The practice of ghosting by hiring managers has become a widespread phenomenon, according to a new … [+]
Much has been written about the many points to keep in mind when applying for your dream job: Minimize the use of ChatGPT to craft a resume. Be honest on your resume. Curb your anxiety so you can put your best foot forward. And look the part because companies often judge applicants based on their appearance. These are a few tips to abide by, but what if you do everything perfectly and still don’t hear back from the company? You could be among the job applicants ghosted by hiring managers.
Eight in ten hiring managers confess to ghosting job candidates according to a new study. After polling 625 hiring managers, Resume Genius’s Ghosting Trends in Hiring Report asserts that it’s clear widespread ghosting is more prevalent than most people realize, leaving candidates in limbo and unsure of their application status. Of the 80% of ghosting managers, 11% admit they always ghost job applicants, 22% say they ghost frequently, 47% occasionally and 20% say they never ghost candidates. Resume Genius sought to understand why candidates may be purposely misled or ghosted during the hiring process and offer strategies for candidates to minimize their risk of being ghosted.
“2024 has been a tough year so far, with more layoffs making the job market even trickier,” acknowledges Ed Huang, co-founder and executive director of Resume Genius. “As companies trim their budgets and reduce staff, a lot of people find themselves looking for work again and are facing more competition than ever.” When you add to the mix a surge in AI-generated resumes leading to a flood of applications, hiring managers are increasingly overwhelmed, that makes it tough for them to respond to everyone personally, he continues. “As a result, ghosting has become more common, often leaving job seekers stuck in an unfortunate waiting period that leads nowhere.”
Five Reasons Hiring Managers Ghost Job Applicants
“Understanding why ghosting occurs is necessary for both hiring managers and job seekers to improve communication and transparency in the hiring process,” Huang points out. “Our findings aim to shed light on what job ghosting means for candidates and help them get a better handle on their job search.” Here are the primary reasons hiring managers gave Resume Genius for not responding to candidates:
- 34% cite ongoing decision-making about the right candidate.
- 33% mention the high volume of applications.
- 32% say the candidate doesn’t fit the role or company culture.
- 31% indicate that the candidate’s salary expectations exceed the budget.
- 31% say the company has already filled the position.
The report revealed that smaller companies with less than 100 employees and medium-sized companies with between 101 to 1,000 employees most often ghost due to still deciding on the right candidate. Larger companies with over 1,000 employees typically ghost candidates who don’t fit the role or company culture.
“From my experience, employees at small companies need to wear many hats, and it’s a struggle to find someone who can wear them all,” observes Geoffrey Scott, senior hiring manager at Resume Genius. “Larger companies tend to have more specific needs, so they can quickly determine whether someone is a good fit or not based on their strict criteria.”
If you’re applying to a smaller organization, mention your flexibility and willingness to face challenges in your resume, cover letter and during the interview,” Scott adds, explaining, “At a larger company, you should tailor your resume to precisely match the skills and experience requirements in the job description. These strategies can greatly enhance your visibility in the current competitive job market.”
Five Ways to Respond to Potential Ghosters
Nothing is more agonizing than putting your time and energy into the process of applying for a job. Your resume is in tip-top shape. You spent hours preparing for the interview to present yourself in the best possible way. Then you wait and wait, and all you hear are crickets. But all is not lost. Take the towel you want to throw in, wipe the sweat off your brow and do these five things.
1- Politely follow up on your application. In the event that job seekers experience ghosting during their job search, Resume Genius recommends that they respectfully follow up if they haven’t heard back within one to two weeks. “A concise, polite email to the hiring manager expressing continued interest in the position can help keep their application active.”
Aaron Case, career expert at CV Genius suggests, reaching out via LinkedIn or email if you’re unsure about your application’s status. He says this is a positive step toward clarifying where you stand as an applicant, while also demonstrating your interest and proactive attitude. “If the job is real, they’ll appreciate the contact. If it’s not, you save time to focus on real opportunities,” he explains.
2- Keep the connection alive (on your end). Maintaining a professional connection with a company—even if you don’t initially secure a position—is beneficial, according to the report. “Polite follow-ups and staying in touch can demonstrate your serious interest and might prompt a response or leave a favorable impression,” the report emphasizes. “By keeping contact, you enhance your visibility for future openings, as companies often prefer to hire familiar, previously considered candidates. Simple actions like sending a thank-you note or asking to connect on LinkedIn can keep potential opportunities open without dwelling on any past ghosting incidents.”
3- Maintain your online professionalism. The report cautions that even when you’re tempted to vent about job-search frustrations (like being ghosted), staying professional online is essential. The report cites a 2023 survey by the Harris Poll in which 75% of U.S. companies review applicants’ social media profiles, and negative posts have led nearly half of hiring managers to reject candidates. “To protect your professional image and future opportunities, avoid naming specific companies in complaints,” the report cautions. “You can consider using platforms like Reddit if you’re looking to get advice while maintaining anonymity.”
4- Evaluate and adjust your job-search strategy. If you find yourself frequently ghosted during your job search or applying for ghost jobs where you don’t hear back, the experts at Resume Genius suggest that you consider revising your approach. “Assess whether the roles and companies you’re targeting truly align with your skills and experience. Consulting with a trusted family member or mentor can provide valuable insights and help you refine your job search strategy.
5- Resume Genius concludes by reminding job seekers to have someone review their resumes and cover letters to ensure they’re effectively tailored and polished. Then take into account how stable your target industry is, as sectors like tech have experienced fluctuations that could influence your job search outcomes.