How to Avoid Being Ghosted by Employers

Few things are more frustrating for job seekers than being ghosted by an employer after what seemed like a promising interview. You’ve done everything right—tailored your resume, aced the interview, and expressed your enthusiasm—only to be met with silence. While ghosting can sometimes be beyond your control, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the chances of it happening and to navigate the situation if it does.

Have you ever been ghosted by an employer? Join us for free webinar on Employment Ghosting and what you can do about it on Thursday, February 20th at 4pm ET/1pm PT. Have questions about ghosting? Submit them at registration!

Key Strategies to Prevent Being Ghosted

Be Proactive

One of the best ways to maintain engagement in the hiring process is by demonstrating initiative. After each interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours. This not only expresses appreciation for the opportunity but also reaffirms your interest in the role and highlights how your skills align with the company’s needs.

Set Expectations Early

Before concluding any interview, ask about the next steps in the hiring process. Specifically, inquire about the expected timeline for follow-ups and decision-making. A simple question like, “When can I expect to hear back from you?” can help set clear expectations and give you a reference point for following up later.

Follow Up Appropriately

If you don’t receive an update by the agreed-upon time, send a polite follow-up email or call to check on the status of your application. Keep it brief, professional, and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. For example:

Subject: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Interview

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on our recent conversation regarding the [Job Title] position. I remain very interested in the opportunity and would love to know if there are any updates on the hiring process. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide. Looking forward to your response. Thank you for your time!

Best,
[Your Name]

Build Rapport with the Hiring Team

Establishing a genuine connection with the recruiter or hiring manager can make you more memorable and less likely to be forgotten in the hiring process. Engage in thoughtful conversation during the interview, show enthusiasm for the company’s mission, and even connect with them on LinkedIn after your interview (if appropriate).

Be Transparent About Your Interest

Employers may ghost candidates they perceive as uncertain about the job. Make sure they know you’re excited about the role by clearly expressing your interest. Reinforce why you’re a great fit and convey your eagerness to move forward.

Network Within the Company

If you have connections within the company, reach out to them to gain insights into the hiring process and possibly advocate for your candidacy. Employees can sometimes provide internal updates or nudge hiring managers to keep your application moving.

Research the Employer’s Reputation

Before investing too much energy into the hiring process, research the company’s track record with candidates. Websites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn can reveal patterns of ghosting, helping you gauge whether the company has a history of poor communication.

What to Do If You Think You’re Being Ghosted

Send a Final Follow-Up Email

If you’ve followed up and still received no response, send a final check-in message. Keep it professional and open-ended:

Subject: Final Follow-Up on [Job Title] Opportunity

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I wanted to check in one last time regarding the [Job Title] position. I understand things can get busy, and I completely respect the hiring process. If the role has been filled or if priorities have shifted, I would appreciate any updates you can share. Thank you again for your time and consideration—I hope to stay in touch.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Reach Out to a Different Contact

If you have a recruiter or other internal connection at the company, consider reaching out to them for an update.

Accept That It May Not Be Personal

Sometimes, ghosting happens due to circumstances beyond your control—budget cuts, hiring freezes, or internal restructuring. If an employer stops responding despite your best efforts, it may be best to move on and focus on other opportunities.

Final Thoughts

While job seekers can’t always prevent ghosting, taking proactive steps—such as setting clear expectations, following up appropriately, and networking—can significantly improve communication throughout the hiring process. And if you do experience ghosting, remember: the right employer will value and respect your time. Keep applying, stay persistent, and trust that the right opportunity is out there!

Have you ever been ghosted by an employer?  Join us for free webinar on Employment Ghosting and what you can do about it on Thursday, February 20th at 4pm ET/1pm PT.  Have questions about ghosting?  Submit them at registration!