4 Reasons Your Job Applications Get Ghosted & Practical Steps to Set Yourself Up for Success | Part One of Two:

Simon Siew | Director Tyson Consult

Application Tracking & The Power of Referrals

Defining Ghosting in Job Applications

Before delving into the reasons and practical ways to avoid it, it's crucial to clarify what "ghosting" in the job application process means. There are generally two types:

• Pre-Interview Ghosting: You've submitted your application but have heard nothing back from the employer.
• Post-Interview Ghosting: You've gone through an interview, perhaps even multiple rounds, but suddenly, communication ceases.

Application Tracker | Narrative Through Perspective & Taking Control

The job market has shifted, and you've felt it. When redundancies occur, recruiters are generally the first out the door (a hiring slowdown makes this the most logical cut).

Why should you care? Well, fewer recruiters dealing with a higher volume of applications likely means longer application lead times and a focus on referrals. Without this perspective, it’s easy to think, "Is it me?" The answer is no, it's not you. However, if you're applying to roles with less than a 70% skill match, you can’t expect recruiters to run back to you. Balance is key.?

Where things can go off the rails: We're programmed to recognise patterns. If the message you're getting is 'Silence' or 'Rejection,' rather than seeing the big picture for what it is, this can be very demotivating. Whether you're sending out 5 or 500 applications, failing to track them is a recipe for disaster.

Benefits of Tracking Applications

Why You'll Love It: Having an application tracker brings method to the madness. It's an organic strategy builder that allows you to double back, follow up on all applications, and clearly identify the interview stage for each role where applicable. Simply put, it's your bird's-eye view in a complex landscape.

Referrals | The Job Application Equivalent of The Bat-Phone

If you're too young to get that reference, I envy you. But, I can tell you it’s a very positive thing — NOTHING is stronger.

Why should you care? Referrals are often mutually beneficial for all parties involved: Applicant, Referrer, Recruiter, Hiring Manager, and ultimately, the Organisation. While a referral doesn't guarantee better treatment, it often expedites the process and keeps you informed about your application status.

Benefits of Referral Applications: A direct line, cutting through the noise, call it what you will. With a referral, you're not just another application in a stack; you're a known quantity backed by internal advocacy. This often expedites the hiring process, making it a win-win for you and the recruiter. Plus, you gain insights about the company, its culture, and its teams from someone on the inside. And let's not forget, if you're successful, your referrer might get a bonus, the recruiter fills the role more easily, and the organisation gains a valued new member.

Concluding Part One:

For those who don't yet have an application tracker, feel free to reach out to me directly, and I'll send you a simple Google Sheets/Excel template along with a brief explainer. Align your expectations accordingly when applying for jobs; it will serve you well in this competitive market.

Stay tuned for a follow-up article where I'll delve into the art of 'asking for referrals.' In the meantime, feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or for more personalised guidance.

In Part Two of this series, we'll go beyond application tracking and referrals to explore advanced strategies that can set you apart in today's job market. From optimising your resume to unlock Applicant Tracking Systems to strategic networking and maintaining mental balance during your job search, stay tuned for more practical steps to avoid being “ghosted.”