#219 Is Your Job Ghosting You? What to Do Next!
You found a job that felt like a great fit. You tailored your resume, submitted your application, maybe even crushed the interview—and then... silence. No email, no call, no update. Just crickets. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. You might be experiencing something job seekers call ghosting—and yes, it’s as frustrating as it sounds.
Ghosting happens when an employer stops communicating with you, usually after an application or interview. It’s confusing, discouraging, and can leave you wondering what went wrong. But here’s the good news: it’s not the end of the road, and there are smart next steps you can take.
1. Give It a Little Time
First things first—don’t panic too quickly. Hiring takes time, and sometimes recruiters get busy or interviews get delayed. If it’s been less than a week since your interview or follow-up, it’s okay to wait a few more days before reaching out. Most companies appreciate patience, and a gentle follow-up after about 7-10 days is totally appropriate.
2. Send a Polite Follow-Up
If you haven’t heard anything in a while, send a short and professional follow-up email. Keep it simple:
Subject: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Interview
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position on [Date]. I’m still very interested in the role and excited about the chance to contribute to your team. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Best,
[Your Name]
This kind of message shows professionalism, interest, and maturity.
3. Don’t Take It Personally
It’s easy to assume ghosting means you did something wrong—but that’s rarely the case. Hiring managers might have shifted priorities, filled the role internally, or paused hiring altogether. Unfortunately, not every company communicates well during the hiring process, even when they should. Try not to take the silence as a reflection of your value or potential.
4. Keep Applying Elsewhere
The worst thing you can do is wait around for one opportunity. Keep your momentum going by applying to other roles, updating your resume, and practicing interview skills. The more you keep moving forward, the less power that one silent employer has over your confidence.
Need help finding your next opportunity? If you're in Orange County and between the ages of 16–24, check out the YES Workforce Solutions Job Board at www.yesworkforcesolutions.com. It’s a free, local platform dedicated to Orange County employers and job seekers. It’s the place where you can connect with employers who are actively hiring—and ready to communicate.
5. Keep Learning and Growing
Even if you don’t get the job, every application and interview is a chance to learn. Ask yourself what went well and what you’d do differently next time. Confidence grows with experience—and experience comes from putting yourself out there.
Even if a job ghosts you, don’t let it shake your confidence. Be proactive, stay positive, and keep looking ahead. The right opportunity will come—and when it does, you’ll be ready.