We’ve all been there. You’ve spent hours prepping for an interview, sent follow-up emails, and then—nothing. It feels like the hiring process is going well, but suddenly, the company stops responding. You’ve been ghosted.

It’s frustrating, discouraging, and all too common. But instead of letting it derail your job search, here are some practical steps to handle it and keep your momentum going.

1. Take a Step Back and Set Realistic Expectations

First, recognize that ghosting happens. It’s not always about you—it could be internal delays, shifting priorities, or changes in hiring budgets. Companies don’t always communicate these issues well, but it’s important to remember it’s not a reflection of your qualifications.

What to do:

• Give it a timeframe: Wait a few weeks after your last communication before considering it a true “ghosting.” Internal processes can take time, especially for senior roles.

• Move on mentally: While waiting, don’t pin all your hopes on one opportunity. Keep applying to other jobs so you’re not stuck in limbo.

2. Follow Up Strategically

If you’ve gone a few weeks without a response, it’s time to follow up—strategically. You want to come across as professional, not desperate or annoyed.

What to do:

• Send a concise, polite follow-up email:
  Example:
  "Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name], I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to check in regarding the [Job Title] position I interviewed for on [Date]. I’m still very interested in the role and would appreciate any updates you can share about the hiring timeline. Thanks for your time!"

• Use multiple channels: If email doesn’t get a response, try connecting with the hiring manager on LinkedIn with a polite message. A simple connection request or LinkedIn InMail can sometimes help you break through if their inbox is flooded.

3. Revisit Your Network

If ghosting drags on and you still haven’t heard back, it’s time to leverage your network.

What to do:

• Reach out to a mutual contact: If you know someone within the company or industry, reach out and ask if they have any insights into the status of the position. Sometimes, internal contacts can provide helpful updates that aren’t communicated externally.

• Use LinkedIn for research: Check to see if the role is still open, if the company has hired someone, or if there are any changes in the company’s hiring team. This can give you clues about why the process has stalled.

4. Shift Your Focus to New Opportunities

While waiting, don’t let this one job hold you back. The longer you wait for a response, the more time you could be missing out on other great opportunities.

What to do:

• Keep applying: Make sure your pipeline of job applications stays full. Every job you apply for is another potential opportunity, and the more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to land a position.

• Track your progress: Use a simple spreadsheet to track where you’ve applied, who you’ve interviewed with, and your follow-up status. This helps you stay organized and avoid putting all your energy into one role.

5. Reflect on the Experience—But Don’t Take It Personally

Being ghosted can be frustrating, but it’s important not to let it affect your confidence. There are many reasons why a company might go silent, and most of them have nothing to do with your qualifications.

What to do:

• Review your interview: Were there any areas where you felt less confident? Use this time to improve your interview skills or tweak your resume and cover letter. Ghosting might not be your fault, but reflecting on your process will keep you sharp for the next opportunity.

• Maintain a positive mindset: It’s easy to feel disheartened when you’re ghosted, but staying positive is key to keeping up your job search momentum. Reframe the experience: Ghosting is a sign that this wasn’t the right opportunity—and the right one is still out there.

6. Keep Building Relationships with Recruiters

Ghosting from a recruiter or hiring manager doesn’t mean your relationship with them has to end.

What to do:

• Follow up with recruiters for future roles: If you’ve been ghosted by a recruiter, send them a polite message thanking them for their time and asking if you can be considered for future opportunities. This helps maintain the relationship and keeps you top of mind for new roles.

• Stay active on LinkedIn: Engage with posts from recruiters and hiring managers in your field. Share relevant content, comment on industry updates, and continue to grow your network. This keeps you visible and could lead to more opportunities.

Getting ghosted during a job search is frustrating, but it’s not the end of the road. By staying proactive, organized, and professional, you can continue moving forward in your search without letting ghosting hold you back.

Ghosting happens to even the most qualified candidates. What matters is how you handle it: with grace, persistence, and a focus on new opportunities.