimes exhausting process. One of the most frustrating experiences is when an employer stops responding after an interview, leaving you wondering what happened. This lack of communication, often called “ghosting,” has become more common in recent years.
According to recent surveys, a staggering 77% of job seekers reported being ghosted by an employer since 2020, with 46% of candidates being ghosted after an interview. But ghosting doesn’t just happen to job seekers— 76% of employers say they’ve been ghosted by potential hires as well. So, what can you do if you find yourself in this situation?
What Does It Mean to Be Ghosted After an Interview?
Being ghosted after an interview means the employer or recruiter stops communicating with you after the interview. They may not respond to your emails or calls, leaving you without feedback on the outcome of your application.
Why Do Employers Ghost Candidates?
Employers may ghost candidates for various reasons, many of which are beyond the candidate’s control. Common reasons include:
- The position has been filled: Sometimes, an employer hires someone else but doesn’t inform the remaining candidates.
- Company priorities shift: The role may be cancelled or restructured, leaving no need for further hiring.
- Overwhelming applications: Some employers receive more applications than they can handle, causing delays or lapses in communication.
Steps to Take if You’re Ghosted After a Job Interview
If you’ve been ghosted after a job interview, here are some practical steps you can take:
1. Send a Follow-Up Email
About a week after your interview, send a courteous follow-up email. Keep it brief—thank them for their time, restate your interest, and politely ask if there are any updates regarding the role. Studies show that 58% of job seekers expect to hear back from employers within a week of applying.
2. Wait a Little Longer
Sometimes, delays happen for reasons unrelated to you. The hiring team might be overwhelmed with applicants or need more time for internal decision-making. While it’s frustrating, waiting for up to two or three weeks after an interview might still be within a normal range for some industries.
3. Try a Different Communication Method
If you don’t hear back after a follow-up email, consider trying another method. For example, you might send a professional message via LinkedIn or contact another company representative, like a HR manager, if you have their contact details.
4. Practise for Future Interviews
Being ghosted can affect your confidence. To stay sharp, continue practising your interview skills with friends or mentors. It’s also helpful to rehearse answers to common interview questions to keep your confidence up for future opportunities.
5. Move on and Focus on New Opportunities
If you’ve given ample time and followed up without a response, it’s time to focus on other roles. Ghosting is unfortunately a common part of modern job searching, but it’s important to move on and keep applying elsewhere.
The Impact of Ghosting on Employers
Ghosting can harm a company’s reputation. Studies show that a poor candidate experience, such as being ghosted, can lead to 80% of job seekers avoiding applying to that company in the future. For businesses, it’s crucial to maintain open lines of communication to protect their brand and attract top talent.
Conclusion
While being ghosted is never ideal, understanding that it’s often due to external factors can help ease the frustration. The key is to stay proactive—send follow-up emails, continue preparing for future opportunities, and, if necessary, move on. Remember, each interview experience helps you refine your skills and brings you closer to landing your ideal role.
For more career advice, head over to our candidates page.
