53% of job applicants experience ghosting from employers, finds iHire

A 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left without a response after investing time in applications and interviews isn’t just poor etiquette, it reflects outdated hiring practices in a modern job market.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.”