Ghosting Isn’t Just for Dating Anymore
Why Silence After an Interview Feels Worse Than a Rejection
Ghosting used to be a dating term. Now, it’s something job seekers deal with too. They go through multiple interviews, give their best effort, and then never hear back.
Imagine putting in hours to apply and prepare, only to be met with silence. No update. No email. Just waiting. And waiting.
That’s not just frustrating. It’s disheartening. And people are starting to speak out.
One job seeker posted on Glassdoor, “I was laid off four months ago and just got my first interview… only to be ghosted after the final round.” Another wrote on LinkedIn, “Rejection isn’t fun, but silence is worse.”
When Candidates Talk, Others Listen
These stories aren’t staying quiet. Candidates are sharing their experiences online. They’re warning others. They’re naming names. And when your company gets mentioned for all the wrong reasons, future applicants notice.
Rebecca Trotsky, Chief People Officer at HR Acuity, said it clearly. People do research before they apply. If they see poor reviews or stories of ghosting, they might skip your company entirely.
Why Ghosting Happens and How to Avoid It
Sometimes ghosting happens because recruiters are overwhelmed. There are just too many early-stage applicants to reply to individually. But that’s where technology helps. Automated emails, simple status updates, even a chatbot that answers questions like “Has my application been reviewed?”—these tools make a big difference.
Later in the process, ghosting usually comes from poor communication. Maybe the recruiter hasn’t gotten feedback from the manager. Maybe they don’t know how to deliver bad news. But candidates who’ve interviewed deserve some kind of response, even if it’s a short email explaining there’s a delay.
Respect Doesn’t Take Much
Trotsky suggests that if a person has taken the time to meet with you, they deserve to hear something. Ideally, a phone call. At the very least, an email that explains why they weren’t chosen.
Most people don’t expect to get every job. What they do expect is to be treated with respect. Following up is a small thing that protects your reputation and shows people you care.
The Takeaway
If your company is ghosting candidates, even by accident, it’s time to fix it. You don’t need a big system. You just need a plan. Let people know where they stand. Be kind. Be clear.
Respect is simple. And it goes a long way in helping you hire better people.
Source: This post was inspired by a recent article on CNBC: Ghosting in the hiring process is on the rise—and it’s damaging company reputations, featuring insights from Rebecca Trotsky, Chief People Officer at HR Acuity.