Applied, interviewed, and then nothing? What to do when employers ghost and how to move on

You’ve aced the interviews, felt the excitement building... and then—silence.

A deafening silence, leaving you wondering: What now?

Being ghosted during the job-hunting process is more than just frustrating—it’s emotionally draining and mentally exhausting. Tina (name changed on request), a seasoned professional with 12 years of experience in the UAE’s public relations (PR) industry, knows this feeling all too well. She recalls being left in the dark by employers, wondering what went wrong.

“Over the past year, I have noticed a growing trend of candidates being ignored. I would attend interviews and never hear back, regardless of whether it was a small start-up or a large multinational firm,” she said.

‘I went through four rounds of interview’

Many job seekers can relate to the frustration of engaging with a recruiter, only to be met with silence. But it’s especially disheartening when you go through multiple interview rounds with the same employer and still hear nothing.

For instance, Tina went through four rounds of interviews with a company, including a final meeting with the team. After several follow-ups, she was told they'd chosen another candidate. For her, the real issue wasn’t losing the job—it was the lack of professional courtesy.

“Many companies post job openings on LinkedIn, and when you apply, it is either an immediate rejection or complete silence, even when your CV aligns perfectly with the job requirements,” she added.

‘There should at least be an automated response’

Zareen (name changed on request), another PR professional with extensive experience in the UAE and the United States, has also faced similar experiences.

“Submitting a CV and hearing nothing back is one thing, but there should at least be an automated response acknowledging the application, as is common in the US,” she explained. Her most frustrating experience, however, has been completing ‘test’ assignments as part of the hiring process.

“Shouldn’t portfolios or work samples be enough? Recently, I have noticed a rising trend where companies ask candidates to complete assessments that are essentially free labour. I once spent considerable time creating a comprehensive PR strategy for a job interview. The company set a deadline, I submitted the work, and then, radio silence. Later, I discovered they had used elements of my strategy. It was free work for them,” she said.

The reliance on automated tracking systems

Haider Jafri, who works in the IT sector, finds unresponsive recruiters to be a growing issue, largely due to an oversupply of candidates.

“I often see job postings on LinkedIn with over 300 applicants. When I come across these, I already know my chances of receiving a response are slim. However, even when I do secure an interview, there is still no guarantee of a follow-up. I sometimes send cold emails, hoping for an update, but rarely get a reply," he said.

According to him, the sheer volume of applicants has led many hiring managers to rely on automated tracking systems. “Many strong candidates get filtered out before a human ever reviews their applications,” he noted.

The psychological toll of ghosting

Being ghosted during a job search can deeply affect mental health, leaving candidates feeling rejected, anxious, and doubtful. “There’s a lack of closure,” explains Kirin Hilliar, a psychology professor at Heriot-Watts University.

Candidates are left questioning their abilities and wondering, “What now?” This uncertainty can lead to frustration, burnout, and isolation. Over time, the emotional toll can sap motivation and make the job search feel increasingly daunting.

So, how do you recover from this?

Understanding why employers ghost candidates

Mohammad Osama, the CEO of GRG, one of the largest independent recruiters in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region categorised ghosting into two types:

Type 1 ghosting: When a candidate applies for a job but never hears back. This is common because companies receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications and often do not take the time to notify rejected candidates.

Type 2 ghosting: When a candidate has engaged with an employer—such as through interviews or discussions—but communication suddenly ceases.

“Type 2 ghosting often happens because companies themselves are undergoing internal changes, such as restructuring or filling the role internally,” Osama explained.

He also dismissed the notion that ghosting is more prevalent in start-ups than in large corporations. “While established firms are generally more structured in responding to applicants, ghosting can happen anywhere. It can tarnish an employer’s reputation, making future hiring more difficult,” he added.

What to do if you have been ghosted after an interview

If you have gone through an interview and have not heard back, Shazia Bharuchi, a UAE-based career guidance and development practitioner, suggested a professional and strategic follow-up approach.

“Send a polite email one week after your last interaction, expressing continued interest and requesting an update. If there is no response, follow up once more after another week. If you are still ghosted, move on and focus on other opportunities. Professionalism and networking are key to keeping your job search active,” she advised.

Osama added that in some cases, delays are temporary, as employers take time to evaluate candidates.

“It’s acceptable to check in every two weeks for up to two months. If there is still no response, let it go. A company that fails to respond after multiple spaced-out attempts is sending a clear message and reflects poorly on the employer. If a recruitment agency is involved, reach out to them, they should not be ghosting candidates," he explained.

If three months have passed and you have followed up multiple times, Osama and both Hilliar recommend moving on because you deserve better. However, he urges job seekers to refrain from sending angry emails. “If you need closure, try reaching out to other employees at the company through personal networks,” he said.

How to reduce the chances of being ghosted

While job ghosting is largely out of a candidate’s control, there are ways to improve your chances of engagement:

Apply for roles that align closely with your skills and experience.

Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills and ensure it is optimised for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and actively network with industry professionals.

Follow up professionally after interviews and set clear expectations about next steps during discussions.

According to Bharuchi, building a strong rapport with recruiters can also help. “Engage with hiring managers professionally and show genuine interest in the role. Before ending an interview, ask about the next steps and timelines. This makes follow-ups feel natural rather than pushy,: she said.

Warning signs of ghost job postings

Beyond job ghosting, another frustrating trend affecting job seekers is the rise of ‘ghost jobs’ -listings that stay online for months despite the role already being filled or never existing in the first place. Many job seekers in the UAE and globally have voiced concerns about these misleading postings.

Bharuchi warns that several red flags can help identify ghost job listings. These include vague job descriptions with limited details on salary, reporting structure, or key performance indicators (KPIs). Additionally, roles that remain advertised for extended periods without updates, especially on company websites or LinkedIn, are often suspicious. A lack of response after applying or only receiving automated replies is another warning sign.

So, why do companies post ghost jobs? According to Bharuchi, there are several possible reasons. Some businesses, particularly in competitive industries, collect CVs in advance for future openings. In other cases, a position may have been approved but later placed on hold due to budget constraints or work permit issues. Occasionally, keeping job postings live can create an illusion of company growth, which may appeal to potential investors or clients.

“It's important to remember that judging a company's hiring intentions can be difficult. Internal circumstances may have changed since the vacancy was first posted,” Bharuchi explained.

To avoid wasting time pursuing ghost jobs, consider these steps:

Cross-check with the company’s website and LinkedIn: Genuine job openings are often mentioned in recent posts or hiring announcements.

Reach out to recruiters or employees: A brief LinkedIn message to someone at the company can help confirm if the role is genuinely available.

Be cautious of agencies demanding fees: Legitimate recruiters in Dubai do not charge job seekers for their services.