The hiring process can be a long and arduous journey, and no one knows this better than job seekers. After all the hard work of putting together a resume, writing a cover letter and attending interviews, it can be disheartening to never receive a response or follow up after the interview process. Ghosting after an interview can be particularly frustrating, as job seekers are left with no answers as to why they were not selected. This blog post will explore the issue of ghosting after an interview and offer advice on how job seekers can cope with this situation. We will discuss the feelings associated with being ghosted after a job interview, why employers may choose to ghost candidates, and what job seekers can do if they are ghosted after an interview. Through this blog post, we hope to provide job seekers with the information and support needed to make the best out of a difficult situation.
Why Employers Ghost Candidates | Why You’re Ghosted By A Company After An Interview
When does ghosting happen?
Ghosting typically occurs when external factors have an impact on the hiring process. The following are some causes of ghosting during the application and interview processes for candidates:
What does being ghosted after an interview mean?
When a company does not contact you after you have met with them for a job interview, this is known as being “ghosted.” The language is also used in relation to intimate matters like friendships and relationships. In a professional setting, ghosting typically refers to instances where it is reasonable to anticipate a response, such as after one or more interviews or after speaking with a hiring manager directly. However, it is typical to submit a job application without a response, making this situation less likely to meet the criteria for ghosting by most definitions.
What can you do if you’ve been ghosted?
Several options are available to you if you think you’ve been ghosted. If you were ghosted during the interview process, take into account using these suggestions to assist:
Follow up effectively
In order to stay in touch with the business and demonstrate your communication skills, following up with the hiring manager or interviewer can be a crucial step. Consider writing an email to your interviewer thanking them for their time and mentioning one or two specifics from your conversation. You may also call to follow up by phone if it is appropriate to do so. Sending a handwritten thank you note can sometimes even enhance the impact. Some applicants discover that contacting them once or twice rather than more frequently results in better results.
Consider another form of contact
Consider using a different method of communication if emailing your interviewer or recruiter hasn’t been very effective. Think about politely contacting someone via messaging on a networking website for professionals, for instance. You could also send a considerate and formal message to other hiring team members to find out what will happen next.
Seek the next opportunity
Consider your application process again, and choose the time you believe will be most beneficial to start concentrating your efforts on the following opportunity. Remember that the reasons may very well be unique to that company or role if, for whatever reason, you have been unable to reach a member of the hiring team for the position you have interviewed for. Try to persevere and project confidence in your upcoming applications and interviews.
Can you prevent being ghosted in the future?
Usually, ghosting results from factors outside your control. When a business changes its hiring priorities, for instance, or if an interviewer has taken time off or changed roles, it can be difficult to prevent ghosting. By reminding an interviewer or recruiter of your application, you can avoid being ghosted in the future by making interview follow-ups a priority. Establishing your portfolio as particularly exceptional and memorable can also help prevent ghosting by practicing self-reflection and continuing to develop your skills.
How to handle being ghosted
If an interviewer has ghosted you, you might be unsure of how to handle the circumstance. Here are some actions you can take to support your job search:
1. Follow up
It is typically best to send a thank-you note after each interview. Send a considerate email thanking the interviewers for their time, and think about mentioning a specific aspect that you may have connected over or that makes you a particularly compelling candidate. If you have the interviewers’ phone numbers and it makes sense for your situation and industry, you might also follow up by phone. A handwritten note of appreciation can occasionally leave a positive impression on the hiring committee.
2. Wait a while longer
It is conceivable that the hiring procedure for a particular position could take longer than anticipated. This may occur for a variety of reasons, including the company receiving a sizable influx of applications, internal personnel issues, or the hiring team’s busy schedule. If at all possible, think about holding off a little longer in case the hiring manager contacts you. Depending on the situation and industry, there are different guidelines for how long to wait before following up, so do some more research or get advice from a reliable source in your field.
3. Reach out via other avenues
Consider contacting them via a different channel, such as a professional networking site, if you have followed up via email without receiving a response after waiting the appropriate amount of time. If this strategy is common in your industry, make sure to keep it in check and try to concentrate on professional networking sites rather than personal ones.
4. Try contacting another individual
Consider finding another point of contact if a suitable and reasonable amount of time has passed and you have not heard from your interviewer or hiring manager. This might entail getting in touch with a different person who conducted your interview, or using an existing internal connection. This could be an effective way to tactfully learn more about the hiring process.
5. Practice interviewing
Another helpful strategy for getting over being ghosted and preparing for the next one is to perform your interview as well as you can. By practicing interview questions, you can remind yourself of your own abilities and qualifications. Some interviewees may feel a negative impact on their confidence level when they don’t hear back from an interviewer or recruiter. You can feel more prepared for upcoming interviews and possibly maintain your confidence even if you get ghosted by someone if you practice your response techniques.
6. Focus on the next role
Last but not least, make sure to pursue additional roles with assurance and tenacity. Despite the fact that you may have been ghosted by one person or business, you might find that you have a wonderful experience with the following one. Following that, applying your efforts and energy to new opportunities can be a good way to keep moving forward in your career and improving your interviewing abilities.
FAQ
Is it normal to get ghosted after interview?
Understand that there was probably nothing you could have done if you were ghosted following a job interview. Most often, a hiring manager has decided to internally fill the position or has changed their priorities.
Why do employers ignore you after interview?
After the interview, if you don’t hear anything, keep in mind that it probably isn’t personal. Most likely, the employer got sidetracked or was thinking about hiring someone else. If you don’t hear back from the follow-up interview, you can send an email.
Why are candidates ghosting interviews?
This is to inform the applicant that the hiring process will not move forward. However, the truth is that a hiring manager or recruiter may not always be informed of or able to react to a candidate’s follow-up email or phone call.