How to Deal With Ghosting During a Job Search

March 17, 2024

You put in all the effort crafting your resume and cover letters, and even rehearse for interviews, all in the hope of landing that dream job. But in the midst of this carefully planned journey, there's one sneaky challenge that often goes unspoken - ghosting.


Ghosting isn't just limited to personal relationships; it creeps into professional interactions too. It can leave job seekers feeling confused, frustrated, and questioning their own worth.


As disheartening as it may be, it's unfortunately a part of today's job hunting landscape. Yes, it shouldn't be, but it's crucial not only to understand what ghosting in a job search means but also to know how to navigate through it without letting it derail your career path.


Ghosting: What It Means

Ghosting, a term that originally gained traction in the dating world, has found its way into the professional sphere, painting a picture of silence and unresponsiveness. In the context of a job search, ghosting refers to the sudden and unexplained cessation of communication from the employer’s side.

You might have had what you thought was a promising interview, the hiring manager even hinted at a follow-up, but then...nothing. No calls, no emails, and no job offer. It's frustrating, isn't it?

This can happen at any stage of the job search process. Maybe you submitted your application and heard nothing back, or perhaps the communication just dried up after the interview.

You know, the frustrating thing about ghosting is how it leaves you hanging with no closure, unanswered questions, and a whole lot of speculation. It's like going on a great first date only to never hear from the other person again.

That abrupt silence can really bring you down and make you doubt yourself. Job seekers get stuck in this whirlpool of self-doubt. But in the next sections, I am going to dig into why ghosting happens during job searches, how to spot it, and most importantly, how to handle it and keep moving forward in your quest to find the perfect job opportunity.


Reasons Job Seekers Are Ghosted by an Employer

Let's explore a few reasons why this might happen during your job search. From market fluctuations to the importance of networking and personal branding, understanding the details behind this situation can give valuable insights and help you navigate the complexities of the job market with more confidence and success.


Let's dive in and uncover the factors that could contribute to this.

  1. Overwhelmed Recruiters
    Recruiters juggle numerous tasks daily, from interviewing candidates to liaising with hiring managers. Sometimes, the sheer volume of their workload means that your application or follow-up email might fall through the cracks.
  2. This is definitely not an excuse for recruiters, but imagine having a job for six recruiters when the team only has three! That's when the unfortunate trend of ghosting candidates tends to set in.
  3. Changes in the Job Opening
  4. Company needs evolve, and sometimes a job opening you applied for might be put on hold or even closed without notice. It’s frustrating, but it's something out of your control.
  5. Because of the current market situation, companies might experience mini hiring freezes. These could happen for a few weeks, multiple times throughout the year. Consequently, delays in recruiter responses may occur as they are also waiting for feedback or updates from their hiring managers.
  6. Candidate’s Fit for the Position
    Employers are on the lookout for the 'perfect match.' If they find a more suitable candidate, they might move forward without informing other candidates. It's a harsh reality, but it does happen.
  7. A lot of companies hesitate to provide feedback because they're afraid of legal issues or negative social media reactions from candidates. Even though you might be open to feedback, there are candidates who might argue, yell, or even threaten you if you share your feedback with them.
    I still remember receiving some really nasty emails (back when I was starting out) with people telling me I should die or go f* myself — all because I was giving feedback to candidates who weren't a good fit for the role. It's just crazy, isn't it?
  8. Internal Candidates or Referrals
    Sometimes, internal candidates or referrals from current employees leapfrog external candidates. Not fair to other candidates, but these things are happening.
  9. Lack of Feedback or Follow-Up from the Candidate
    If you didn't respond to a recruiter's message in time or missed a follow-up, they might think you've lost interest and move on to other candidates. So, here's the thing - even if you feel like this company is totally ghosting you, it's worth checking your spam folder for any emails from them. Trust me, it's actually pretty important when you're looking for a job.
    You'd be surprised how many people have told me they missed job opportunities just because they overlooked their interview invitations.

These are just some of the reasons why job seekers get ghosted. There are actually many others which I've covered with more details in the Job Search Guide: Be Your Own Career Coach.


Signs an Employer Is Ghosting You

Now that we've looked at the why, let's talk about the signs of ghosting. It can be a gray area, but here are some red flags that might indicate you’ve been ghosted.

  1. Lack of Communication Post-Interview
    If the silence is deafening after what you thought was a promising interview, it might be a sign of ghosting. It’s common courtesy for employers to provide feedback, but alas, not everyone plays by the rules.
  2. Delayed or No Responses to Follow-Ups
    You’ve sent a courteous follow-up email, but crickets. It’s a frustrating sign that you might have been ghosted. If you haven't received a response to your email within 72-96 hours, it's probably a good idea to move on.
  3. Change in the Tone or Frequency of Communication
    If the once enthusiastic emails have dwindled or become formal and terse, it might be a sign things have changed.
  4. Job Posting is Removed or Re-Posted Without Communication
    It stings to see the job you applied for re-posted or removed without a heads-up from the employer. It’s a clear sign something’s amiss.
    Just a quick note, job posts on LinkedIn or other job boards are often automatically re-posted. So, don't jump to conclusions if you see one. If you want to confirm whether the role was actually reposted, take a look at the company's career page and check the date the role was posted.
  5. Lack of Transparency or Vague Responses
    When your questions are met with vague responses or total silence, it might be time to face the ghosting music.

These sections aim to shed light on the perplexing ghosting phenomenon and help you recognize the signs early. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be better prepared as you navigate your job search journey.


Ways to Cope and How to Respond

  1. Maintaining Professionalism
  • It's totally understandable to feel frustrated or disappointed when you get ghosted, but here's the thing: it's super important to keep your professional game on point in all interactions. You never know when you might bump into these folks again - the world is smaller than you think!
  • I cannot stress this enough: you absolutely should not go and share your frustration publicly. You never know where those recruiters and people from that company will end up, and trust me, it could seriously impact your future opportunities. Therefore, be cautious about the messages you put out there.
  1. Expanding the Job Search
  • Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. If you’re facing ghosting, it's a signal to widen your job search. Apply to multiple positions, explore different companies, and consider various industries. The more options you have, the less impact ghosting will have on your morale.
  1. Seeking Feedback Constructively
  • If possible, seek feedback from your interactions. While not all employers will respond, some might provide invaluable insights that can help you in your next interview. Approach this with a humble and open mind.
  • If someone referred you, try reaching out to them and ask for their feedback on the situation. They might have insider information about the freeze or other things that the recruiter may not be willing to share with you.
  1. Practicing Patience and Understanding
  • The hiring process can be long and tedious. Sometimes delays happen that are out of your or the employer’s control. Practice patience, and understand that there are various factors at play. Stay hopeful and keep the momentum going in your job search.
  1. Networking and Building Relationships in Your Industry
  • Networking is a powerful tool to avoid and overcome ghosting. Build and nurture relationships within your industry. Attend networking events, engage in online communities, and don’t hesitate to reach out to old colleagues or mentors. Through networking, you might discover unadvertised job opportunities or gain referrals, which can significantly reduce the chances of being ghosted.


Ghosting During a Job Search

Ghosting is an unfortunate reality in the job search process, but it's not a reflection of your worth or capabilities! This experience, as disheartening as it can be, provides an opportunity to build resilience, expand your network, and refine your job search strategies.

The coping mechanisms and proactive steps discussed in this article aim to equip you with the tools and mindset needed to navigate the murky waters of job search ghosting. Remember, every no or non-response is a step closer to that coveted yes.

Keep a positive outlook, continue honing your skills, and never underestimate the power of persistence and a professional approach in landing your next job opportunity.


Source:   https://newsletter.jobsearch.guide/p/how-to-deal-with-ghosting

8 lessons you can learn from business leaders

July 1, 2024
Lessons learned in business introduction Whether you’re a junior member of the team or at management level, a continual learning attitude and understating business lessons is key to career success. If you want to fast-track your progress up the career ladder, it’s important to look to your true business leaders and learn from their actions. Not only will this encourage you to carry yourself like a workplace leader, but it will also highlight differences between good and bad management . This is especially important when one wants to see great success in business. Although businesses fail, being equipped with the write business lessons can avoid risk and increase the likelihood of success. Here are eight key biggest lessons to learn from business leaders. 1. How to motivate people Watching your leaders, or considering past experiences with your manager, can give you great insights into the right things to say and do to motivate colleagues or direct reports. You can learn life lessons they've learned in business and understand how to avoid bad habits in the long run to maximize the success for any company. What’s important to remember is that every person is different with different core values and a sense of their own path – and their motivational drivers can change from week to week, depending on workload levels. While one person might benefit from tough love, others may require a gentler approach. Great leaders take the time to get to know their team members’ personalities and motivators, and how they each react to different communication styles. Motivating people is a key skill for any successful business leader to succeed. One of the life lessons we can learn from business leaders is the importance of creating a strong culture that fosters a sense of purpose, passion, belonging, and accountability. By aligning employees' goals and values with the company's mission, leaders can inspire them to take ownership of their work and strive for excellence. In addition, effective leaders recognize the power of recognition and rewards, which can help to incentivize and motivate employees to achieve their goals. By cultivating a culture of positivity and growth, business leaders can build a motivated and engaged workforce that drives innovation and success. Although there are many life lessons learned in business, another important life lesson we can learn from business leaders is the value of stepping out of one's comfort zone to achieve success. Leaders recognize that complacency can be a major obstacle to growth, and they encourage their teams to take risks and embrace change. By fostering a culture of experimentation and learning, business leaders can help their employees overcome fear of failure and develop resilience. This not only motivates employees to push themselves to new heights, but it also enables the organization to innovate and stay ahead of the competition. Thus, business leaders understand that by creating a culture that encourages stepping outside of one's comfort zone, they can create a motivated and dynamic workforce that is poised for success. 2. How to nail your organisational skills Organisational skills are critical for most roles, and it’s important to learn what works for you from the outset so you can be as productive as possible. Business leaders – often the busiest or having the fullest plate compared to most staff members – will have many techniques about how to remain organised. Not all of these will work for you as we all have different styles of working. But having conversations with your manager and other leaders about how they stay organised – on a day-to-day level and when work gets incredibly busy – can quickly teach you about which approaches you’d like to try out and assess if they helped you stick to schedule. RELATED: What are soft skills? 3. How to have difficult conversations Most people don’t enjoy having difficult conversations at work and find the situation awkward. However, these are unavoidable for managers, and it’s crucial to know how to approach these conversations delicately. Good business leaders take a diplomatic approach to difficult conversations and allow the individual to have their say. Talking through problems rather than dictating a change is more productive and will allow you to build better rapport with your team members. 4. How to say ‘no’ tactfully Business leaders often negotiate with partners, clients, and third-party providers – it comes with the territory. At times, this means having to say ‘no’ to requests. Good leaders know how to approach these situations in a way that doesn’t cause upset or worse, ruin relationships. This is especially significant when your a business owner. For instance, rather than saying, “We can’t do this for you”, they might say, “We will review our current workloads and priorities and come back to you next week with a proposal to move this forward”. When it's your own business saying no and managing expectations are important lessons learned and often come naturally as you progress through your own personal development. RELATED: How a leader can gain better engagement with their team 5. How to embrace change Any workplace-related change can be unnerving, particularly when it’s significant. But the responsibility falls on the leader to guide their team through any changes, whilst boosting productivity and ensuring everyone feels comfortable within their role. A great leader will welcome times of change as an opportunity and provide the groundwork for their team members to be creative, innovative and resilient. These are business lessons learned over time. It's also important to stay up to date with business news, customer insights 6. How to accept criticism Criticism can be difficult to hear, even when it is constructive. Business leaders often receive the most criticism at work because they’re ultimately accountable and responsible for the business performance and the performance of their team. But a great leader knows how to accept feedback, learn from their mistakes, and use the experience to their advantage for a successful outcome next time. 7. How to treat people as individuals Individual differences – and therefore experiences and insights – are what drive businesses forward to develop innovative new idea. The most effective workplace leaders embrace, and are highly considerate of, their employees’ unique personalities and working styles. If you can learn how to do this as a manager, you’ll be rewarded with a team that’s motivated, feel comfortable sharing their input, and is committed to success. 8. How to be empathetic Empathy is grounded in understanding rather than judgement, and it’s a trait shared by some of the most successful business leaders. In fact, studies have shown that empathetic leaders are rewarded with higher-performing teams, better quality work output and more loyal team members. Empathy is ultimately the ability to understand others’ emotions, so as you progress in your career and work with all sorts of people, you’ll need to continually develop this important interpersonal skill just like any other skill you learn and get better at on the job. Applying empathy to employees, as well as customers problems will take you far. Source: https://www.pagepersonnel.com.au/advice/career-and-management/career-progression/8-lessons-you-can-learn-from-business-leaders

How to build a professional network for career development

June 26, 2024
The changing job market requires professionals to be adaptable and continuously learn new skills to stay competitive. Networking can help navigate this dynamic landscape by providing access to job opportunities, industry insights, and mentorship. In this article, we cover: What is networking? How to build a professional network How to expand your network reach The art of effective networking Nurture your network for long-term success Where to find people to network with Grow your career with Airswift What is networking? All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust. - Bob Burg Networking is not just a single action but a process involving multiple elements working together. It's not primarily about making sales ; selling may naturally follow from successful networking efforts. When you network, you're part of a larger team where everyone plays a valuable role. Your network comprises the people you've connected with through work and personal interactions. Building strong relationships is at the core of networking because these connections often lead to valuable referrals. Behind every referral is someone who vouches for your credibility, building trust in your abilities. Professional networking goes beyond collecting business cards; it fosters genuine connections and creates a mutually beneficial ecosystem. A strong network is invaluable for established professionals, offering many benefits beyond job hunting, such as access to industry insights, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities. How to build a professional network Identify your goals Defining your career aspirations and areas of interest is crucial to building a robust professional network. You can tailor your networking strategy to align with your career objectives by identifying your goals. For example, if you're interested in shifting industries or pursuing leadership roles , you can focus on connecting with professionals in those fields. This approach ensures that your networking efforts are focused and effective, helping you build a network that supports your career goals. Leverage existing connections Reconnecting with former colleagues, classmates, and professional acquaintances is an excellent way to expand your network. These individuals already know you and your work, making it easier to establish a connection. Additionally, seeking introductions from senior leaders or mentors within your current company can help you connect with influential individuals in your field. These connections can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement. Informational interviews Informational interviews offer a wealth of industry insights and networking opportunities. Start by contacting professionals in your interest and expressing your desire to learn from their experiences. Prepare thoughtful questions to guide the conversation, listen actively, and express gratitude for their time. Keep in touch with interviewees to maintain connections and share updates on your progress. These interviews are valuable resources for exploring career paths and expanding your professional network. Expanding your network reach Participate in industry events Attending conferences, workshops, and industry gatherings relevant to your field can provide high-quality networking opportunities. These events offer a chance to meet like-minded professionals, learn about the latest industry trends, and establish yourself as a thought leader. Focus on events that provide targeted networking opportunities, such as roundtable discussions, workshops, or networking receptions. This approach ensures that your networking efforts are focused and effective, helping you build a network that supports your career goals. Engage with professional organisations Joining industry associations, alumni networks, or leadership councils can help you increase your visibility and connect with like-minded professionals. Participating in committees or volunteering for leadership roles can further enhance your networking efforts. These opportunities allow you to demonstrate your expertise, build your brand, and establish yourself as a leader in your field. Cultivate an online presence Optimising your LinkedIn profile with relevant keywords and accomplishments can help you establish a professional image and attract potential connections. Sharing thought leadership content and engaging in industry discussions online can also help you build your brand and establish yourself as an expert. Building a solid online presence can help you expand your network reach, connect with like-minded professionals, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Second, participation fosters professional growth by granting access to valuable resources and opportunities. Engaging in online communities like industry forums, Slack groups, and niche social media groups can provide access to a pool of individuals with common interests, facilitating meaningful connections. Thirdly, it allows individuals to showcase their expertise, amplify their brand, and expand their horizons by connecting with diverse people. Additionally, active involvement helps individuals stay current with industry trends, fostering personal growth and career advancement. Lastly, online communities enable building lasting relationships and friendships, enhancing networking experiences. The art of effective networking Make meaningful connections Networking has its rules, mainly centred around being a connector. A connector is someone others turn to for help. Networking isn't about you but the value your connections can offer. Focusing on helping others deepens relationships and creates goodwill. Networking is about who your connections know and the potential value they bring. Keep in mind that different industries have different norms. Observing interactions at events can help tailor your approach. Being too aggressive can deter people, so adapt your tone to suit the industry's nature. Research individuals beforehand and find common ground for conversation. Focus on building genuine relationships and offering value to your connections. By prioritising quality over quantity, you can create a network that supports your career goals and offers long-term benefits. Be a master communicator Honing your elevator pitch to articulate your career goals and expertise succinctly is essential for effective networking. Practice active listening and ask insightful questions to demonstrate a genuine interest in your connections. By being a master communicator, you can establish a solid first impression, build rapport, and establish a connection that supports your career goals . Here are ten questions you could ask that demonstrate genuine interest and curiosity and get a conversation started and going: What got you interested in your line of work? Could you tell me about a moment in your career that stood out? What's the best part of what you do? How do you see our industry changing soon? Have you ever faced a tough challenge at work that you overcame? Any good reads or resources that have inspired your approach to your job? If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting in our field, what would it be? Is anything exciting happening in your projects lately? How do you balance your job and personal life? What networking tips do you swear by for making meaningful connections? Body language is universal Body language is aessential aspect to effective communication during networking events. Positive body language can convey confidence, engagement, and interest. It can also help establish a connection with the other person, making the conversation more enjoyable and productive. On the other hand, negative body language can convey disinterest, discomfort, or lack of confidence. Here are 10 steps to being aware of your body language and consciously displaying positive body language during networking events: Maintain eye contact with the person you're speaking to. This shows attentiveness and confidence. Wear a genuine smile to convey warmth and approachability. It helps in creating a positive atmosphere during conversations. Use non-verbal cues such as nodding to show you're actively listening and engaged. It encourages others to continue sharing. Keep your body language open by avoiding crossing your arms, which can signal defensiveness or disinterest. Minimise fidgeting or restless movements. This conveys nervousness or lack of confidence. Instead, try to maintain a relaxed posture. Subtly mirror the body language of the person you speak to to establish rapport and build a connection. Respect personal space boundaries and avoid standing too close, as it can make others uncomfortable. Use appropriate hand gestures to emphasise points or express enthusiasm, but avoid excessive or distracting movements. Before attending networking events, practice your body language to become more aware of your non-verbal cues. Ask for feedback from trusted individuals on your body language to identify areas for improvement. Approach people Networking can be daunting, but the right approach is a valuable tool for building meaningful connections and advancing professionally. Here are actionable steps to help overcome fears, focus on helping others, and cultivate authentic interactions, ensuring that each conversation is a mutually beneficial exchange: Acknowledge any fear of talking to new people, but don't let it control you. Remember that each conversation is an opportunity to help someone in ways they may not even realise they need. Approach conversations with courage, focusing on how you can assist the other person rather than your fears or desires. Avoid desperation by genuinely focusing on the needs of others. This will shift the conversation away from what you can gain and how you can contribute. Engage fully in conversations by actively listening, nodding, agreeing, commenting, and asking thoughtful questions. This demonstrates your interest and investment in the interaction. Do not dominate conversations with stories about yourself. Instead, maintain a balanced dialogue in which both parties have an opportunity to contribute. Be genuine and authentic in all interactions. Authenticity fosters trust and attracts others to you, leading to meaningful connections. Maintain consistency in your behaviour and interactions. People appreciate knowing what to expect from you, which builds trust and reliability over time. Tell your story Storytelling is a powerful tool in networking. It can help create a personal connection with others, establish credibility, and make a memorable impression. Individuals can showcase their skills, values, and achievements by crafting compelling narratives about their career journey. Here are some actionable steps towards great storytelling with networking in mind: Tailor your story to resonate with your audience's interests, values, and needs. Share genuine experiences and emotions to establish credibility and build trust. Focus on the key aspects of your career journey, highlighting relevant skills, values, and achievements. Use vivid details and compelling anecdotes to make your story memorable and engaging. Rehearse your story to ensure clarity, coherence, and confidence in delivery. After sharing your story, follow up with a clear purpose, whether seeking further discussion, collaboration, or referrals. The power of follow-up A study by LinkedIn found that connecting on LinkedIn and sending personalised follow-up emails within 24-48 hours can help you maintain the momentum of your initial connection. Briefly recap your conversation and offer to connect them with relevant resources. Following up after a networking event is essential for building long-term relationships and establishing yourself as a valuable connection. Nurturing your network for long-term success Become a resource Offer your expertise and knowledge to support your network members. Recommend them for opportunities or make relevant introductions. By becoming a resource for your connections, you can build long-term relationships, establish trust, and establish yourself as a valuable connection. Maintain regular engagement Stay connected by sharing industry updates and congratulating them on their achievements. Schedule periodic coffee chats or virtual meetings to maintain relationships and demonstrate your commitment to building a solid network. By maintaining regular engagement, you can build long-term relationships, establish trust, and establish yourself as a valuable connection. Reciprocity is key Networking is a two-way street. Be genuinely helpful and supportive to build trust and long-term connections. By practising reciprocity, you can establish a mutually beneficial relationship that supports your career goals and offers long-term benefits. Competition can be healthy When faced with competition in a networking setting, consider this scenario: You're one of several fishbowl salespeople at an event with 1000 attendees. Being yourself naturally attracts those with whom you share a connection or interest. It's essential to recognise that there's enough opportunity for everyone present. Rather than pursuing every potential lead, focus on those who resonate with you. Look for individuals who could become long-term partners, providing ongoing business beyond just one transaction. Ask yourself: Do I genuinely enjoy this person's company? Could we see ourselves collaborating for years to come? Networking is a marathon, not a sprint. For sustained success, prioritise building relationships based on mutual trust and compatibility. Where to find people to network with Finding people to network with is simpler than you might think – they're everywhere! Here’s how: Begin engaging with those closest to you, such as friends and family. Practice delivering a concise elevator pitch highlighting your interests without dominating the conversation. Instead, focus on learning about others by asking genuine questions and showing interest in their experiences. Use everyday situations, like waiting in line at the bank or chatting with fellow gym-goers, to practice your networking skills. Consider joining community associations, Chambers of Commerce, or trade organisations and attend trade shows to connect with like-minded individuals. Remember to be approachable, friendly, and genuinely interested in others beyond what they can offer you. As you engage with more people, networking becomes more natural and enjoyable. Three questions to ask every person to guarantee a follow-up meeting post-networking Towards the end of a conversation, once you have all the information you can get about someone, ask the following questions: Are you looking for new clients/prospects at this time? What sets you apart from your competition? What does your ideal client look like? If this is the case, let them know you have some people who could use their services or need their help. Ask if they might be interested in getting their details. If it’s a yes, arrange a meeting time and follow through on your promise to help. When you show up for your meeting, pass on that referral or the name of a great contact to them. Doing so creates trust and a relationship, proving that you can and will help when you can. This makes them want to do the same for the other person, and you are now truly part of their network. Grow your career with Airswift 85% of all jobs are filled through networking , highlighting its importance in landing jobs. A strategic professional network is crucial for career advancement, providing access to opportunities, mentorship, and industry insights. However, building and maintaining a solid network can be challenging, with time management and introversion being common obstacles. To overcome these challenges, prioritise networking activities that align with your career goals, leverage existing connections, and allocate time for networking activities.  Whether you're looking to advance your career, explore new opportunities, or stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, Airswift has the expertise and resources to help you succeed. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your professional growth. Source: https://www.airswift.com/blog/professional-networking
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