SUMMARY POINTS
It’s beyond the point of annoying. It’s getting frustrating as hell now. You’ve submitted tons of online applications to a wide variety of job, even some that are totally out of your scope or background.
And there’s been zero acknowledgment from the company’s HR department or recruiter. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ve gotten an auto-generated email response indicating that your application has been accepted - but that’s about it. The online application disappears into a huge digital black hole without further responses. This is why HR fucking sucks sometimes.
And on the rare instances that you do happen to get an initial interview, the same bullshit occurs afterward. It’s like this - you nail the interview, you feel really good about your chances, and then it’s nothing but radio silence.
You’ve just been job ghosted.
And there’s been zero acknowledgment from the company’s HR department or recruiter. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ve gotten an auto-generated email response indicating that your application has been accepted - but that’s about it. The online application disappears into a huge digital black hole without further responses. This is why HR fucking sucks sometimes.
And on the rare instances that you do happen to get an initial interview, the same bullshit occurs afterward. It’s like this - you nail the interview, you feel really good about your chances, and then it’s nothing but radio silence.
You’ve just been job ghosted.
What Is Job Ghosting?
Everyone has been ghosted before. Think back to all the times that you never got a response from that other person you were dating. It’s like they just vanished.
Well, this same shit happens to all job seekers now too - only now it’s called job ghosting. It's become an all-too-common part of the job search. A recent study found that about 75% of job seekers have been ghosted after an interview. It's disheartening and discouraging, but you're not alone. Everyone’s been job ghosted.
Let’s cover what job ghosting is, why it happens, and most importantly, how you can handle it without losing your shit during the job search.
Ghosting vs. Delayed Response
First, let's clarify the difference between being ghosted and simply waiting for a delayed response. Ghosting is when an employer completely cuts off communication without explanation, leaving you in limbo. A delayed response, on the other hand, means there’s still a chance you’ll hear back. It’s just taking a bit longer than you’d like.
Why Employers Ghost Candidates
There are several reasons why employers might ghost candidates. Sometimes hiring priorities shift or budget cuts hit the department or more simply, they just don’t have the time or capacity to reply to every application, voice-mail, etc. from the hundreds or even thousands of candidates. Or maybe, HR is too busy laying off people by email.
While these reasons don’t justify ghosting, understanding them can help you take it less personally. So, like they say, it’s nothing personal, it’s just business.
Well, this same shit happens to all job seekers now too - only now it’s called job ghosting. It's become an all-too-common part of the job search. A recent study found that about 75% of job seekers have been ghosted after an interview. It's disheartening and discouraging, but you're not alone. Everyone’s been job ghosted.
Let’s cover what job ghosting is, why it happens, and most importantly, how you can handle it without losing your shit during the job search.
Ghosting vs. Delayed Response
First, let's clarify the difference between being ghosted and simply waiting for a delayed response. Ghosting is when an employer completely cuts off communication without explanation, leaving you in limbo. A delayed response, on the other hand, means there’s still a chance you’ll hear back. It’s just taking a bit longer than you’d like.
Why Employers Ghost Candidates
There are several reasons why employers might ghost candidates. Sometimes hiring priorities shift or budget cuts hit the department or more simply, they just don’t have the time or capacity to reply to every application, voice-mail, etc. from the hundreds or even thousands of candidates. Or maybe, HR is too busy laying off people by email.
While these reasons don’t justify ghosting, understanding them can help you take it less personally. So, like they say, it’s nothing personal, it’s just business.
The Emotional Toll of Being Ghosted
Being ghosted can take a toll on your mental health. It’s easy to question your worth and capabilities, feeling a mix of anger, sadness, and confusion. This emotional rollercoaster can derail your motivation and self-esteem, making it harder to continue your job search with enthusiasm.
When faced with this silent rejection, it's crucial to manage your emotions effectively. Give yourself permission to feel shitty, but don't dwell on it. Practicing mindfulness and engaging in activities that help you see the bigger picture of life will help a lot. When you do this, you can increase your happiness, shift your focus away from the negative experience and redirect it to better things.
Staying motivated after being ghosted is tough but doable. Set small, attainable goals for your job search to keep the momentum going even when things get hard. Celebrate small victories, no matter how small they may seem. Remember, every application and interview is a step closer to landing a better job, maybe even your dream job.
When faced with this silent rejection, it's crucial to manage your emotions effectively. Give yourself permission to feel shitty, but don't dwell on it. Practicing mindfulness and engaging in activities that help you see the bigger picture of life will help a lot. When you do this, you can increase your happiness, shift your focus away from the negative experience and redirect it to better things.
Staying motivated after being ghosted is tough but doable. Set small, attainable goals for your job search to keep the momentum going even when things get hard. Celebrate small victories, no matter how small they may seem. Remember, every application and interview is a step closer to landing a better job, maybe even your dream job.
Strategies To Minimize The Negative Effects Of Job Ghosting
There’s nothing you can do to prevent job ghosting. It’s gonna happen no matter what you do. So, the best way to go about this is to minimize the effects of it. Here are three key things that you can do to overcome the negative effects of being job ghosted.
Following Up Professionally
Following up is essential, but there's a fine line between persistence and pestering. Send a polite follow-up email one week after your interview, and if needed, another one a week later. If you still don’t get a response, it's time to move on.
Diversify Your Job Search
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your job search by applying to multiple positions, networking within your industry and staying in touch with old business contacts. Exploring various opportunities reduces your reliance on a single job offer and increases your chances of landing a role.
Use Job Portals and Networking
Utilize job portals, social media, and professional networks like LinkedIn to discover new opportunities. Engaging in industry-specific groups and attending webinars or networking events can open doors you didn't know existed. Just don’t go overboard with making connections. Focus on the most valuable - less is more with Linkedin connections.
Build Resilience
Resilience is key to navigating the ups and downs of the job search process. It helps you bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook, even when things don't go as planned. Resilience isn't just about enduring challenges—it's about thriving despite them.
Redirect Frustrations
When you’re getting pissed off or angry about not getting any responses, redirect that energy to things that can benefit you. You can turn the tables on this by channeling your frustrations. Hit the gym. Clean the house. Knock out the errands. By refocusing that energy to other to do’s in life, you can at least feel like you’re making progress somewhere in life.
Use Resources and Tools
Several resources can help you build resilience and stay focused. Consider reading books on emotional intelligence, attending workshops on stress management, or using meditation apps to keep your mind clear and centered.
Stay Positive
Maintaining a positive attitude can make a world of difference. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who can offer encouragement and perspective. Remember, each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger.
Following Up Professionally
Following up is essential, but there's a fine line between persistence and pestering. Send a polite follow-up email one week after your interview, and if needed, another one a week later. If you still don’t get a response, it's time to move on.
Diversify Your Job Search
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your job search by applying to multiple positions, networking within your industry and staying in touch with old business contacts. Exploring various opportunities reduces your reliance on a single job offer and increases your chances of landing a role.
Use Job Portals and Networking
Utilize job portals, social media, and professional networks like LinkedIn to discover new opportunities. Engaging in industry-specific groups and attending webinars or networking events can open doors you didn't know existed. Just don’t go overboard with making connections. Focus on the most valuable - less is more with Linkedin connections.
Build Resilience
Resilience is key to navigating the ups and downs of the job search process. It helps you bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook, even when things don't go as planned. Resilience isn't just about enduring challenges—it's about thriving despite them.
Redirect Frustrations
When you’re getting pissed off or angry about not getting any responses, redirect that energy to things that can benefit you. You can turn the tables on this by channeling your frustrations. Hit the gym. Clean the house. Knock out the errands. By refocusing that energy to other to do’s in life, you can at least feel like you’re making progress somewhere in life.
Use Resources and Tools
Several resources can help you build resilience and stay focused. Consider reading books on emotional intelligence, attending workshops on stress management, or using meditation apps to keep your mind clear and centered.
Stay Positive
Maintaining a positive attitude can make a world of difference. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who can offer encouragement and perspective. Remember, each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger.
Onward And Upward!
Getting ghosted during your job search is undeniably frustrating, but it doesn't have to derail your career aspirations. By understanding why ghosting happens, managing your emotions, and employing practical strategies to diversify your job search, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth.
Remember, your worth is not defined by a single job offer or the lack thereof. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll find the right opportunity. It’ll be the right one at the right time. You just gotta be patient.
Keep your head up and keep moving forward.
Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]
Remember, your worth is not defined by a single job offer or the lack thereof. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll find the right opportunity. It’ll be the right one at the right time. You just gotta be patient.
Keep your head up and keep moving forward.
Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]