Ghosted by a recruiter or hiring manager? Here’s what to do

If you’ve sent countless resumes, prepared for interviews, and finally applied for the job of your dreams, it’s only natural to hope for some feedback. But what happens when the recruiter or hiring manager just stops responding? The silence can be frustrating and confusing. This experience, often called ghosting, is all too common in today’s job market, leaving job seekers uncertain and anxious about their next steps.

The good news? It’s not just you, and there are practical ways to handle it. This article will explore why ghosting happens in recruitment, what immediate actions you can take, and how to stay resilient and proactive in your job search.

Why does ghosting happen in recruitment?

While ghosting can feel personal, it often happens for reasons that have nothing to do with you as a job candidate. Here are some common factors behind recruiter or hiring manager silence:

1. High application volumes

Recruiters and hiring managers often receive an overwhelming number of applications. Sometimes, they simply don’t have the capacity to get back to everyone, even though they’d like to.

2. Internal changes

Perhaps the hiring process has been delayed or put on hold due to budget cuts, team reorganisations, or internal restructuring. Unfortunately, communicating this to candidates may not always be a high priority.

3. A shift in priorities

Occasionally, companies rethink their goals and decide not to move forward with certain roles. This means some candidate applications get left in limbo.

4. Human error

It sounds simple but can happen easily; an email might be missed, or your follow-up could get accidentally buried in their inbox.

5. Lack of processes

Some organisations don’t have robust systems in place to ensure every candidate receives a response. This may be due to smaller HR teams, inefficiencies, or even technology limitations.

While these reasons aren’t excuses, understanding them can help shift your perspective and encourage you not to take ghosting personally.

What to do if you’re ghosted right now

If you’ve been left hanging after an interview or initial communication, there are a few immediate steps you can take to seek clarity and regain control of the situation:

Step 1. Send a polite follow-up email

Draft a short but professional follow-up email to remind the recruiter or hiring manager of your interest in the role. You could write something like:

*”Hi [Recruiter’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding my application and interview for [specific job title] on [date]. I remain very interested in this opportunity and would appreciate any updates you can share about the process.

Thank you for your time and support!”*

This not only shows your continued enthusiasm but also gives them a gentle nudge to respond.

Step 2. Verify their contact details

Before you assume you’re being ghosted, double-check that you have the correct email address or phone number. Mistakes can happen, and emails sometimes land in spam folders.

Step 3. Review your timeline

Consider the timeframe given during your last communication. If they mentioned needing two weeks to make decisions and it’s only been one week, give them the benefit of the doubt and a little extra time.

Step 4. Try an alternate communication channel

If appropriate, connect with the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn and send a polite message. Be mindful of maintaining professionalism and avoid coming across as overly pushy.

Long-term strategies to prevent ghosting

While ghosting can’t always be avoided, there are steps you can take to foster stronger connections with recruiters and stand out as a candidate:

Build relationships before the hiring process

Start networking within your industry early. Building rapport with potential employers or recruiters can help you stand out when it’s time to apply for positions.

• Use platforms like LinkedIn to engage with industry professionals.
• Attend networking events or webinars related to your field.
• Stay in touch with past colleagues who might connect you to opportunities.

Tailor your applications

Customising your resume and cover letter to match each job posting will make you a more compelling candidate and increase your chances of getting noticed.

Keep a record of applications

Document where and when you’ve applied, including any communication you’ve received. This will help you track follow-ups and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Need help finding a job you’ll enjoy? Chat to CoAct today to understand the supports available through Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) and Workforce Australia.