The Unexplained Rise of “Ghosting” during the Recruitment Process

It’s bad enough when you're left hanging after a date, but did you know ghosting also happens during the job search? G2 Recruitment found that 52% of candidates never hear back after applying for jobs, and CareerBuilder reported that 75% of applicants in 2023 faced radio silence from employers.

That’s a huge number of people left in the dark. If this is happening to you, know that you’re not alone.

So, what is Ghosting?

Ghosting is the sudden and complete stop of all communication without explanation—complete silence. While it's often associated with the early stages of dating, and even the similarities to the interview process are striking. In both cases, you find yourself answering a series of inane questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your five-year goals?”

After feeling like you’ve made a connection, you're left waiting for a response that never comes. Suddenly, you’re waiting alone at a bar, two hours past the initial meet-up time, and when you call, your date’s phone goes straight to voicemail.

Unfortunately, this unethical behaviour has seeped into the professional world, especially in hiring. Many candidates never hear back after a job interview, even though they believe they met all the criteria, had a “connection” and the meeting went well. No phone call, no email, no "thank you for your time, but..."

Nothing. Nada. Zip. Crickets.

And You find yourself in a limbo, unsure of how to proceed.

Should you follow up again? Call? Send another email? Or, heaven forbid, stalk the hiring manager in the parking lot? Just like waiting alone at the bar, you don’t want to come across as desperate, even if you feel that way. After all, how many job interviews can you endure?

Let’s be real—job interviews can feel like getting a root canal, if not worse. Especially if the company made you jump through hoops with petty questions (“Why do you want to work here?” and “If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?”), group interviews (where one of the interviewers is constantly scrolling on their phone), outdated personality tests, problem-solving scenarios (“How many ping pong balls fit into an airplane?”), and inquiries like, “Are you prepared to sign an NDA and a NCC?”—all before they have even told you what the salary is.

Here’s the thing: there are a lot of reasons why companies might ghost candidates. From being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of applicants to poor management practices, none of these excuses are great. The bottom line? It usually boils down to a lack of basic etiquette. Companies are focusing too much on metrics and not enough on treating candidates like real people. What they often overlook is that ghosting can lead to long-term consequences—ethical concerns, damage to brand loyalty, missed opportunities for top talent, and even reputational harm.

How to Minimize Being Ghosted

Instead of waiting around, here are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of being ghosted—and keep your sanity intact:

• Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Ask about team dynamics, upcoming projects, or company values. These kinds of questions can lead to a deeper conversation and leave a positive, lasting impression.
• Be Ready to Discuss Concerns: If there are any red flags (e.g., high turnover rates, vague job descriptions), don’t hesitate to bring them up. This can spark an open dialogue about the company’s culture and values, helping you assess if it's truly the right fit for you. Remember, employment is a two-way street.
• Inquire About the Decision-Making Process: Ask how decisions are made and who will be involved in the hiring process. This can help you understand potential delays and know exactly who to follow up with.
• Before Leaving the Interview: Ask, “When should I expect to receive feedback regarding my interview?” This not only shows your interest but also gives you a timeline to work with. If they seem unsure or vague, that could be a red flag.
• Clarify Communication Preferences: Find out how the company prefers to communicate with candidates (e.g., email, phone). This will give you clarity on how and when to follow up after the interview.
• Be Flexible with Availability: Clearly communicate your availability for follow-up conversations or additional interviews. Being flexible can make it easier for employers to reach out without scheduling conflicts.
• Follow Up with a Thank-You Note: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position. This keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind and demonstrates professionalism. Make sure the thank-you is personal—addressed to the specific interviewer, not a generic "To whom it may concern."

So, What Are Your Options if You’ve Been Ghosted?

If you find yourself ghosted during the recruitment process, there are a few steps you can take to manage the situation and protect your interests.

Follow Up Professionally: If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe mentioned during the interview, it’s perfectly acceptable to send a polite follow-up email. Even though it may feel a little cheesy, thank the interviewer again for the opportunity before inquiring about the status of your application. This shows your continued interest and keeps the lines of communication open. But let’s be honest—if you haven’t heard back after 4 weeks, it’s time to move on. They’ve probably hired someone else or decided they didn’t need to fill the position after all. Maybe they passed the work to someone else in the organization and saved themselves some money. It happens.

Keep Applying Elsewhere: Job searching can be a lengthy process, so don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Keep exploring other opportunities. This not only keeps your options open but also helps alleviate feelings of anxiety or disappointment while you wait for a response. And who knows? The next interview could be theinterview.

Network Like a Pro: Reach out to contacts within the company or your industry. Networking can provide valuable insights into the hiring process and may reveal information about your application status. Plus, it can lead to new opportunities you might not have considered.

If you don’t have a strong network, don’t worry—many people don’t. Leverage LinkedIn, attend networking events, use online job platforms (though some can feel like scams), reconnect with old colleagues or college buddies, volunteer or intern (though not ideal if you have a family to feed), broadcast your availability on social media, and even try some good old-fashioned cold calling. Yes, it takes courage, but it can pay off.

Manage Expectations: Recognize that ghosting is, unfortunately, common in today’s job market. Understanding that this behaviour often reflects the company’s internal culture rather than your qualifications can help reduce feelings of self-doubt. Besides, if a company ghosts you and only comes back weeks later, do you really want to work there? What does it say about their culture? I once got a call back 18 months after my initial interview—true story.

Stay Positive and Resilient: Job searching can be tough and sometimes demoralizing. It’s easy to fall into self-doubt. However, maintaining a positive outlook is essential to get through this period in your life. Surround yourself with supportive family and friends who uplift you. Engage in activities that enhance your confidence and well-being. Regular exercise can boost your mood, and pursuing hobbies can offer a welcome distraction and foster creativity. It’s all about finding what energizes you—no pity parties on the couch.

Document Communication: Keep a record of all correspondence with potential employers. This will help you track your applications and follow-ups (dates, responses, etc.) and serve as a useful reference for addressing any future issues. If you’re applying to and interviewing with multiple companies, keeping track will also prevent you from accidentally emailing the same hiring manager every day—because then you definitely won’t be getting hired!

Remember, being ghosted by a company is not a reflection of your worth or qualifications. Often, it’s due to poor internal processes, organizational changes, or simple miscommunication.

 Stay proactive, keep applying elsewhere, and trust that the right opportunity is on its way. Every interview, even if it doesn’t result in a job, is one step closer to finding the role that truly aligns with your skills and values.

Stay resilient, there’s a company out there that’s a perfect match for you!

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Examples of International Companies with Ghosting Reputations

·      Google: Despite its reputation as a top employer, Google has been criticized for its lengthy hiring process and lack of communication with candidates. Some applicants have reported waiting months for a response after interviews, leading to feelings of frustration and being ghosted.

·      Amazon: Amazon has been under scrutiny for its aggressive hiring practices and the high turnover rate in its fulfilment centres. Candidates have reported instances of ghosting after interviews, particularly for warehouse positions, where they received no follow-up communication after their interviews.

·      Uber: Uber has faced criticism for its hiring process, especially following high-profile scandals. Candidates have expressed frustration over being left in the dark after interviews, leading to perceptions of unprofessionalism.

·      Walmart: Job seekers have reported that after applying for positions at Walmart, they received little to no communication regarding their application status. This has led to frustrations, particularly among those who went through multiple rounds of interviews.

·      Tesla: Tesla has been known for its rapid hiring processes, but candidates have reported feeling ghosted after interviews. Some former applicants shared experiences of not receiving any feedback or communication despite multiple interviews.

·      Yelp: In the past, Yelp faced criticism from candidates who felt ghosted after interviews. Reports indicated that candidates would often wait weeks without any update on their application status. [Yelp is an online business review platform who got bad reviews. Oh, the irony]

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