Ghosting is a Bad Career Move
"Ghosting" has traditionally been associated with dating, but now there is such a thing as "interview ghosting," and it's just as impolite. Interview ghosting is when you agree to meet someone for a job interview and never show up or follow up with them afterward. Not only is this bad manners, but it's also a wasted opportunity to network and build relationships.
Why You Shouldn't Ghost After an Interview
Even if you're not interested in the job, respecting the other person's time and effort is important. Ghosting after an interview sends the message that you don't value the other person's time or opinions. It also makes you look unprofessional and disorganized. If you're not interested in the job, politely decline when they offer it. There's no need to be impolite.
In today's job market, your network is your most valuable asset. By ghosting someone after an interview, you're missing out on an opportunity to build a relationship with someone who could be a valuable connection later on down the road. On the other hand, if you make a good impression and keep in touch with the people you meet during your job search, you never know when one of those connections might come in handy.
How to Avoid Ghosting After an Interview
It's easy to avoid ghosting if you take a few minutes to send a quick thank-you note or email after your interview. A simple "Thanks for taking the time to meet with me" goes a long way. You can also use this opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the position or ask any questions you may have forgotten to ask during the interview. If nothing else, it shows that you're polite and professional and value the other person's time.
What is Job Search Ghosting?
Job search ghosting is when you only reach out to your job search contacts when you need something from them. It's the digital equivalent of only talking to someone when you want something from them. And just like in real life, it's not a very effective way to build lasting relationships.
Why You Shouldn't Be a Job Search Ghost
Job search ghosting is ineffective for several reasons. First, it makes the interaction feel transactional. The other person can tell you're only reaching out because you want something from them. Second, it's a lousy way to build relationships. When you only reach out when you need something, people will catch on and will be less likely to want to help you. Finally, it's just plain rude. If someone takes the time to help you with your job search, the least you can do is reciprocate and check in from time to time.
How to Avoid Being a Job Search Ghost
The best way to avoid being a job search ghost is to make an effort to keep in touch with your job search contacts even when you don't need anything from them. Ask them how they're doing and update them on new experiences you may have had. Keeping in touch will build stronger relationships and make a better impression overall.
Employers Aren't Off the Hook When It Comes to "Ghosting" Applicants
Some of us have been there before. You go through rounds of job interviews, nail the final one, and then...crickets. You don't hear back from the company for weeks, despite being told you'd receive an answer "in a few weeks." Finally, you give up and move on. But what if the company DOES reach out to you...weeks or even months later? Should you even bother responding?
If you are still interested and think there may be a fit, it's worth exploring the opportunity further. The key is to tread carefully - you don't want to seem desperate or too eager. Play it cool, and see where the conversation goes.
Don't assume you're out of the running just because a company hasn't contacted you in a while. Companies often take their time making decisions, and job offers can come weeks or months after the initial interview.
If a company contacts you after a long period of time, the best thing to do is express your interest in the position and reiterate your qualifications. You can also inquire about the status of the search and see if there are any other steps you can take. Being patient and polite when communicating with the company is important. Who knows - you may end up with your dream job after all.
If you're job-seeking, you must be mindful of your social etiquette. This includes respecting other people's time by following up after an interview, even if you're not interested in the job. Taking this small step shows that you're polite and professional and allows you to expand your network of connections, which could come in handy down the road.
So next time you have a job interview, avoid being a ghost—it'll pay off in the long run!