Ghosted after a good interview?
By: Dan, redwigwam
We’ve all been there through the painful interview process.
When you’ve had a seemingly great interview, got along well with the hiring managers and you’re even introduced to the team. Not to mention how confident and amazing you feel when they say…
It’s been great interviewing you today. So, what did you say would be your start date?!
Even worse when you cling onto the...See you soon! What does that mean?! Surely that’s a sign, right?
Wrong…
You never hear from this employer again. So what happened?! A number of things come in to play when hiring new employees.
The position has usually been filled or even cancelled.
This has happened to me before – I eventually rang the employer looking for feedback, or even just an answer, and was met with ‘we’re no longer looking for someone as the position no longer exists’…
WHAT?!
All that pre-interview nerves and anxiety, research and preparation, just to be told the job no longer exists. And they didn’t even have the decency to tell me?! Very time-wasting/consuming for a part/full-time job seeker!
Here, I’m going to give you some handy tips on how to cope when this happens, and what you can do to get your answer:
It’s not you, it’s me
Remember that if you don’t receive that ‘Unfortunately...’ email, it’s a fault on their side. Employers should definitely let all their candidates know if they’ve been successful or not, and they should give you feedback.
You’ve taken the time and effort to meet this company, it’s just blatant respect.
If you’ve been ghosted completely by an employer, then you probably don’t want to work for a company like that anyway. Which is always a positive thing to keep in mind moving forward.
Been a few weeks? Give them a call
Yes, phone calls are daunting, especially if you’re calling someone to basically ask if they liked you.
What you can do over the phone is say…
‘I had an interview here a couple of weeks ago and it was great, but I haven’t heard from you for a while, just wanted to make sure you have my correct email/phone number?’
Usually, you already know they do, but this is a great way of coming across less nervous. The employer will usually apologise and let you know. Plus it’s pretty cool hearing the embarrassment in their voice due to the fact they forgot.
Don’t let them get away with completely ghosting you – you deserve to have feedback if you’ve made the interview stage.
Confront the employer
Okay, not in a fight way, but I would suggest calling them instead of emailing in this case.
Talk about how you enjoyed the interview, and how you thought it went well and you’re wanting feedback. Don’t be afraid to let them know that you’ve been waiting for an answer – let them know you would’ve liked an answer.
The employer may not be authentic
I’m not assuming all these places are dodgy… but… I mean, if you’ve gone through the prep, the anxiety and paying for public transport to get to your interview, you at least deserve a yes or no.
I’ve found with some employers that have ignored me after an interview have usually moved locations, or changed their name, or ended up cancelling the position altogether.
It may just be the employer can no longer afford a new employee however, they should at least let you know that.
Keep going
Job hunting can be a very daunting and disheartening journey, but you should know that it’s not a reflection on you. The best thing to do after these scenarios is to keep going.
You will find something, and you never know, maybe one employer you forgot you even interviewed for will get back to you months down the line.
Keep going and keep searching, you will find what you’re looking for and remember, you’re one job ghosting/rejection away from success!
Have a look at this article, 'How to interview like a pro' for some top interview tips!
