You’ve polished your resume, hit “submit,” maybe even nailed that first interview, and then… silence. No email, no call, no update. Just the haunting echo of your own inbox.
Welcome to the spooky season of hiring: ghosting.
While it might feel personal, it’s more common than you think, and not always as mysterious as it seems. Let’s break down why it happens by breaking down some of the reasons you may be being ghosted by recruiters.
Recruiters and hiring managers are juggling a multitude of tasks: multiple openings, internal changes, and shifting priorities. Sometimes, candidates get lost in the shuffle, unintentionally.
Budget freezes, role changes, or unexpected internal hires can render a position obsolete overnight. It’s not you, it’s the market doing its best disappearing act.
Some teams just don’t have strong follow-up processes (boo!). You might have made it far, but if updates aren’t prioritized, it can feel like your application was buried.
Send a friendly, professional follow-up:
“Hi [Name], I really enjoyed learning about [Company/Role] and wanted to see if there’s been any update on next steps.”
Keep it short, polite, and positive!
Don’t wait around for one opportunity to resurrect. Keep applying, networking, and exploring other roles. The best way to beat silence is to keep the energy (and momentum) alive.
Engage with recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn. Comment on posts, share industry insights, and stay visible. Familiar faces are harder to ghost.
If you were ghosted, it says more about the process than your potential. A company that doesn’t communicate well during hiring often doesn’t change after you’re hired.
Being ghosted isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to haunt your job search. Stay persistent, stay professional, and remember: the right opportunity isn’t hiding in the shadows, it’s just waiting for the right timing.
Bonus Tip: A great recruiter (like the team at Market Street Talent) won’t leave you hanging. We keep the conversation alive: no ghosting, just guidance.
Learn more or connect with us here.