Dealing with Job Interview Ghosting: Expert Tips and Examples

What To Do if You're Ghosted After an Interview: Expert Advice

Getting ghosted after a job interview can be a frustrating and confusing experience. You may have gone through several rounds of interviews, prepared for the job, and waited eagerly for a response, only to hear nothing back. The sudden radio silence can leave you wondering if you said or did something wrong or if there is a problem with your application. But fear not, there are steps you can take if you are ghosted after an interview, and we've asked an expert to share their advice.

According to Lauren McGoodwin, founder, and CEO of the career website Career Contessa, getting ghosted after an interview is not uncommon. She suggests following up with the interviewer or hiring manager after a reasonable amount of time has passed. "A good rule of thumb is to follow up within one week of the last contact you had with the company," McGoodwin says. "This shows that you're interested in the position and gives the company a reminder to respond to you."

When following up, McGoodwin advises being polite and professional, and not making assumptions about why you haven't heard back. "Keep your follow-up message short and sweet," she says. "Thank them for the opportunity to interview and express your continued interest in the position. Ask if there's any update or timeline you can expect to hear back."

If you still don't hear back after your follow-up message, McGoodwin recommends moving on and continuing your job search. "Unfortunately, if you've followed up and still haven't heard back, it's likely a sign that they're not interested in moving forward with you," she says. "Don't take it personally, and don't dwell on it too much. Instead, keep your focus on finding other opportunities that are a better fit for you."

It's also worth noting that sometimes companies have unexpected delays in their hiring process or may be dealing with internal issues that are delaying their response. While it's not ideal, it's not always a reflection on your qualifications or interview performance. That's why it's important to follow up in a polite and professional manner, as it gives the company a chance to provide an update and shows that you are still interested in the position.

Being ghosted after a job interview can be frustrating and confusing, but it's not uncommon. The best thing you can do is to follow up in a polite and professional manner after a reasonable amount of time has passed, express your continued interest in the position, and ask if there's any update or timeline you can expect to hear back. If you still don't hear back, it's best to move on and continue your job search. Remember, it's not always about you, and sometimes things just don't work out for reasons beyond your control.

A. Additional Tips

1. Take Notes During the Interview:

If you have the opportunity, take notes during the interview. This will help you remember key points of discussion and any questions or concerns that were raised. It will also make it easier for you to follow up with specific points in your follow-up message.

2. Be Patient:

While it's important to follow up after a reasonable amount of time, don't be too hasty. Give the company some time to make a decision before following up. Sending a follow-up message too soon can come across as pushy or desperate.

3. Keep Your Options Open:

Even if you feel like the job you interviewed for was the perfect fit for you, keep your options open. Continue to apply for other positions and network with other professionals in your field. The more options you have, the less stressful it will be if you don't hear back from the company.

4. Consider Reaching Out to Your Interviewer on LinkedIn:

If you haven't heard back after following up, consider reaching out to your interviewer on LinkedIn. This can be a good way to stay in touch and keep the lines of communication open. You can send a message thanking them for the opportunity to interview and expressing your continued interest in the position.

5. Don't Burn Bridges:

Even if you don't get the job, it's important to leave a good impression. Thank the company for the opportunity and express your appreciation for the time and effort they put into the interview process. You never know when you may encounter these professionals again, and it's always best to leave a positive impression.

Being ghosted after a job interview can be frustrating, but it's not the end of the world. Follow up in a polite and professional manner, be patient, keep your options open, and don't burn bridges. Remember, the job market can be competitive, but with persistence and a positive attitude, you will find the right opportunity for you.

B. Key Points

1. Don't Take It Personally:

Remember that being ghosted after an interview is not a reflection of your worth or abilities as a professional. Companies have their own reasons for not getting back to candidates, and it's not always about you.

2. Follow Up in a Polite and Professional Manner:

If you haven't heard back after a reasonable amount of time, send a polite follow-up message expressing your continued interest in the position and asking for an update. Keep the message short, sweet, and professional.

3. Keep Your Job Search Going:

While waiting to hear back from a potential employer, keep your job search going. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, as there are many other opportunities out there.

4. Stay Positive:

A positive attitude can go a long way in the job search process. Stay optimistic, focused, and motivated in your search for the right opportunity.

5. Learn from the Experience:

Every job interview is an opportunity to learn and grow as a professional. Take note of what worked well in the interview and what you could improve upon for the future.

6. Network:

Networking can be a powerful tool in the job search process. Connect with other professionals in your field, attend industry events, and join professional organizations. This can help you discover new job opportunities and build relationships with potential employers.

7. Consider Working with a Career Coach:

If you're feeling stuck in your job search or struggling to navigate the hiring process, consider working with a career coach. They can provide guidance, support, and advice to help you reach your career goals.

By keeping these points in mind, you can move forward after being ghosted after an interview with confidence and a positive attitude. Remember, the right opportunity is out there, and with perseverance and patience, you will find it.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1:

Amanda applied for a job and went through several rounds of interviews with the company. She felt confident that she had done well and was excited about the opportunity. However, after several weeks of waiting, she hadn't heard back from the company. She decided to follow up with a polite email expressing her continued interest in the position and asking for an update. A few days later, she received an email from the company apologizing for the delay and informing her that they had decided to go with another candidate. While disappointed, Amanda appreciated the communication and thanked the company for the opportunity.

Example 2:

John applied for a job and had a great initial interview with the hiring manager. He was told he would hear back within a week about a second interview, but the week passed without any communication. John decided to follow up with an email, but he didn't receive a response. After a few more days of waiting, John moved on and continued his job search. A few weeks later, he received an email from the company informing him that they had decided to go with another candidate. While frustrated with the lack of communication, John decided not to dwell on it and focused on finding new opportunities.

Example 3:

Sarah applied for a job and had a fantastic interview with the hiring manager. She followed up with a thank you email but didn't hear back for several weeks. Sarah decided to connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn and sent a polite message expressing her continued interest in the position. A few days later, she received an email from the company offering her the job. Sarah was thrilled and grateful for the opportunity, but she also recognized the importance of following up and staying in touch with potential employers.

These real-life examples demonstrate the importance of following up in a polite and professional manner, keeping your job search going, and staying positive in the face of rejection or lack of communication. By staying focused and persistent, you can find the right job opportunity for you.

Being ghosted after an interview can be a frustrating and demoralizing experience, but it's important to remember that it's not a reflection of your worth as a professional. There could be various reasons for the lack of communication, and it's important not to take it personally.

By following up in a polite and professional manner, keeping your job search going, staying positive, learning from the experience, networking, and considering working with a career coach, you can move forward with confidence and find the right opportunity for you.

Remember, the job search process can be challenging, but with perseverance, patience, and a positive attitude, you can achieve your career goals.