WCT #82: An Employer Ghosted You: 5 Powerful Actions

In recent years, "ghosting" has permeated various aspects of our lives, including the job market. Contrary to being a passing fad, ghosting has become increasingly prevalent, which bewilders both employers and job seekers. According to recent statistics published by Indeed in December 2023, 40% of candidates have been ghosted by employers after the second or third interview, while 78% admit to ghosting employers during the hiring process. These numbers paint a troubling picture of a trend that shows no signs of abating.

If this isn’t going away, what is the jobseeker to do about breakdowns in communication during the hiring process? Here are five actionable steps candidates can take to mitigate the impact of ghosting:

1. Communicate Transparently: Transparency becomes paramount in a job market plagued by ghosting. Job seekers should strive to maintain open communication with prospective employers, promptly respond to emails and calls, and inform them about their intentions and timelines. You live and die on your reputation and good name. Don’t sully it.

2. Build Strong Relationships: Establishing meaningful connections with recruiters and hiring managers can be invaluable. By fostering relationships based on trust and professionalism, candidates can increase their chances of receiving feedback and maintaining communication throughout the hiring process.

3. Follow Up Diligently: After interviews or interactions with potential employers, following up promptly is essential. Sending a thank-you email expressing gratitude for the opportunity and reiterating interest in the position demonstrates professionalism and keeps the lines of communication open. Bonus: make your thank you notes personal, referring back to something interesting you discussed in the interview. It’s far more genuine than blasting out a generic “thank you for your time” message.

4. Stay Persistent: Persistence pays off in a competitive job market. Some of my clients are surprised that people don’t respond to their first attempt at communication. They shouldn’t be. People are juggling multiple demands, and things fall through the cracks. Give a situation three tries before considering yourself ghosted. And if you are ghosted, rather than being discouraged, you should remain resilient and continue pursuing opportunities that align with your career goals. You can only control what’s in your power. You have no control over whether or not someone will ghost you. Consistent effort and determination can eventually lead to success.

5. Try to Make Getting Warm Referrals an Important Part of Your Job Search Strategy: Networking remains a powerful tool for job seekers, especially in combating ghosting. If you can make your way into conversations with companies through people you know (first-degree connections) or people you know who know people in the company (second-degree connections), you’re less likely to be left flapping in the wind if a match isn’t made. After all, there are pre-existing relationships at play here.

The Bottom Line

It's crucial for job seekers to recognize the importance of acting with integrity and respect throughout the hiring process. Ghosting not only reflects poorly on an individual's professionalism but also damages their reputation within the industry. Instead of succumbing to the discouragement of being ghosted, candidates should redirect their energy towards aspects of the job search process they can control.

The prevalence of ghosting in the job market underscores employers' and candidates' need for proactive measures. By fostering transparent communication, building strong relationships, and maintaining persistence, job seekers can navigate the challenges posed by ghosting and emerge as resilient contenders in the competitive employment landscape.

Read more about addressing ghosting:

6 Reasons a Recruiter Ghosted You and What to Do About It