Tired of being ghosted? Here’s some expert advice

The job search landscape has become increasingly frustrating for many recent graduates, with a growing number experiencing what has become known as "ghosting." According to a ResumeBuilder.com survey, 39% of respondents said they wouldn't choose the same major again if they could start over, reflecting the disillusionment many feel. A Reddit user expressed this frustration bluntly, stating that a Bachelor of Science degree doesn't seem as valuable as it once did in the current job market.

Experts warn that the decision to ghost applicants is no longer excusable, even in the face of a deluge of applications. Stacie Haller, chief career advisor at ResumeBuilder.com, advises that if a candidate doesn't meet at least 80% of the required qualifications, they should not apply for the position. She emphasizes that applying without sufficient qualifications will result in getting ghosted, period.

Haller also points out the importance of timing, advising that applying weeks after a job posting can make it harder for candidates to get noticed, especially when employers are already overwhelmed with applications. She notes that if a candidate applies to a job that's already been posted for weeks, they are unlikely to be considered.

However, it's not just the candidates who may be at fault. Jillian Phelan, a 25-year HR veteran and chief people officer at Criteria, explains that companies sometimes experience delays in informing candidates that they were not selected. This can be especially frustrating for younger job seekers who are desperate to break into their chosen industry.

When a candidate is ghosted after multiple rounds of interviews, it can derail their entire job search. Bill, a 25-year HR veteran and chief people officer at Criteria, shared his experience of waiting six weeks for a company to inform him that the position had been filled after going through several rounds of interviews. He felt that ghosting diminished the entire process and was unacceptable in a professional context.

Despite the challenges, Haller encourages job seekers to remain open to pivoting and not limiting themselves to their current field. While it's easy to feel demoralized by ghosting, Haller advises applicants to stay positive and focus on translating their skills to other industries or roles where they may be more valuable. Companies should also take responsibility for communicating with candidates, even if it means automating parts of the recruiting process with the help of artificial intelligence.