what’s up with employers not getting back to me after I interview?

A reader writes:

I recently relocated to another state and began looking for a job. Throughout the course of my search, I have come across an interesting and unusual (to me) phenomenon: ghosting. I have been ghosted by pre-screeners, HR directors, hiring managers, and a VP. In each case I have sent follow-up emails to express my continued interest in the position and … crickets.

In one interview, the HR director literally said, “I will call you next week,” “I won’t ghost you,” and, “I don’t intend to ghost you, I promise.” I had not mentioned anything to her during our interview. And yes, she ghosted me. I sent a follow-up email and, no, I did not hear anything back from her.

In my chosen field, I am looking for a mid- to upper-management position. The size and structure of the company doesn’t seem to matter either. I have had this happen with small, medium, and large companies.

The ghosting has happened in cases where I have specifically been told in an interview that I am a viable candidate and they intend to schedule a second or third interview. And then, nothing.

Having been a hiring manager and been in positions where I supervised HR departments I understand the internal process can get very busy and things can and do fall through the cracks. However, it is happening on such a regular basis I have actually come to expect it. And really, how much time does it take to send off a rejection email?

I guess I have two questions: Has this become a common practice? And is there anything else I can do besides sending a follow-up email?

You can read my answer to this letter at New York Magazine today. Head over there to read it.

The post what’s up with employers not getting back to me after I interview? appeared first on Ask a Manager.

View the full article