If you don’t already know what ghosting is, consider yourself lucky. Unfortunately, many job seekers have been ghosted after a job interview. In short, it’s when someone ends a connection or conversation by suddenly withdrawing from all communication. It’s when you’re met with silence (and no explanation) after previously having back-and-forth communication. In this case, it’s the frustrating feeling of never hearing back after an interview, whether you think it went well or not. Below, we’ve put together some tips to help you avoid being ghosted.
1. Make Sure You Stand Out
Your resume must have stood out already, since you scored an interview. Now, you need to prepare for the interview itself and ensure that you continue to stand apart from the rest of the candidates.
Practice answering behavioral questions about your previous experience. Prepare short anecdotes that demonstrate your strengths, but be prepared to talk about a weakness as well. When it comes time to get ready, make sure you dress professionally to make a great first impression! Bring something to write with, something to write on, and additional copies of your resume with you to the interview.
2. Ask Questions During the Interview
Of course you will be asking questions about the position and its responsibilities. But don’t forget to ask about the company’s hiring process as well. This could be valuable insight that tells you how long it might be before they make a decision to hire.
It’s best to wait until the interview is almost over, and then if you’re offered a final chance to ask questions you can inquire about next steps. Some appropriate questions include: When do you expect to make a decision on this position? When should I expect to hear back from you? What is the next step in your interview process? When are you looking for the person in this position to start?
3. Follow Up with the Interviewer(s)
Always, always follow up after an interview with a thank you email to each interviewer individually. (Aim to follow up within 24 hours if at all possible.) This is a professional way to ask any final questions you forgot to ask in the interview. It’s also a way to provide a restatement of your strengths and reiterate your interest in the position.
If you haven’t heard anything after a week of sending your thank you email, you should reach out again. Then allow for more time in case the hiring manager is having trouble deciding between candidates. Your second follow up shows that you are still interested in the position and might tip the scale in your favor.
4. Be as Patient as Possible
It’s difficult to play the waiting game, especially if you’re not receiving feedback promptly. If two weeks have passed since your interview, you can reach out one more time to ask what the status is of the job and if the role has been filled. Beyond that point, it is likely that you’ve been ghosted after all.
If All Else Fails…
If you follow all these tips and you’re ghosted anyway, it could be a sign that the company is not one you want to work for, anyway. The action of ghosting is more reflective of the person’s disorganization and lack of consideration than it is your performance. Try to brush off the experience and keep a positive attitude for your next interview!