You’ve nailed the interview. Your references are lined up. Maybe the hiring manager even said, “We’ll get back to you soon.” And then…..silence. Days turn into weeks. You refresh your inbox, check your spam folder, and wonder if you missed a call. But nothing. It’s a frustrating reality of the hiring culture—one where communication can suddenly stall, leaving candidates in the dark.
Welcome to the growing phenomenon of being ghosted by HR.
The Rise of HR Ghosting
Ghosting, once a dating term, has made its way into the workplace — and into the hiring culture. And it’s not just job seekers being left in the dark. According to a report by Indeed, 77% of job seekers say they’ve been ghosted by a potential employer since the start of the hiring process.
For many, it’s not just frustrating, it’s demoralizing. You’re left wondering: Was it something I said? Did the role disappear? Was I ever really in the running?
What the Silence Says
When companies ghost candidates, it reveals more than just bad manners. It’s a signal of deeper issues within the hiring culture.
1. Broken Communication Norms
Hiring is supposed to be a two-way street. But many organizations treat it like a one-way monologue. The absence of communication reflects a flaw in the hiring culture and shows a disregard for the time and emotional investment candidates put into the process.
“A company’s hiring process reflects its culture,” says career coach Alison Green. “If they can’t be respectful during recruiting, imagine what working there is like.”
2. Overwhelmed or Undertrained HR Teams
In some cases, HR professionals are simply overwhelmed. With hundreds of resumes to screen and pressure to fill roles quickly, communication often falls through the cracks. But being busy isn’t an excuse for ghosting—it reflects poorly on the hiring culture. Even a templated rejection email is better than nothing.
Tools like Greenhouse and Lever make it easy to automate updates, but only if companies prioritize transparency.
3. A Culture That Avoids Difficult Conversations
Rejecting people is uncomfortable. But choosing silence over honesty points to a culture that avoids hard conversations, something that can affect not just hiring but also leadership, feedback, and internal dynamics.
The Cost of Ghosting
HR ghosting doesn’t just hurt candidates. It damages the employer brand. Sites like Glassdoor are filled with reviews that mention poor communication, unclear processes, and issues within the hiring culture. Word spreads quickly, and top talent takes note.
A CareerArc study found that 72% of candidates who have a bad experience will share it online or with someone else.
What Job Seekers Can Do
While you can’t control a company’s communication, you can control how you respond:
• Follow up once or twice, spaced a few days apart. Stay professional and concise
• Don’t take it personally. Ghosting is often more about internal disorganization than your qualifications
• Keep applying. Until you have an offer in writing, don’t pause your job search
And remember: you deserve respect. Silence isn’t a reflection of your worth.
What Companies Need to Do Better
To build trust and attract top talent, employers must:
• Close the loop with all candidates
• Set realistic timelines and update them if hiring gets delayed
• Train hiring managers to prioritize communication
Automated emails are preferable to no emails, so use technology intelligently. In an age where employer branding is everything, ghosting is a brand killer.
Final Thoughts
Being ghosted by HR stings. But it also tells you something important: if they can’t communicate now, they probably won’t communicate well once you’re hired.
The good news? There are companies out there that respect your time and effort. Keep looking for them. And when you find one that treats you like a human from day one, you’ll know it’s the right fit.
Also read: Candidate Experience: How to Make Your Hiring Process Stand Out
