3 ways to recover when you’re ghosted by a Recruiter

There’s nothing worse than being ghosted. Especially by a recruiter when you are searching for a job. Here are 3 ways you can recover from being ghosted.

What does being “ghosted” mean?

Being “Ghosted” is a type of rejection. It’s when someone stops communicating with you. You might be right in the middle of a job application and then all of a sudden they stop contacting you.

You’re often left not knowing why they’ve ghosted you, what to do and often with lot’s of unanswered questions.

I know my newsfeed on Linked In is often peppered with people who have been ghosted and don’t know what to do. My heart goes out to them.

Looking for a job is one of most stressful life events you can manage so being ghosted really is the last thing you need.

Here are 3 ways to recover if you’re unlucky enough to be ghosted by a recruiter

1: Don’t take it personally

Ghosting is usually more about the person ghosting you, than you.

When you’re ghosted , it could be that the person responsible is facing any number of challenges you have no idea about, that are preventing them from doing their best job. They might have taken ill, have challenges at home, they might even be in the process of leaving their own job.

Or

They might just not know how to give you bad news and don’t want to hurt your feelings. Recruiters rarely get any training on how to deal with these sorts of conversations, in my 15+ years as a recruiter I know I didn’t get any.

However….

It could be that they don’t have the courage to share a certain message with you, or they haven’t thought about how their actions affect you.

Either way it’s not you, it’s them. Be kind to yourself in this situation.

2: Cover all the bases

Try some other ways of getting in touch with them.

For example if the conversation was being had through Linked In, try emailing them.

If that doesn’t help… Phone them.

This might sound a bit out there, but if you can find a phone number for them, go “old school” and pick up the phone.

Technology can play tricks on all of us, so knowing you have covered the bases will give you some reassurance, before you assume you’ve been ghosted.

3: Keep calm and carry on

I know it’s easy to get really excited about a certain role especially as you move towards the latter stages of the process but ALWAYS keep you options open.

Anything can happen, and take it from me that nothing is a “sure thing” until you are logging in on your first day in your new job. If you don’t believe me, you can read what happened to me last summer here.

If you have other applications in process, being ghosted can feel like less of a problem when you have plenty of other opportunities in the pipeline.

Are you looking for a new job right now?

I’ve also written a “Job Search Survival Guide” which you can read here for some more help.

Would having someone there to answer all your questions and make a plan help? My expert advice session is the perfect way for you to kick start your job search. Don’t wait get started today and you never know what opportunities might be waiting for you.