Ghosted After an Interview? Why It’s Not About You (and What to Do Next)

Looking for a new job can feel like moving into unfamiliar territory. Some of us need to work, some of us want to work. But all of us bring decades of experience, perspective, and professionalism to the table. And yet, even with all that we’ve earned, the process can still leave many of us questioning our worth.

Employment experts say the job market is tough right now. Factors contributing to current conditions include slower hiring, increased competition, and cautiousness on the part of companies. What’s more, younger candidates may be eager to work for less to gain experience. Getting an interview or even just a real conversation can feel like a win in itself.

So, when such a dialogue does go well and you’re told there will be next steps, the silence that can ensue can be especially discouraging. It’s important to remember that ghosting isn’t when you apply for a position and never hear back. Unfortunately, as frustrating as that is, the non-response to applications has become a norm in today’s hiring journey.

True ghosting happens after a connection is made, when you’ve spoken, shared ideas, even started to picture yourself in the role… and then, suddenly, it’s as if the other side has vanished into thin air. Spooky, right?

When the Silence Becomes Personal

I’ve been there, too.

Not long ago, I found myself waiting for an email that never came. I’d been doing a little outreach and enjoyed a promising exchange with the head of staff at a company I admired. They’d started a new division that aligned with my expertise, and I was invigorated by the idea of collaborating with them. The woman I met with complimented me on my work, and we’d had what I felt was a warm and favorable discussion. At the end of our online meeting, I was told arrangements for an interview with the CEO would be forthcoming.

I sent a thank-you message, albeit a couple of days later, and followed up about two weeks after our conversation. Crickets. I reached out once more with a thoughtful value add and … nothing. Days stretched into weeks, and each time I refreshed my inbox, that little flicker of hope dimmed. The absence of a reply haunted me.

Finally, I called the person at the helm and left a voicemail. That was technically one follow-up more than I advise. But hey, I’m human. I had his number and really wanted the opportunity. Clearly, he told the person I’d spoken with to get back to me as I received an email from her within the hour: they’d “decided to go in a different direction.” It took less than a minute to pass that information on to me. But the evasion leading up to it? That left an impression that’ll last a very long time.

I’ll admit, being ghosted after an interview stings. You replay the conversation, wondering what you said wrong or didn’t say at all. I should have asked more questions, I thought to myself. Or maybe I should’ve circled back sooner or written a better thank-you. I even wondered if it was because of my age, though I hadn’t shared it. While that thought passed quickly, it reminded me how easy it is to internalize these things.

In time, I came to see not getting the opportunity as a gift – not because I received something, but because it revealed something. It spared me from working with people who viewed communication, the heart of my profession, as optional. Everyone gets busy, yes. But if someone you interviewed with chooses to do nothing over sending a simple, courteous response, please know that’s about them, not you.

And that’s the essence of ghosting. It rarely has anything to do with your value or talent; it’s about the other person’s discomfort, disorganization, or inability to close the loop with grace.

The Rise of Employer Ghosting

Initially, ghosting was a term used to describe what happens when someone you’re seeing romantically suddenly disappears without explanation or closure. But it’s no longer limited to the dating world. Ghosting has made its way into the workplace, and it’s alarmingly common.

According to Newsweek, which referenced a recent report on the topic, 48% of job seekers have been ghosted by an employer during the hiring process, often after one or more interviews. Another study revealed that as many as six in ten applicants never hear back after what they believe was a successful meeting.

Sometimes, the cause is structural: overworked hiring managers, slow in-house approvals, or even postings that never existed to begin with (also known as “ghost jobs”). Other times, it’s simply a lack of consideration, a cultural shift toward treating candidates like numbers rather than people.

What to Remember When You’ve Been Ghosted

If you have faced this phenomenon, take a deep breath and remember:

It’s Not Personal

Most often, ghosting reflects poor interaction or internal confusion, not your skills, age, or likability.

Follow Up Once or Twice and Then Let It Go

A polite email after a week or two is perfectly acceptable. If there’s still no reply, rest assured knowing you’ve done your part.

Resist the Urge to Chase

Continuing to reach out can drain your energy and self-confidence. Aim that effort toward new, active opportunities.

Document and Learn

Keep track of how firms engage (or don’t). It’s helpful data. If they can’t manage common courtesy now, imagine how they deal with challenges within the organization.

Be Kind to Yourself

When we don’t hear anything, it breeds self-doubt. Counter it with reminders of all you offer and your resilience.

Turning the Experience into Empowerment

As upsetting as ghosting can be, it can also serve as a quiet compass, pointing you away from environments that don’t line up with your values. Respectful communication should always be a baseline. It’s not a luxury and really is the least anyone should expect.

Think of it this way: a company that ghosts you is showing you who they are. Believe them and reframe their lack of decency as a redirection. The right employer, client, or collaborator will appreciate follow-through, maturity, and transparency. And those qualities never go out of style.

So, if you find yourself plagued by the sound of silence while looking for a new job, remind yourself: sometimes, the door that never opens is the one that saves you from walking into the wrong room.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you ever been ghosted after an interview? How did you handle it? What do you think causes employers to ghost candidates instead of simply conveying a decision? Share your thoughts and experiences with our community.