You aced the interview, answered every question with confidence, and even built great rapport with the hiring manager. But now, it’s been days—or even weeks—and your inbox remains empty. No email, no phone call, just silence. Sound familiar?
Being ghosted after an interview is a frustrating experience, but it happens more often than you think. According to a survey by Indeed, 77% of job seekers have been ghosted by an employer after a job interview. Companies may delay responses due to internal discussions, shifting priorities, or an overwhelming number of applicants.
The good news? You can take action. The right follow-up approach can help you get the answers you need while maintaining professionalism and leaving a positive impression.
1. Send a Thank-You Email to Interviewer (and Why It Matters!)
Before worrying about whether you’re being ghosted by the interviewer, the first step is to ensure you've sent a thank-you email immediately after the interview. Why is this important?
It reinforces your interest in the position.
It helps you stand out from other candidates.
It keeps the conversation going, making a future follow-up feel more natural.
Example of a thank-you email:
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I truly appreciate the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] on [Interview Date]. It was great learning more about the role and how your team operates.
I’m excited about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to [mention something specific discussed in the interview]. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide to assist in the decision-making process. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
2. Wait for the Timeline Given by the Interviewer (If Any)
If the interviewer provided a specific timeline for when you can expect to hear back, respect that deadline before reaching out. For instance, if they said they’d make a decision within two weeks, avoid following up before that period has passed.
But what if they didn’t mention a timeline?
A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 7-10 business days before sending a follow-up email.
3. Follow Up the Right Way
If the given timeline has passed and you still haven’t heard back, it’s time to follow up. But how you do it matters.
Tips for a Strong Follow-Up Email:
Keep it short and professional – You don’t need to demand an answer. A polite, friendly approach works best.
Reiterate your interest – Remind them why you’re excited about the role.
Ask for an update – Instead of asking whether you got the job, inquire about the hiring timeline.
Example of a follow-up email:
Subject: Following Up on [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on my interview for the [Job Title] position on [Interview Date]. I remain very excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and wanted to check if there were any updates regarding the hiring decision.
I understand these decisions take time, and I appreciate any insights you can share. Please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me.
Looking forward to your response.
4. Understand That Ghosting Happens (and It’s Not Always About You)
If you still don’t receive a response after following up, it may be time to move on. While it can feel personal, remember that being ghosted doesn’t mean you weren’t qualified or didn’t perform well in the interview.
Common Reasons Companies Ghost Candidates:
Internal delays – The company might have shifted priorities or budget constraints.
They hired someone else but haven’t notified others yet.
They’re still interviewing candidates – Hiring can be a long process.
A lack of hiring etiquette – Unfortunately, some companies simply don’t prioritize candidate experience.
If you’ve followed up twice and still hear nothing, consider this a red flag about the company’s communication and move forward with other opportunities.
5. What to Do Next? Keep Moving Forward
While it’s disappointing to be ghosted, it’s essential to focus on what’s next.
Here’s what you can do:
Continue applying to other jobs – Never stop your job search while waiting for one company’s response.
Reflect on your interview – Was there anything you could improve for next time?
Network within the company – If you’re still interested, try connecting with employees on LinkedIn to keep your options open.
Getting ghosted after an interview can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to define your job search. By following up professionally, understanding potential delays, and knowing when to move on, you can maintain confidence and control over your career journey.
Remember: The right job and company will value your time and effort. Keep pushing forward, and the right opportunity will come.
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