What to Do if You’re Ghosted After an Interview (10 Ways + Tips)
Ever faced an eerie silence after a job interview? Feel like you’re getting the ‘cold shoulder’ from the company you applied to? You’re not alone! This feeling of being “ghosted” after an interview can be frustrating, disheartening, and downright confusing.
But don’t worry; there’s plenty you can do! Let’s dive into some practical, easy-to-follow steps to handle this situation and keep your job hunt moving forward!
Table of Contents
- Understanding Ghosting After An Interview
- Signs You’ve Been Ghosted
- No Response After Follow-Up Emails
- Unanswered Phone Calls
- Unfulfilled Promises Of Feedback Or Further Communication
- Changes In The Company’s Online Job Postings
- Common Reasons For Ghosting After An Interview
- Things to Do if You’re Ghosted After an Interview
- 1. Maintain Patience
- 2. Send A Follow-Up Email
- 3. Reach Out Via LinkedIn Or Other Professional Networking Platforms
- 4. Seek Feedback, If Possible
- 5. Reevaluate The Company And The Opportunity
- 6. Continue Your Job Search
- 7. Consider Professional And Personal Network For Information
- 8. Reflect And Learn From The Experience
- 9. Take Care Of Your Mental And Emotional Health
- 10. Stay Positive And Keep A Professional Attitude
- Ways To Prevent Ghosting In Future Interviews
- Ask About The Next Steps During The Interview
- Maintain Professionalism Throughout The Process
- Set Clear Expectations With Hiring Managers
- Send A Thank You Email Post-Interview
- Demonstrate Continued Interest In The Position
- Leverage Ghosting As A Learning Experience
- Strengthen Future Interviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if a potential employer ever contacts me again after ghosting me?
- If ghosted, should I mention this experience when applying or interviewing for other jobs?
- Can I still apply for future positions at the same company after being ghosted?
- Conclusion
Understanding Ghosting After An Interview
In the dating scene, ghosting is when someone you’ve been interacting with suddenly goes radio silent—no calls, no texts, nada.
Meanwhile, ghosting in a job interview context occurs when a potential employer stops communicating with a job applicant after conducting an interview, even after candidates have spent considerable time and effort in the application and interview process. This behavior leaves the candidate uncertain and unsure of the status of their job application.
Signs You’ve Been Ghosted
No Response After Follow-Up Emails
You have sent multiple follow-up emails after the interview but haven’t heard back from the employer. It’s common courtesy to send a follow-up email to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position.
Related: How to Follow up After an Interview If You Haven’t Heard Back
However, if you still haven’t received a reply after a week or two, it might be a sign that you’ve been ghosted.
Example: You sent two follow-up emails, one after the interview and another after waiting for 10 days, but there is still radio silence from the recruiter.
Unanswered Phone Calls
You called the company several times after your interview, but it went unanswered, or you were always redirected to voicemail. While employers can be busy and may not return your call immediately, a complete lack of response might indicate that you’re being ghosted.
Unfulfilled Promises Of Feedback Or Further Communication
During the interview, the recruiter mentioned that they would provide feedback or follow up with you, but they didn’t. This may be another sign you’ve been ghosted.
Here are some practical examples of this situation:
- Example 1: The employer mentioned they would provide feedback within a week, but two weeks have passed, and you’ve received no communication.
- Example 2: You were told you would receive an update on your application status, but it’s been over two weeks, and there is still no information.
Changes In The Company’s Online Job Postings
Another indicator of being ghosted is noticing changes in the company’s job postings online. If you see that the position you applied for has been removed or updated, it could mean that the employer has moved forward with other candidates.
| Position | Date Posted | Changes |
| Job A | 2 weeks ago | Removed from site |
| Job B | 1 month ago | Updated with new requirements |
Common Reasons For Ghosting After An Interview
There are several reasons why you might be ghosted after an interview. Understanding these reasons can help you navigate the situation more effectively.
Here are a few common reasons for ghosting:
- The hiring process has been delayed or put on hold: The company may have decided to postpone the hiring process, either due to budget constraints or changes in organizational priorities.
- A decision has not yet been made: The company might still be interviewing other candidates or evaluating internal applicants, extending the decision-making process.
- The position has been filled: Although it is unprofessional, some companies may not contact unsuccessful candidates to inform them they did not get the job.
- There’s a large volume of applicants: Particularly for popular companies and competitive roles, the sheer number of applicants can sometimes overwhelm the HR department, causing slower responses.
- Inefficiencies in the hiring process: Some companies have a slow, disorganized, or inefficient hiring process that leads to poor communication with candidates.
By recognizing ghosting in the job interview context and understanding its common causes, you can better navigate the job search process and maintain a confident and proactive approach.
Things to Do if You’re Ghosted After an Interview
Now that we’ve deciphered the concept of job interview ghosting, it’s time to move from understanding to action. Let’s delve into the 10 steps to shift from feeling lost to becoming the boss of your job search!
1. Maintain Patience
Have you ever heard the saying, “Patience is a virtue”? It’s a phrase that becomes all too relevant when you’re waiting for a job opportunity to pan out. Job hunting can be a time-consuming process, and sometimes, all you can do is wait.
This waiting period can be due to numerous factors, such as:
- The volume of applications
- The company’s internal processes
- the busyness of the hiring team.
So, during this time, try to stay patient.
2. Send A Follow-Up Email
If you’ve been waiting a while without any response, it might be time to send a follow-up email. A simple, polite email asking for an update can demonstrate your continued interest in the position.
Make sure to keep it professional and avoid sounding impatient or pushy. A follow-up email is not just a nudge to the employer but also a way to keep the lines of communication open.
Sample template:
“Subject: Following Up: [Your Name] – [Position You Interviewed For]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you’re well. Just touching base to express my gratitude for the [Position You Interviewed For] interview on [date]. Your insights about [Company’s Name] illuminated and intensified my interest in the role.
If further information is needed to support my application, I’d be happy to provide it. I’m eager to learn about any next steps.
Thank you again for considering my application and the opportunity to meet with you. I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding the next steps in the hiring process.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]“
3. Reach Out Via LinkedIn Or Other Professional Networking Platforms
If you’re not having any luck via traditional channels, consider reaching out on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. LinkedIn and similar platforms offer a direct line to the company and hiring managers.
You can use this platform to express interest, ask questions, or build your professional network. However, always remember to maintain professionalism when using these platforms.
Fact: LinkedIn has over 750 million members as of 2021, making it a great platform to connect with professionals worldwide.
4. Seek Feedback, If Possible
If your application was not successful, try reaching out to the company to ask for feedback. Not every company will be able to provide this, but some might be willing to give you pointers on how you could improve.
Feedback is an invaluable tool for personal and professional development. It can give you insights into potential areas of improvement that you might not have recognized.
Tip: You can request feedback via email, saying: "I appreciate the opportunity to interview for [Job Title] and was wondering if you could provide any feedback that might help me in my future job search."
5. Reevaluate The Company And The Opportunity
If things aren’t going the way you expected, it might be a good idea to reevaluate the company and the opportunity.
It’s essential to work in a place where you feel valued and content. So, consider factors like:
- The company’s culture
- Your potential role
- Growth opportunities
Sometimes, not getting a job can be a blessing in disguise if the company or the role isn’t a good fit for you.
6. Continue Your Job Search
Never put all your eggs in one basket. If one opportunity doesn’t work out, continue your job search. The job market can be competitive and unpredictable.
The key is to keep your options open and continue applying for roles that fit your skills and career aspirations. It’s a numbers game, and eventually, you’ll land the right opportunity.
7. Consider Professional And Personal Network For Information
Networking is a powerful tool in the job search process. Reach out to your professional and personal contacts for potential job opportunities, advice, or information. Networking can open doors to opportunities you might not find in traditional job listings.
Tip: Attend networking events, join professional organizations related to your field, or engage with online communities.
8. Reflect And Learn From The Experience
Every experience, including the ones we perceive as negative, is a learning opportunity. If a job opportunity doesn’t work out, reflect on the experience.
Consider what you learned from the process and how to apply those lessons to future opportunities. Reflection allows us to learn from our mistakes and improves our future actions.
As you reflect on your experience, remember not to take the outcome personally or let it define your worth.
9. Take Care Of Your Mental And Emotional Health
Job searching can be stressful and mentally draining. Taking care of your mental and emotional health is vital during this process.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep, and taking time for relaxation can all help maintain your health. Mental well-being is just as important as physical health, especially when facing a potentially stressful situation like a job search.
10. Stay Positive And Keep A Professional Attitude
Keeping a positive attitude during a job search can make the process less stressful and more productive. Even if you face rejections, remember that every “no” brings you one step closer to a “yes.”
A positive mindset can help you stay motivated and persistent in your job search. Maintaining a professional attitude during interactions with potential employers is also always important. It leaves a good impression and shows your commitment and seriousness about your career.
Winston Churchill once said,
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
Always remember your journey is unique to you. It’s not about how fast you get there but the experiences and growth along the way.
Ways To Prevent Ghosting In Future Interviews
Ask About The Next Steps During The Interview
Understanding the hiring process is crucial in preventing ghosting. During the interview, ask about the next steps, including the timeline for decision-making. This gives you a clearer picture of when you should expect to hear back and helps keep the lines of communication open.
For example, ask:
- “When can I expect to hear back about the next steps or the hiring decision?”
- “What are the subsequent stages in the hiring process?”
- “Can I provide additional information or references to assist in the decision-making process?”
Maintain Professionalism Throughout The Process
Keeping a professional demeanor throughout the hiring process can prevent ghosting. Be punctual, responsive, and courteous in all your interactions. This not only leaves a positive impression but also encourages reciprocal professionalism from the hiring team.
Set Clear Expectations With Hiring Managers
Setting clear expectations with hiring managers is crucial. Discuss your expectations regarding communication and feedback during the initial stages of the hiring process. This fosters a more transparent and respectful relationship.
Send A Thank You Email Post-Interview
A post-interview thank you email serves as a gentle reminder of your interest in the position. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your professionalism. Moreover, it keeps you fresh in the hiring manager’s mind and may prompt a timely response.
Demonstrate Continued Interest In The Position
Regularly demonstrating your interest in the position can help prevent ghosting. You can do this by following up at appropriate intervals and staying engaged with the company, such as engaging with their social media content or attending their public events. Just be careful not to overdo it and become a nuisance.
Leverage Ghosting As A Learning Experience
It’s tough when you don’t get a response after a job interview, but you can use this as a chance to learn. Think back on your time with the company and see if there were any mistakes or things you could do better.
Also, try to remember if there were any warning signs about the company that you didn’t notice during the interview. This can help you spot problems with the company’s culture.
Even though it hurts, not hearing back can be a signal to spread out your job hunt and keep more doors open.
Keep in mind that:
- Looking for a job is like playing the odds, and the more places you apply, the better your chances of getting hired.
- Talking and connecting with people can lead to job opportunities you won’t find in advertisements.
- Making your resume and cover letter fit each job you apply for can boost your chances of getting the job.
Strengthen Future Interviews
Ghosting can be a valuable learning tool to help you perform better in future interviews. Here are a few ways you can use your experience to your benefit:
- Understand common interview questions and develop thoughtful responses.
- Research the company and its culture in advance, demonstrating your interest and fit.
- Gather specific examples of your skills and accomplishments to use in response to questions.
Reflect on your past interviews and consider any feedback you may have received. Apply this knowledge to enhance your interview preparedness and boost your confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a potential employer ever contacts me again after ghosting me?
If a potential employer contacts you again after ghosting you, there are several things you can do:
Evaluate your feelings: First, acknowledge your feelings about being ghosted and assess whether you’re still interested in the position. Remember, the way a company treats candidates during the hiring process can be a reflection of its culture.
Request for explanation: If you decide to engage, you can politely ask for an explanation about the delayed response. Keep the tone professional and non-accusatory. It might be possible that there was a reasonable explanation, such as an internal issue or an unintentional oversight.
Reiterate your interest: If you’re still interested in the job, make sure to express this clearly. It’s okay to communicate your enthusiasm for the role, discuss your qualifications, and ask about the next steps in the process.
Keep your options open: Even if you decide to proceed with this employer, continue to apply to other jobs. It’s smart to keep your job search active until you have a firm job offer in hand.
Maintain professionalism: Regardless of the circumstances, maintain professionalism in your communication. This will reflect positively on you, irrespective of the outcome.
If ghosted, should I mention this experience when applying or interviewing for other jobs?
It’s generally not recommended to mention being ghosted by a previous potential employer when applying or interviewing for other jobs. The primary reason is that it shifts the focus away from what’s most important in an interview: your skills, qualifications, and the value you could bring to the company.
Discussing a negative experience, such as being ghosted, could potentially raise red flags to the hiring manager, even if the fault was not yours.
They may question why the company didn’t follow up or could interpret it as you speaking negatively about a previous employer, which is typically frowned upon.
Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your professional journey. Speak about your skills, achievements, and learnings from past roles and how you can apply these to the prospective job.
This will present you in a more positive light and keep the conversation centered on why you are the best candidate for the position.
Can I still apply for future positions at the same company after being ghosted?
Yes, you can definitely apply for future positions at the same company after being ghosted. It’s important to remember that ghosting might not reflect the company’s overall culture. It could have been an oversight, a result of organizational issues, or a hectic time for the hiring team.
However, you should consider your previous experience when deciding whether to reapply. If you feel that the company’s behavior during the hiring process is indicative of its overall communication style or respect for potential employees, you may choose to look for opportunities elsewhere.
If you decide to reapply, approach the new opportunity with professionalism and enthusiasm, just as you would any other role.
If you’re asked about your previous application during the hiring process, be honest but tactful, focusing more on why you’re still interested in the company rather than the negative experience.
It’s also worth noting that different roles can have completely different hiring teams, so you may not face the same issues when reapplying.
Conclusion
So, if you find yourself being ghosted after an interview, remember, it’s not the end of your job hunt story! Keep your chin up and persist.
Continue reaching out professionally, seek feedback, network, and don’t forget to take care of your mental health during this process. The world is full of opportunities; sometimes, not hearing back might just be a stepping stone to the perfect job for you. Happy hunting!