Ghosted By An Employer? Here’s What To Do!
You've been there. We've all been there. You've poured your heart and soul into a job application process—multiple interviews, hours spent on a special project, only to be met with... silence. It's frustrating, disheartening, and let's face it, downright rude. But before you let that ghosting experience sour your job search, I've got a strategy to share with you, straight from our CEO and head career coach J.T. O'Donnell.
Why Employers Ghost Candidates
First, let's address the elephant in the room. Why do employers ghost candidates after putting them through such an intensive process? The truth is, it's rarely about you. Companies often use the interview process to figure out what they actually need. They might be wrestling with budget constraints, direction changes, or simply realizing the role isn't quite what they thought it was. It's not an excuse for poor communication, but understanding this can help ease some of the sting.
The Power Move: Keep the Relationship Alive
Now, here's where you can turn the tables. Instead of stewing in silence or bombarding them with follow-ups, try this approach:
Find a relevant article or video that addresses a pain point you discussed during the interview process.
Send a brief, friendly message sharing this resource.
Do NOT mention the job or ask about your application status.
Here's a template:
"Hey [Name],
I came across this [article/video] about [topic] and it immediately made me think of our conversations. I thought you and the team might find it helpful. Hope you're having a great week!"
Why This Strategy Works
This approach is powerful for several reasons:
It showcases your professionalism: You're demonstrating that you're not bitter or desperate, even in the face of ghosting.
It adds value: You're continuing to prove your worth and industry knowledge.
It keeps you top of mind: Without being pushy, you're reminding them of your conversations and the connection you built.
It creates intrigue: They might wonder if you've moved on to other opportunities, potentially reigniting their interest.
The Psychology Behind the Method
Think of this as the career equivalent of the "psychology of dating." By not chasing after them and instead offering value with no strings attached, you're likely to pique their curiosity. It's human nature—we often want what we think we might be losing.
Real Results
At Work It DAILY, we've seen this strategy work time and time again. Members of our community have reported back with amazement at how quickly they received responses after using this technique. Often, these responses include updates on the hiring process or explanations for the delay.
Your Next Steps
So, the next time you find yourself in the frustrating position of being ghosted after an intense interview process, resist the urge to bombard them with follow-ups or write them off entirely. Instead, try this value-first approach. Remember, the goal is to keep the relationship alive and position yourself as a thoughtful professional, regardless of the outcome.
Have you tried this technique? I'd love to hear about your experiences! And remember, your dream job is out there—sometimes it just takes a little creativity and persistence to land it.
You've got this!
Cassidy O’Donnell
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