Job Ghosting Is Real — Here's How To Handle It
Distribute My Resume5 min read. Updated on July 15, 2019
Do you know why job ghosting happens, and just as important, what to do about it?
You've probably heard of ghosting in the context of dating: You go out with someone cute, have a great time together, and come back home expecting a second date. You wait by the phone nervously for the next few weeks to hear nothing at all, finally realizing that you've been ghosted.
Believe it or not, ghosting happens in the working world, too. Job ghosting is incredibly common, with almost half of all job seekers saying they were ghosted by a prospective employer. No updates. No rejection. Just nothing.
If you’re dealing with it now or trying to avoid it later, here’s what you need to know.
Why does job ghosting happen?
Job ghosting doesn’t always come from bad intentions. Sometimes employers ghost candidates. Other times candidates ghost jobs.
Either way, there’s usually a reason behind the silence.
You didn't beat the bots
It’s been about a week since you applied for a particular job and all you hear is crickets. This likely means your resume isn’t making it past the applicant tracking systems companies use to weed through candidates.
Companies get hundreds of applicants for each job they have open. There isn’t a human being alive who can physically go through that many resumes. So, companies use bots to scan incoming applications. The ATS has a reputation for rejecting more than half of the resumes that come in before the recruiter even sees them!
Here’s what to do to get past the ATS:
Tailor your resume using language from job descriptions
Use a balanced mix of hard and soft skills by injecting relevant keywords into your resume
Follow up after you apply by trying to find the hiring manager's contact information (use the company website or social media pages)
The position was put on hold
Sometimes, you might've been ghosted simply because the job opening doesn't exist anymore. This is not uncommon at all. Everything from budget cuts to a hiring freeze or dissension among existing staff about the new role’s responsibilities could be a problem.
Since there is nothing saying the company has to provide applicants with updates, what should you do in this job ghosting scenario? The answer is almost always to follow up.
Right after you apply: Wait about a week, then send a short message that expresses your interest and briefly highlights why you’re a good fit.
After a phone or video interview: Follow up within 24 hours with a thank you note. If you don’t hear back by the date they gave you (or after 7-10 days), check in again.
After a final interview or job offer: Give it a few business days, then follow up. If you still don’t get a response, send one final message. Then, consider moving on.
The reality is job ghosting by a company – especially after a round or two of interviews – is a clear sign of a toxic workplace. The silence could be a clue that you’re dodging a bullet.
You lost out to an internal hire
It’s possible you were never a front-runner, even if you nailed the interview.
Sometimes companies are required to post jobs publicly, even when they already plan to promote from within. You might go through several rounds, only to get ghosted once they finalize the internal hire. It's not great, but it happens more than you think.
That doesn’t mean the door is closed forever. Keep tabs on the company by following them on LinkedIn or setting up Google Alerts. When something newsworthy happens – they win an award, land a big contract, or expand into a new area – reach out to congratulate them. It’s a subtle way to stay visible.
Too many candidates, not enough time
In some companies, hiring is messy. There’s no central system. Different departments give different answers. No one owns the process from start to finish.
When that’s the case, job ghosting is almost inevitable. It’s not because you did anything wrong, it’s because no one knows who’s supposed to respond. And when everyone assumes someone else is doing the follow-up, no one does.
If you sense a lack of structure early on, like vague timelines, scattered communication, or unclear roles, take note. These are red flags that could point to deeper issues inside the company.
They don’t want to reject you
Frankly, the simple answer to why you get ghosted is that no one likes to be the bearer of bad news. So, rather than write a rejection email or offer feedback, some people find it easier to ghost. It’s quicker, requires less emotional labor, and avoids confrontation.
Yes, it’s frustrating and hard to deal with! But think about it like this: this type of job ghosting still says something. If an employer avoids tough conversations before you’re even on the team, how do you think they’ll handle them once you’re there?
Ghosted after the job offer – yes, it happens
This one hurts most. You got an offer – maybe even accepted — and then the employer disappears. It happens for a few reasons:
The company reconsidered the hire
A stronger candidate came through
Internal approvals fell apart
At this stage, give a short grace period, then reach out one last time. If you still hear nothing, move on. You deserve a company that is transparent and one that respects your time.
Maybe you ghosted them
Job ghosting works both ways. Perhaps you went for a job interview and then realized you’re not really interested in the role. You probably walked out the door thinking, “Nah, I’m good.” When this happens, do you hop on your email and send a message letting them know?
At the end of the day, job ghosting – from either side – isn’t illegal, but it is disrespectful. You could end up burning bridges that you may need in the future. A simple, polite email is better than silence.
How to avoid job ghosting
You can’t control how employers behave, but you can take steps to lower the chances of being ghosted. Here’s how to stay visible, responsive, and top of mind throughout your job search:
Follow up at every stage. After applying, interviewing, or receiving an offer, always send a brief follow-up. Reiterate your interest and thank them for their time. It’s a small step that keeps you in the conversation.
Ask about next steps. Before ending an interview, ask when you should expect to hear back. This gives you a clear follow-up window and shows that you’re serious.
Tailor every resume and cover letter. Generic applications are easier to ignore. Use keywords from the job description to get past the ATS and show you’re a strong match.
Research the company’s reputation. Check employer reviews and social media. If job ghosting comes up in reviews or forums, that’s a red flag.
Keep applying elsewhere. Don’t pause your job search while waiting for one employer. If job ghosting happens, you’ll already have other leads in motion.
Don’t take it personally. Job ghosting feels frustrating but it’s often about internal issues, not your qualifications. Keep your momentum going, and don’t dwell.
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It’s not sour grapes, it’s a signal
Job ghosting stings! It’s both annoying and, quite frankly, demoralizing – no question about it. However, it often says more about the company than it does about you. So, try not to let it negatively impact your job search. If they can’t communicate, odds are you wouldn’t be happy working for them anyway.
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