How to manage being ghosted by recruiters
The experience of applying for a job is filled with its fair share of frustrations, and one of the most disheartening experiences is undoubtedly being 'ghosted' by recruiters and hiring managers. Ghosting, a term originating from the world of online dating, refers to the sudden absence of communication without explanation. In the job search process, this can occur after submitting an application, completing an interview, or even after receiving a job offer. This eternal lack of closure can leave candidates feeling undervalued and questioning themselves, making the hunt for a new job all the more exasperating.
We’ve compiled a short guide on how best to manage ghosting, but before delving into the tips and strategies, it's important to understand why it occurs. Recruiters are handling hundreds of applications and rarely have the time or resources to respond to everyone individually and understanding this perspective can help put the situation in context.
Manage your expectations
When applying for jobs, you should mindfully manage your expectations of how your search will go. Sure, everyone would love to be invited to an interview for every job they apply for, but this expectation is unreasonable. Not all applications will get a response, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have been completely rejected and ought to abandon your job search. It’s crucial to maintain a balanced outlook, recognising that the job market is highly competitive and multiple factors influence recruitment decisions.
Practising patience can alleviate the anxiety associated with waiting and helps you maintain focus on other opportunities. Of course, if you've had an interview and haven't heard back within the expected timeframe, it's acceptable to follow up with the HR department or the interviewing manager. A polite email expressing your continued interest in the role while requesting an update can prompt a response from the recruiter and you may often find that there has been a good reason for their lack of communication.
Networking and self-care
On the other hand, there are times when ghosting will occur, leaving you feeling like your application and/or interview was a waste of time. However, it hasn’t been, as every time you write a cover letter or demonstrate your experience and skills to a recruiter or employer will help you to build confidence. Furthermore, creating a strong professional network can protect you from the harsh realities of ghosting as those within your industry can immediately point you in the direction of new job openings, reducing your reliance on getting responses from recruiters. After all, the next best opportunity might be just around the corner.
When the mental effects of being ghosted by a recruiter come in strong, particularly when it has happened multiple times in a row, then it’s important to focus on things outside of your job hunt. Practising self-care routines like exercising, eating healthily, and taking breaks can help maintain your physical and mental health during this challenging period. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation to balance the demands you are making of yourself. Taking time to reflect can also make clear your career goals and therefore help you to finetune your future applications.
Looking in the right places
When a given recruiter has issued radio silence and you’re struggling to contact them, rather than focusing on the negativity, you should rather broaden your job search. Strike off the application as a loss and think about how to better your next CV or cover letter. Apply for different kinds of roles in different sectors and, of course, set up job alerts for various roles to ensure you don't miss out on any new potential opportunities.
Consider uploading your CV in order to be headhunted for the latest roles, taking away the pressure of always being on the hunt. There are also a number of professional services that can help you improve your CV and interview skills and identify strengths and areas for improvement, increasing your chances of success in your job search.
Moving forward with your applications
It may occur that a recruiter eventually responds after a period of ghosting and you discover that the company had been considering other candidates. At this point, you should engage constructively, express your appreciation for their eventual response and reiterate your interest in the position. This positive engagement can leave a lasting impression, potentially influencing future recruitment decisions in your favour.
Remember, being ghosted by recruiters isn’t a reflection of your professional worth or capability, but is rather an unfortunate part of today's job search process, so keep searching, keep applying, and keep growing professionally. Every application and interview is an opportunity to refine your approach and gain new insights into what employers are looking for.
It may be challenging, but with determination and resilience, you'll be able to manage ghosting effectively and continue progressing in your career journey. When you’re ready to find the latest job opportunities, be sure to visit our jobs page, upload your CV and set a job alert to stay ahead of the recruitment curve. We wish you the best of luck in your search and hope this article will help you to manage the realities of recruiter ghosting.
