If you’re searching for a job in today’s labor market, you may encounter a frustrating situation: silence from hiring managers. Maybe you submitted a resume or filled out an application. Perhaps you even spoke directly with a recruiter. Then, suddenly, communication stopped.
While ghosting often occurs early in the hiring process, it can happen at any stage. And when you’re excited about an opportunity, not hearing back can be especially disappointing.
However, a lack of communication isn’t necessarily a reflection of you or your qualifications. Hiring managers may be reviewing a large applicant pool, coordinating interviews, or dealing with changing priorities behind the scenes. Regardless of the reason, you may still wonder what to do next. These tips can help you respond professionally and move your job search forward.
Follow Up Effectively With Hiring Managers
It can be difficult to follow up if you’ve only exchanged a few messages through a job platform such as LinkedIn or Indeed. In fact, some recruiters may not consider a lack of response ghosting during the earliest stages of the hiring process.
First, try not to take the silence personally. According to Glassdoor, hiring managers can receive an average of 250 resumes for a single job posting. Responding individually to every applicant can be difficult.
Unfortunately, you can’t always prevent ghosting. However, you can take steps to keep communication open. Follow up after an interview and send a thank-you note to the recruiter or interviewer if you have their contact information.
Afterward, wait a few days before reaching out again through their preferred communication channel. You may be eager to learn about the next steps, but repeated messages can work against you. Instead, be patient and give the employer time to respond.
Remain Professional
It’s understandable to feel defeated after an employer stops communicating. Still, maintaining your professionalism can help you protect relationships and your reputation.
The experience can also reinforce the importance of providing feedback throughout the hiring process. After all, ghosting can work both ways. Here are some additional thoughts about ghosting during the hiring process.
Even when you’re frustrated, staying professional can benefit you in the future. You never know when you may encounter the same recruiter, hiring manager, or company again. As our mothers would say, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!
As a final step, consider sending one last email. Thank the recruiter or hiring manager for their time and ask them to keep you in mind for future opportunities.
Know When to Move On
If you’ve waited a reasonable amount of time before following up and still haven’t received a response, shift your attention to other opportunities.
A company may have selected another candidate, paused the position, or changed its hiring needs. Whatever the reason, continuing your search keeps you moving forward.
In the meantime, focus on developing your skills and maintaining a positive mindset. Continue applying for positions that match your experience and goals. Also, remember to send a follow-up thank-you email after interviews and give hiring managers reasonable time to respond.
Ultimately, being ghosted can make an already challenging job search more stressful. However, one employer’s lack of communication doesn’t define the rest of your search.
If you need help finding a position in the telecommunications, IT, or engineering sectors, reach out to us at info@hnmsystems.com or apply on our website!
