By
Diyaa Mani
October 27, 2025
Updated
October 27, 2025
You’ve done everything right. You applied for the job, prepared thoroughly, and gave your best during the interview. You even sent a polite follow-up email.
But now, the recruiter has gone silent. No updates. No feedback. If you’re wondering why your recruiter is ghosting you, you’re not alone, and you’re not overreacting.
Ghosting during the hiring process is unfortunately common, but that doesn’t make it acceptable.
This article will explore why recruiters ghost candidates, what it might mean, and how you can respond without losing confidence or momentum in your job search.
Why do candidates get ghosted?
When communication suddenly stops, it is natural to feel confused or even rejected. Many candidates ask themselves: Did I mess up the interview? Did they hire someone else? Should I follow up again, or just move on? These questions are valid, and they deserve honest answers.
Ghosting can happen at any stage of the hiring process. Sometimes it is after an initial phone screen, other times after a final interview. Regardless of when it happens, the silence can feel personal, even though it usually isn’t.
Common reasons recruiters ghost candidates
While ghosting is frustrating, it’s often a symptom of deeper issues in the hiring process. Here are some of the most common reasons recruiters go quiet:
Internal delays or changes
Hiring decisions often involve multiple stakeholders. If a hiring manager goes on leave, the role gets restructured, or budgets are frozen, recruiters may not have any updates to share. Instead of communicating the delay, some choose silence—hoping to avoid awkward conversations.
Recruiter Sarah Johnston, founder of Briefcase Coach, explains:
“Sometimes recruiters are waiting on feedback from hiring managers who are slow to respond. It’s not ideal, but it’s a reality in many organisations.”
Overwhelmed recruiters
Recruiters often manage dozens of roles and hundreds of candidates. If they’re stretched thin, communication can fall through the cracks. This doesn’t excuse ghosting, but it helps explain why it happens more often than it should.
Passive rejection
In some cases, ghosting is a quiet way of saying “no.” Instead of sending a rejection email, the recruiter simply stops responding. It’s unprofessional, but unfortunately, it’s still common in fast-paced hiring environments.
Poor candidate experience culture
Some companies don’t prioritise candidate communication. If ghosting is part of their hiring process, it may reflect how they treat employees internally. This can be a red flag for company culture and future communication.
A LinkedIn survey found that 94% of candidates want feedback after interviews, but only 41% actually receive it. That gap speaks volumes about how companies value candidate experience.
What’s happening behind the scenes
To better understand recruiter behaviour, it helps to know how hiring works behind the scenes. Recruiters are often intermediaries between candidates and hiring managers. They may not have final decision-making power, and sometimes they’re left waiting for updates just like you.
There’s also a difference between agency recruiters and in-house recruiters. Agency recruiters work for multiple clients and may ghost if a role closes or the client stops responding. In-house recruiters, on the other hand, are tied to internal processes and may be limited by company policies or delays.
Hiring timelines are rarely fixed. Even if you were told “we’ll get back to you next week,” internal changes can push decisions out by weeks. This doesn’t justify ghosting, but it does explain why communication often breaks down.
What you can do if you’ve been ghosted
Being ghosted doesn’t mean you should sit back and wait. Here are some proactive steps you can take to regain control of your job search:
Send a follow-up email
Wait 5–7 business days after your last contact. Then send a polite follow-up email. Keep it short, professional, and respectful. For example:
Hi [Recruiter’s Name], I hope you’re well. I wanted to check in on the status of the [Job Title] role. I remain very interested and would appreciate any updates you can share. Thank you again for your time.
If there’s still no response after a second follow-up, it is okay to move on.
Connect on LinkedIn
If you haven’t already, send a connection request. This keeps the door open for future opportunities and shows professionalism. Even if this role doesn’t work out, staying connected can benefit you later.
Keep applying
Don’t let one silent recruiter derail your momentum. Continue applying to other roles and networking. Ghosting is not a reflection of your worth; it is a reflection of their process.
Track your applications
Use a spreadsheet or job search tracker to monitor follow-ups, timelines, and recruiter contacts. This helps you stay organised and ensures you don’t miss opportunities while waiting for responses.
Common objections and how to reframe them
It is normal to hesitate when deciding whether to follow up or move on. Here are some common objections and how to reframe them:
- “I don’t want to seem pushy.”
Following up professionally shows initiative, not desperation. Recruiters appreciate candidates who are engaged and respectful. - “Maybe they’re just busy.”
Everyone is busy. But respectful communication takes seconds. If they’re too busy to reply, that’s a signal about their priorities. - “Should I still consider this company?”
If ghosting is part of their hiring process, consider what that says about their culture. You deserve a company that values communication and respect.
Building confidence in your job search
Ghosting can feel personal, but it’s not. It’s a symptom of broken systems, not broken candidates. Here’s how to stay grounded and confident:
Talk to others about your experience. You’ll find that ghosting is more common than you think. Sharing your story can help you process it and help others feel less alone.
Read recruiter insights and blogs. Many recruiters openly discuss the challenges they face. Understanding their side can help you navigate the process with empathy and strategy.
Stay assertive but kind. Give recruiters the benefit of the doubt, but don’t let silence derail your momentum. You have every right to seek clarity and move forward.
Final thoughts and next steps
Being ghosted by a recruiter is frustrating, but it’s not the end of your job search. By understanding the reasons behind it and responding strategically, you can stay in control and keep moving forward.
Remember: ghosting says more about the company than it does about you. You deserve communication, respect, and clarity. Don’t settle for less.
At Airswift, we believe in transparent, respectful communication, because every candidate deserves clarity. Whether you're seeking your next opportunity or exploring a career change, our recruiters are here to guide you every step of the way.
