Getting Ghosted: What Do You Do When They Don't Respond?
Waiting for the phone to ring. But hesitant to reach out. I mean, it’s been a minute, right?
You may think you’re reading a Tinder or Bumble article… but no, it’s for all you job-seekers out there. Getting ghosted in the hiring process is all too real, and it’s an unacceptable practice. (Okay, it’s unacceptable in the dating world too.) Boo.
Scenario 1: Ghosted from the get-go. You worked hard on that resume. You wrote a well-thought-out cover letter clearly outlining your qualifications. You uploaded it into their painful ATS, and then filled in all of the maddeningly duplicate fields that are right there on your resume. Sometimes you get an auto-response that says “thanks for sending your resume. We’ll be in touch should your qualifications match our needs.” But not always.
What to do? Look on LinkedIn. Do you have any connections who work at the company? See if they have any info about the job search, or can help get your resume into the right hands. Sometimes the almighty ATS doesn’t correctly match your talent with the job at stake – a personal touch will always be better than a machine.
Scenario 2: Ghosted by the screener. You had a phone screen. The HR professional seemed impressed by your credentials. They mentioned the salary band and it matched your requirements. The screener said they’d pass on your information to the hiring manager and be in touch.
What happened? Give ’em a nudge. Maybe they forgot. Maybe they went on vacation. Maybe the hiring manager went on family leave. Who knows? An email or a phone call inquiring about the status of your application is just fine! Don’t be a nag or a nuisance – give it a respectable amount of time. But if you don’t hear back, don’t be afraid to ask. But do try to be mentally prepared for “the hiring manager didn’t think you were a good fit.” (And if that was the case, the HR screener could have followed up and let you know, right? But we all have bad days. Thank you, next.)
Scenario 3: Ghosted after getting in the door. You interviewed. No major missteps. You and the interviewer were nodding and finishing each other’s sentences. You toured the office space – you could see yourself in it. You were excited at the prospect of a big project coming up… just the type of thing you like to sink your teeth into. You’re waiting for next steps. Do they want you to furnish references? Will they ask you to meet a VP? Will they extend an offer? But you hear nothing – and you have another offer already on the table from another firm.
Here’s your move. Reach out to your primary contact and express your sincere interest in the position. Reiterate your skillset and your desire to work for such a great company. Ask about next steps. And, if you want to play hardball, it’s okay to let them know you’re engaging with another company, too. This might just be the fire they need lit under you-know-where to either seal the deal or cut you free.
If you have a recruiter in your corner – they can take care of all of these uncomfortable questions for you. We’ll fight for you and advocate for what’s right. But even if you don’t have an executive search firm, remember – your time is valuable. You deserve open communications and respect. And there is no. excuse. for. rudeness. None.
