You’ve just had an interview, and you feel like it went great. The recruiter told you they’d follow up soon, but days or even weeks pass with no response. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Ghosting is an unfortunate reality in the job search process, but there are professional ways to handle it while keeping your options open.
Why Recruiters Ghost Candidates
Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand why recruiters sometimes go silent:
• They’re overwhelmed – Recruiters manage multiple candidates and may simply be too busy.
• The company’s priorities changed – Hiring needs shift, and the role may no longer be a priority.
• They’re waiting for updates – Sometimes, internal decisions take longer than expected.
• They found another candidate – If they’ve moved forward with someone else, they may not always communicate it.
How to Handle It Professionally
1. Follow Up Politely
If the expected response date has passed, send a concise and professional follow-up email:
Subject: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Interview
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to follow up on my interview for [Job Title] and see if there are any updates. I’m very interested in the role and would love to know if there’s anything else you need from me. Looking forward to your response.
Best,
[Your Name]
A polite follow-up shows professionalism and keeps your name fresh in their minds.
2. Give Them a Few More Days, Then Try Again
If you don’t get a response, wait another week and follow up once more. If they still don’t respond, it’s best to move on rather than chase them down.
3. Stay Active in Your Job Search
Never put all your eggs in one basket. Keep applying for other roles so you don’t get stuck waiting for one company’s decision.
4. Connect on LinkedIn
If the recruiter has gone silent but you still want to stay in their network, consider sending a LinkedIn connection request with a short message:
Hi [Recruiter’s Name], I enjoyed our conversation about [Job Title] at [Company]. Looking forward to staying connected!
This keeps the door open for future opportunities.
5. Maintain Your Professionalism
Being ghosted can be frustrating, but resist the urge to send an angry email or burn bridges. The recruiter might still reach out later or have other roles in the future.
Final Thoughts
Ghosting happens, but how you respond can set you apart. Keep your communication professional, continue your job search, and don’t take it personally. The right opportunity is out there—keep pushing forward!
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