By: Alexis Gomez
You might know this all-too-familiar story: you apply for a job and submit your resume, you’re called in for an interview, you feel excited and optimistic about it, you eagerly wait to hear back from the employer, and then… silence. You find yourself job ghosted.
Job ghosting, as defined by Forbes, refers to the practice of suddenly ceasing all communication with a potential job candidate, in hopes that the applicant will get the hint that they are no longer being considered for the position, as opposed to having an HR professional or hiring manager simply tell the candidate that they’re out of the running.
This can be discouraging for candidates, especially those who are navigating the job market and workplace for the first time, or those seeking to make a career shift. The lack of communication and constructive criticism can make job seekers feel unsure of what to do next. Lingering questions and uncertainty can heighten feelings of inadequacy and leave job seekers wondering how and when their next opportunity will arrive.
Regaining Confidence
Being job ghosted is not a great feeling. While it may wane your confidence, know that you are not the only one going through this. Job ghosting has become increasingly common, with as many as 40% of job seekers saying they have had an employer ghost them after a second- or third-round interview, according to CNBC. While this still does not make this practice right, know that it likely isn’t personal
If you don’t hear back from a prospective employer, you are probably not a front-runner for the role. With a spike in online applications and job recruitment on sites such as LinkedIn and Indeed, some employers receive hundreds, or even thousands of resumes. While it might not be easy, again, try not to take it personally. Instead of viewing this as a rejection, look at this as a redirection. Know that being ghosted is not a reflection of your worth as a job candidate
It is okay to take some time for yourself after being ghosted and not receiving the job you were hoping for. Take some time to do something positive, whether that be a hobby or other form of self-care and allow yourself to regain some self-confidence.
You may also consider a helpful mental shift. Note that the goal of job interviews is to find a good fit not only for the company, but for you, too. If a company/employer is being unresponsive or making you feel insecure early in the hiring process, then they are not the best fit for you.
According to CNBC, a lack of response almost always says something more about what’s going on inside a company than you as a potential new hire. Keep that in mind as you continue your job seeking journey and know that your opportunity is likely just around the corner.