Ever felt like you have been job ‘ghosted’ after attending an interview? Given the Australian employment market is swamped with job seekers, there is a concern that individuals are being job ‘ghosted’. This will happen from either a Hiring Manager or a recruitment agency.
Ghosting can be a demoralizing experience for job seekers who have invested a lot of time and energy into the application and interview process. If you are already unemployed this can cause additional frustration! Remaining optimistic and persistent in your job search is critical.
If you find yourself when dealing with the situation of job ‘ghosting’, please consider the following tips that may help:
- Embrace the Ghosting: Rather than viewing ghosting as a negative experience, consider it a sign that the company might not have been a good fit. Companies that value their employees would respect prospective employees by providing closure.
- Don’t Over-Follow-Up: Common advice is to follow up diligently after an interview if you have been ghosted. It may be better to limit your follow-up to two attempts. Continuing to reach out after being ignored can be draining and may not yield the result you are hoping for.
- Keep Your Expectations in Check: Another piece of advice is to stay positive and realistic throughout the job search. Understand that not all interviews will result in offers or a response, and that’s okay. This realism can help lessen the emotional toll of a job hunt.
- Turn the Tables: Instead of waiting for a reply, use the time wisely to continue your job search and find a better career opportunity. This shift in mindset from waiting to taking action can be empowering and productive.
- Seek Feedback Elsewhere: If the company is not responding, turn to your network or a career coach for support and guidance. Practice your interview techniques and seek a new perspective. This way, you still gain some valuable insights and improve your mindset.
Remember, job hunting is a process with many potential outcomes. The goal is to find a job, where you will be valued and can contribute meaningfully. Although disheartening, ghosting can be a signal to redirect your energy toward better opportunities.
While ghosting seems to be happening more often, I have worked with clients who have suddenly been contacted about a follow up interview or job offer several months after hearing nothing! I always advise that they follow up with their contact at the company or the recruiter first via email and then try phoning. The best way to help circumvent being ghosted is to get clear guidance on the recruitment process at the interview. For example, in an interview, ask (at the end), when you should hear back and what the next steps are in the process.
What to do if you get ghosted after a job interview:
- You put a lot of personal effort, time, and hope into your job search. Being ghosted after an interview is hard to take and if it’s a job you really want, you may feel like putting your search on hold until you hear back. Don’t!
- Follow up, maybe polish your interview skills, keep networking, and stay calm. However, other opportunities will emerge if you remain focussed and determined.
- Follow up first by phone, leaving a voicemail or by email if a phone number is not available. Always with a positive follow-up message such as: ‘This is John Smith, and I am following up on our interview from December 15th for the Senior Data Analyst position. I am still interested in the role, and if you have selected another candidate, please keep me in mind for similar positions. I would also like to keep in touch and will connect with you in a month. Thank you again for your time’.
- Fill the post-interview waiting time reviewing your interview assessment, picking up any new skills and preparing for your next interview. I recommend writing down some of the interview questions from memory and adjusting your prepared responses accordingly. Remaining professional and eager to connect is a positive sign. Then mark a time in your personal calendar to follow up in exactly one month.
Remember to not spend precious time getting stuck in a negative anxiety-limbo, wondering when you will hear back. It’s simpler to just decide that you didn’t get the job and put it out of your head. Move on and trust your instincts!