What to do when you're ghosted

In these newsletter updates, we're committed to offering practical advice, support, and inspiration for your job hunt. We understand how difficult it can be when you're facing a complex recruitment system, feel like you're not making progress, and don't know where to turn. With many years of experience in the recruitment industry, we've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to individuals getting hired and we're here to share our expertise and lend a helping hand where you need it most.

Last week, we conducted a poll on the company page to ascertain what you find most challenging about your job search and the outcomes were certainly illuminating.

The highest area of concern was knowledge of “networking online” with 45% (which we will discuss more on soon), but we also had many more people commenting on the post about how being “ghosted” by recruiters or organisations was the most frustrating part of their search.

And yes - we hear you!

Of course, there's nothing more annoying than having put in all the work and energy into preparing your resume, doing your research, writing a cover letter, and maybe even attending an interview...only to hear nothing. It's a bitter pill to swallow for sure.

The very least you would wish for in this process is an acknowledgement, even if the news isn’t the positive response you’re looking for. Some human contact in return for the human effort you’ve put in and the human emotions you feel about it.

Considering your frustrations around this, we thought it might be helpful if we put together a few tips and pointers about this and how you might support yourself through it.

So, what exactly is ghosting?

Sadly, it's a term that has become all too common in our busy, modern world. In relation to the recruitment process, it means that you have initiated the recruitment process either with a recruiter or organisation and they are not responding to you. They are potentially avoiding or ignoring you or are just yet to return communication.

What might be the reason for ghosting?

1. Like all of us, hiring managers and recruiters have busy lives - perhaps something has come up such as illness, a personal issue, or even a change in staff?

2. The recruitment process might be more complicated than initially expected, and it is taking some time to arrange meetings with the appropriate team members to move the process forward.

3. It is possible that they have unfortunately chosen not to proceed with your application, and they are too busy to get back to you.

What can you do about ghosting?

1.?????Ask ahead of time for an estimate of the timeline of the recruitment process, so you know what to expect.

2.?????Follow up politely and amicably with your recruiter and thank them for their help. Take care not to harass them.

3.?????If you're working with a recruiter, form a bond with them so they remember you.

4.?????Maintain a positive attitude. Finding a job can be emotionally challenging and you may receive rejections. Don't let them knock you off your feet and keep your confidence up.

5.?????Review your resume, LinkedIn, and any information you share with hiring managers or recruiters to ensure it is the best it can be. (We can help more with this when the Hub relaunches).

6.?????Don't take rejections personally. There is a lot of competition in the job market and employers are looking for specific skills and qualifications, and yours may not have been the best fit this time.

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It's incredibly disheartening to have these experiences, and if you are, we want you to know that you're not alone. Do what you can to stay positive, keep reviewing your process, and keep going!

We will be sharing more detailed advice, support, and training on subjects like this on the upcoming Hub. If you'd like to be one of the first to get a sneak peek and potentially become a Founder Member of the Hub, we'd love to invite you to sign up on our exclusive "first to hear" Hub mailing list.