Marvin OnumonuA study by iHire found that 53% of applicants had been ghosted during their job search, with ‘job ghosting’ searched more than 4,000 times in the last quarter.
Dmitrii Anikin, co-founder of SalaryGuide, said this trend shows a wider problem in the hiring process that affects both applicants and employers.
Anikin said: “Being left without a response after investing time in applications and interviews isn’t just poor etiquette, it reflects outdated hiring practices in a modern job market.
“As application volumes rise and hiring timelines stretch, more companies are going silent, and that silence is being felt.”
Anikin shared advice on how applicants can respond if they are ghosted after an application or interview.
Anikin added: “If you’ve been left in the dark after an interview or application, especially one that you think you did well on, take a moment to reflect constructively. Ask yourself: what went well, or what could I have done differently?
“Use the lack of feedback as an opportunity. You may not get that formal commentary you’d like, but you can still review your approach, and use your findings for your next interview.
“If possible, send a polite follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time and asking for feedback.”
He said: “Keep it short and respectful, something like: ‘Thank you for your time today.
“It was great to meet you and learn more about the role and the company. If possible, could you kindly share any feedback?’
“Even if you don’t get a response, you’re still showing professionalism, or you may learn something.”
He also advised applicants to compare past interviews and spot patterns.
Anikin added: “Look back at previous interviews to identify recurring issues. Were there questions where you consistently stumbled? Did you tailor your answers appropriately for each role?
“If you’re consistently reaching the interview stage but not progressing, it’s worth actively trying to identify any stumbling blocks, and working on them.”
He noted that it is important for jobseekers to continue applying for roles, even if they feel disappointed by being ignored for a position they were keen on.
Anikin said this can help take the pressure off any one application and keep up momentum in the job search.
He added that candidates should not take ghosting personally, as it is often down to changes in company priorities or internal situations, rather than something the applicant did wrong.
He said: “The job market has changed a lot, application volumes are way higher, but internal processes are more stretched, leading to a breakdown in communication.
“It doesn’t always reflect value, it may just reflect the employer’s constraints, so the key is to stay focused on the next step.”
