What to Do When You’re Ghosted After a Job Interview
You aced the interview. You connected with the hiring manager. You left feeling confident — maybe even excited. Then… nothing. No follow-up call, no email, no feedback. Just silence.
Welcome to the frustrating reality of being “ghosted” during the job search. It’s disappointing, it’s confusing, and unfortunately, it’s more common than you might think.
Why Employers Ghost Candidates
While it can feel personal, ghosting is often the result of internal processes — or a lack of them — rather than a reflection of your qualifications. Some common reasons include:
- Internal delays: Hiring priorities can shift unexpectedly.
- High volume of applicants: Recruiters may be juggling dozens of candidates.
- Budget freezes: The role could be put on hold without warning.
- Decision changes: They may decide to promote from within or change the job scope entirely.
In other words, it’s often not about you — it’s about their process.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Ghosted
Instead of sitting in limbo, take proactive steps to regain control of your job search:
- Follow Up Politely
Send a short, professional email thanking them for the opportunity and asking if there are any updates. Keep it positive and concise. - Give It Time — But Not Too Much
Wait about a week after your last interaction before following up. If you still don’t hear back after a second follow-up, it may be time to move on. - Stay Visible
Connect on LinkedIn and engage with the company’s content. This can keep you top-of-mind without being pushy. - Keep Applying Elsewhere
Don’t pause your search while waiting. The best defense against ghosting is having multiple opportunities in play.
How to Protect Yourself from Ghosting
While you can’t control an employer’s communication habits, you can set yourself up for a better experience:
- Work with a recruiter: At Dunhill Staffing Systems, we act as your advocate and keep you updated throughout the process.
- Ask about timelines: Before you leave the interview, ask when you can expect to hear back.
- Confirm your interest: Clearly express that you’re excited about the role and eager to move forward.
Recruiters like Dunhill can help minimize ghosting by providing candidates with direct feedback — even if the outcome isn’t a job offer.
Bouncing Back and Moving Forward
Ghosting can be discouraging, but it doesn’t have to derail your job search. Treat it as a sign to focus your energy on companies that value clear communication and respectful candidate experiences.
For more perspective on why ghosting happens and how to respond, check out this article from The Balance, which offers additional strategies for moving forward with confidence.
