Unlock the Secrets to Conquer Ghosting: A Job Seeker and Sales Rep's Guide to Never Being Ignored Again!

I was in a conversation where a few people at the table were commiserating over getting ghosted. I couldn’t help but interject and share some insights from the sales and small business world. This is a HUGE topic and problem. Job seekers only experience it on the occasional job hunt, but sales reps and small business owners deal with it daily! It’s my firm belief that sales skills can help everyone. So, instead of calling them “sales skills,” I prefer “relationship skills.”

From years of sales experience and job/client hunting, I’ve found that preventing ghosting is the best way to stop wasting time and focus on the most rewarding and likely outcomes. Whether a sales call or a job lead, the process starts before the first meeting happens. This article will discuss strategies to prevent ghosting and ensure a more productive and efficient communication process.

Please share this with anyone looking to transition to a new opportunity. I’ve collected all my thoughts on the subject so anyone can benefit from or add to this advice on LinkedIn. Hopefully, this information and experience will help you get to a better place. After a few beers during a conversation at the Dancing Gnomes Brewery in Sharpsburg, PA, my fellow networkers greatly appreciated this information. So, I put it on paper (digital paper) for future generations! ;)

1. Practice Asking Questions Before the Meeting

Before the meeting, practicing asking questions that keep you from getting ghosted is crucial. By asking the right questions, you can gauge the client's or hiring company's level of interest and motivation. This will help you determine if they are a solid lead worth pursuing.

2. Take Control of the Situation

Remember that you are shopping for the perfect job or client as much as they are searching for your solution. Instead of leaving the decision-making power solely in their hands, take control of the situation. Understand that their money or job offer does not make the final decision—you do. This mindset shift empowers you to approach the interaction with confidence and assertiveness.

3. Keep Your Pipeline Full

Keep your pipeline full to avoid becoming overly dependent on one prospect or job. Emotions and dreams can cloud judgment, making you more desperate and susceptible to being ghosted. Maintaining a long list of prospects builds confidence and reduces desperation. Focus on following up with solid leads instead of chasing people with little interest or motivation. Don’t waste time trying to convert a bad lead into a good one. Once an apple is rotten, it will stay that way.

4. Avoid Weak Messages

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is leaving weak and uncertain messages, such as "Let me know if you are still interested." These statements convey a position of weakness and lack of confidence. Instead, strive to leave meetings clearly, understanding how motivated and serious the other party is. You can determine their level of interest and commitment by asking the right questions during the meeting.

Four Questions to Ask to Prevent Ghosting:

• “When is a good time to follow up?” Before the meeting ends, schedule the follow-up. Propose a specific date and time for the next contact, ensuring a clear plan for future communication.
• “What’s your deadline?” Ask about their deadline for finalizing their decision. Understanding their timeline helps you manage your expectations and plan your follow-up accordingly.
• “Is there a specific reason for this deadline?” Inquire about the reason behind their deadline. This question reveals their motivation and level of seriousness. Failure to meet the deadline may indicate a lack of commitment or interest.
• “What happens if the job is not filled by the deadline?” Understand the consequences if they don't make their decision by the deadline. This question helps you assess their level of motivation. If they are not serious, moving on quickly and focusing on more promising opportunities is best.

5. Be Candid and Seek Closure

As the meeting ends, get on a personal level and ask the other party if they can be candid with you. Explain that you intend to avoid wasting their time and yours by seeking an honest assessment of your chances of getting serious consideration. If they believe your chances are low, getting closure sooner rather than later is beneficial. Be sincere and genuine in your tone. Using their first name, you can break down the formality and create a more personal connection.?

Example: "John, can we have a candid conversation here? I value your time, as I do mine, and I want to ensure we're on the same page. Based on our discussion today, could you honestly share with me what you think my chances are of getting serious consideration for this opportunity? I'd appreciate your honesty, and if you believe my chances are low, I'd prefer to know sooner rather than later. It's important for me to have closure and move forward in the most productive way possible. What are your thoughts, John?"

6. Craft Effective Messages

If you need to leave a message when following up, ensure it sounds professional and assertive. For example, you can say, "Hello (name). I’m following up on our conversation. In our meeting, you mentioned you needed this position filled by (date) because (reason). We are approaching that time, and I’m calling to see if something has changed. Thank you!" Keep your messages concise and to the point. Avoid sounding desperate or leaving lengthy voicemails.

Remember, a company or client that consistently ghosts people may not be aligned with your values and professional standards. While you should be assertive, it's crucial to maintain professionalism and respect. By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the communication process more effectively and increase your chances of receiving timely responses.

Don't let ghosting discourage you. Stay confident, proactive, and focused on the most rewarding and likely outcomes.

Good luck! Let me know in the comments if this helped and if you would add or modify anything. Cheers!