How do you handle interview ghosting?

Life happens. Don’t take it personal. Especially now that workers are returning back to the office, you never know if they were called to a last second meeting. Or, even if they’re still WFH, you never know if their kids started running around out of nowhere. From a recruiters perspective, candidates do also need to realize emergencies can happen at a moments notice as well. A polite follow up is fine to see if they’re interested in rescheduling. If you truly get ghosted, don’t take it personal and lash out. You never know if they’ll keep track of that communication and hold it against you for future roles. The same goes for recruiters. Remember, the recruiter ghosted you - not the company.

- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest. - Wait for a reasonable amount of time (e.g., a week or two) before requesting an update. - Craft a polite and concise follow-up email, mentioning your continued interest and seeking clarification on the timeline.

There is a lot of merit to follow up after an initial interview. It can be the sole reason you get a second interview over someone else with the same skills as you. I always advise a follow up phone call a week after the interview. Call and ask for the hiring manager by name. Be thankful for the interview and their time and then ask this simple question. “Where are you at in the hiring process?” This phrase is low pressure, polite and doesn’t directly ask if you are part of that hiring process. A STRONG word of advice however is no matter how you follow up, your interview is over. Don’t try to add something you “forgot to mention”. If even you forgot to mention it, it’s not mentionable. Thank you for reading D Willey

Everyone is looking for a quick coffee in this era. One must understand that fine wine takes time to ripe. If you are unable to get any response from the recruiter, drop a professional email or give them a phone call. Mark the corresponding supervisor in cc when you are following up. Despite all of the above, if there is no response, it's time to move on. Take the signal. You don't have to be pushy or sad. Just keep your calm and look for better opportunities. Remember, professional world is a small one. Being in the bad books of someone can have a long lasting impact.

I have been studying the phenomenon of recruiter ghosting, and resolute in solving this problem which has permeated like an infectious disease into all three stakeholders in the process. For example, I learned through a Gallup study that 51% of hiring managers admitted that they were disengaged. Some novice recruiters ghost because they don’t want to give bad news, and a lot are in the dark as the interviewed candidate. I hope to be able to develop the software where candidates can follow the progress of their recruiter which is connected to the corresponding hiring manager. This way, we draw open the curtain to what goes on after an interview while having both recruiters and hiring managers accountable.

I was "ghosted" a few years ago after nearly a 2-hour interview with a hiring panel. It seemed to go well, and I wrote individual thank you notes to all 3 interviewers, referring to what we had discussed in the interview and reaffirming my interest in the position. I heard absolutely nothing. I followed up with an email after a week. Still nothing. Whilst it was frustrating as I had taken an afternoon off for it, I realized that it was perhaps not the best environment for me. Their lack of communication spoke volumes about their work culture, and it probably was not the right fit for me. It is important not to take it personally, and their silence enabled me to move on and find an organization that aligned better with my own values.

Remember back when you received a type written PFO letter for every application that you either mailed or dropped off in person? Now when apply on line to HR your resume and cover letter are electronically screened for key words and if you do not have the correct words in your application you are unceremoniously rejected. there is no auto-email to say "sorry your application has been rejected". Something as simple as that would help applicants know that their application was not successful and that don't need to wonder if they are still being considered for the position. The de-humanization of the hiring process by HR has lead to a lack of respect and curtesy to job applicants and, I think, reflects badly on the organization itself.

- Avoid venting frustrations on social media or badgering the company for updates. - Stay positive, professional, and focused on your goals throughout the process.

At the risk of sounding 'self serving' to my profession. Working with a recruiter can often be a conduit to the feedback you want or need as a candidate. A good recruiter should have a continuing relationship with the employer and be able to diagnose and convey what 'happened' (maybe circumstances have just changed?). A great recruiter will also share any coaching feedback both candidly and kindly to help candidates improve their next interview.

An Ounce of Prevention During the interview ask a few key questions about what to expect for follow up communication. They may tell you 'unsuccessful candidates won't be contacted'. At least in that scenario, you know what to expect. Also, if an interviewer tells you 'you will hear in 3 days', they are psychologically more inclined to let you know as they have made that commitment. Lastly, at the end of the interview, ask "Do you feel I'm a good fit, and do you anticipate me moving forward in this process?". You may get a non commital answer, but you may also get a chance for real time feedback.

According to a recent survey, - Approximately 70% of job seekers have heard this phrase from recruiters or hiring managers. - Out of those respondents, around 40% reported experiencing ghosting or delayed responses. - Don't let interview ghosting bring you down! - Stay resilient, stay proactive, and keep pushing forward. - The right opportunity is just around the corner. 🌟✨

Ive experienced quite a bit of "ghosting" lately and at first I really did find it annoying and disrespectful until I had a change in perspective and CHOSE to focus on things within my control in the situation. I always take away the positives from situations like this, appreciating how well I was able to prepare for the interaction and how another potential opportunity will reap the benefits from that preparation. ONWARD!

If you are applying for a government job, I doubt you will receive any feedback. Why? Fear of reprisal. Liability. Convenience. Possibly even sloth.