Tired of Being Ghosted by Companies After an Interview? Take Control of Your Job Search
Tired of Being Ghosted by Companies After an Interview? Take Control of Your Job Search
Job hunting is a demanding process that requires resilience, strategy, and patience. But one of the most frustrating experiences job seekers face is being ghosted by companies after an interview. The waiting game—constantly refreshing your email inbox, hoping for a response that never comes—can be mentally exhausting and discouraging.
However, you don’t have to remain powerless in this situation. By taking control and creating your own closure, you can reduce uncertainty, maintain your confidence, and even increase your chances of landing the job. Let’s explore how you can do this effectively.
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why companies ghost candidates. Here are a few common reasons:
Internal Delays: Hiring decisions often take longer than expected due to internal approvals, budget constraints, or shifting business priorities.
High Volume of Applicants: Recruiters and hiring managers may be overwhelmed with applications and fail to follow up with all candidates.
Poor Communication Practices: Some companies do not have a structured process for notifying candidates who are not selected.
Avoiding Difficult Conversations: Some recruiters or hiring managers find it uncomfortable to deliver rejection news and instead opt for silence.
Hiring Freeze or Position Change: Sometimes, companies put hiring on hold or redefine the role, leaving candidates in limbo.
Understanding these reasons can help you realize that being ghosted is not necessarily a reflection of your skills or performance—it’s often a systemic issue within the company’s hiring process.
One of my clients, a highly skilled professional, experienced this exact situation after interviewing with Schneider Electric for a sustainability role. They prepared thoroughly, had a great conversation with the hiring manager, and left the interview feeling optimistic. However, weeks passed with no response.
Instead of waiting indefinitely, my client decided to take initiative by sending a follow-up email. Here’s what they wrote:
Subject: Follow-Up on Sustainability Role Interview
Dear Hiring Manager,
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I’m excited about the opportunity to join Schneider Electric’s sustainability team.
If we are moving forward, please let me know. If not, I appreciate your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Client’s Name]
This simple yet effective email achieved three key things:
Avoided Being Ghosted: By reaching out, my client prompted the company to provide an update.
Maintained Professionalism: The message was polite, appreciative, and direct.
Demonstrated Interest: It reinforced the candidate’s enthusiasm for the role.
Shortly after sending this email, my client received a response from the hiring manager. Not only did they get feedback, but they also progressed to the next stage and eventually secured the job.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, here’s how you can craft an effective follow-up strategy:
Send a Thank-You Email Immediately
Express gratitude for the opportunity.
Highlight a key takeaway from the interview.
Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
Follow Up After One Week
If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, send a polite follow-up email.
Example:
"Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on my interview for [position name] and check if there are any updates. I remain very interested in the opportunity and look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
The Final Follow-Up (After Two Weeks)
If there’s still no response, send a final email acknowledging the silence and moving on gracefully.
Example:
"Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I understand that hiring decisions can take time, and I appreciate the opportunity to have interviewed with your team. If I don’t hear back by [specific date], I’ll assume the position has been filled. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
By setting clear expectations and boundaries, you regain control over your job search and mental well-being.
It Reinforces Your Professionalism: Proactive follow-ups demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and genuine interest.
It Shows Confidence: Employers appreciate candidates who advocate for themselves.
It Helps You Move Forward: Instead of lingering in uncertainty, you can focus on other opportunities.
Remember, a job interview is a two-way process. Companies aren’t doing you a favor by hiring you—it’s a mutual decision. You bring valuable skills to the table, and you deserve clear communication throughout the hiring process.
Job searching can be an emotional rollercoaster, but you don’t have to feel powerless. By taking initiative, following up professionally, and knowing when to move on, you create your own closure.
If you’ve been ghosted, don’t take it personally. Keep pushing forward, apply to other roles, and remember: the right company will value your time and talent.
Take control of your job search—you got this!