Imagine this: You apply for your dream job, make it to the interview stage, and feel enthusiastic about your prospects. But suddenly, all communication from the potential employer comes to an abrupt and unexpected halt.
You’ve been “ghosted.”
If you’ve ever felt like you’re being ghosted in your job search, you’re not alone.
This unfortunate experience is all too common in today’s job market, and it’s important to remember that it does NOT reflect your abilities or experience.
Several surveys show a growing trend of job applicants experiencing ghosting from employers. Data from Glassdoor reveals that instances of prospective employer ghosting have more than doubled since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The combination of remote working, economic uncertainty, increased job applicant numbers, digital communication norms and hiring challenges have all contributed to ghosting becoming more common in the job market.
Whilst it’s incredibly frustrating and disheartening to be left without any feedback or closure about the status of your job application, the good news is there are proactive steps you can take to stop you from being left in the dark. These steps not only put you in control of your job search but also empower you to increase your chances of getting a response.
Here are 5 top tips to help you avoid being ghosted in your job search
1. Create a fantastic first impression
In today’s competitive job market, the initial application stage is not just a formality; it’s a crucial opportunity to make a lasting impression on your potential employer and to stand out from the crowd. So, make every application count.
While it may be tempting to create a generic CV that could apply to various roles or industries, be sure to tailor each application specifically for the job you’re applying for. Use the work experience and skills sections to highlight specific accomplishments and transferable skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position. This way, you’re taking control of your job search and creating a solid impression.
You can find plenty more information on how to craft a captivating CV in this blog:
https://vidacoaching.co.uk/how-to-create-an-eye-catching-cv/
2. Follow up your application
Once you’ve submitted your application, don’t sit around and wait for a response.
The next day, send a personalised follow-up email to your prospective employer confirming your submission and thanking them for the opportunity.
Then, a week or two later (assuming you haven’t heard anything further), send another brief, polite email to express your continued interest in the position and enquire about the status of your application.
These proactive steps are not just about showing initiative. They’re about staying on the prospective employer’s radar, meaning you’ll be less likely to be ghosted.
3. Ask what the next steps are
If you’ve made it through to the interview stage, first of all, congratulations! However, now’s not the time to sit on your laurels.
At the end of your interview, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the next steps in the process. For example:
“When should I expect to hear back from you about your decision?”
“What’s the timeframe for the next stage of the process?”
Many candidates hesitate to ask essential questions at the end of an interview for fear of seeming too desperate or pushy. However, similar to following up on your application, this demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to moving the process forward. It also allows you to reach out to your potential employer if you haven’t heard back within the specified timeframe.
4. Keep in touch after your interview
After your interview, sending a personalised and concise follow-up email (or a thank you note if you prefer) is another excellent way to help you stand out from the crowd. Use this opportunity to thank the interviewer for their time and express your continued interest in the role and the company. You should also reiterate that you’re looking forward to hearing about the next steps by the promised date.
If you haven’t heard back within the timeline provided, it’s okay to follow up periodically to enquire about the status of your application. Be friendly, confident and persistent!
5. Stay positive and don’t give up!
As challenging as it may be, don’t let one instance of ghosting discourage you from continuing your job search. Remember, the job market is competitive, and it’s not uncommon to face setbacks.
Stay positive, stay proactive and keep applying for other suitable job opportunities. Each application is a new opportunity, and your dream job may well be just around the corner!
Ready to make your job search a success?
If you’re fed up with submitting countless job applications only to be met with radio silence, let’s have a chat and discuss how we can work together on this. You can book your free virtual coffee and chat here.
It would also be great to connect with you on Facebook and LinkedIn!
