Getting all the way through the application, interview, and reference check process to receive a job offer takes a lot of work.
And when that job offer finally comes, it can feel extraordinarily exciting.
However, on the flip side, if the company that gave you the job offer suddenly goes radio silent, particularly after you accepted the offer, it can be alarming and deflating.
So, this article is going to look at what to do if you were ghosted after a job offer.
We’ll look at if a company can offer you a job and then ghost you, why they would do that, and what to do if you find yourself in that situation.
All answers were provided by proven career experts that volunteered their perspective on the topics.
Let’s dive in.
Contents
Can a Company Offer You a Job and Then Ghost You?
Yes, a company can indeed offer you a job and then ghost you. Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence in today’s job market, and it can leave candidates feeling frustrated and confused.
There are several reasons why a company may ghost a candidate, including changes in the company’s hiring needs, internal conflicts, or miscommunications within the HR department.
The above content was provided by Jonathan H. Westover, Ph.D., MPA, SFHEA, AFCIPD, Chair/Professor, Utah Valley University
Why Was I Offered a Job and Then Ghosted?
The most common reason for someone to be ghosted after receiving a job offer is a major miscommunication from upper management. This can happen when HR isn’t communicating with the departments they’re hiring for, or when upper management institutes a hiring freeze or round of layoffs without giving the hiring team a heads-up.
It could also be something like a personnel reshuffle (such as the hiring manager getting let go) causing your hiring to get dropped. It can be worthwhile to reach out to someone else at the company just to get a clear answer about whether or not you have a job, but I would proceed with caution here. This is a big red flag.
The above content was provided by Troy Portillo, Director of Operations of Studypool
What to Do if You Were Offered a Job and Then Ghosted?
1. Follow Up
Reach out to the company through email or phone to inquire about the status of the job offer. Be professional and polite in your communication, expressing your interest in the position and seeking clarification.
2. Be Patient
Give the company a reasonable amount of time to respond before taking further action. Sometimes, there may be legitimate reasons for the delay or lack of communication.
3. Consider Alternative Contact
If you haven’t received a response after reaching out directly, try contacting the person who made the job offer or the HR department through a different channel, such as LinkedIn or another email address if available.
4. Evaluate Your Options
While waiting for a response, it’s essential to continue your job search and explore other opportunities. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket and keep pursuing other leads to avoid putting your career on hold.
5. Learn From The Experience
Reflect on the situation and consider any potential red flags or warning signs that emerged during the hiring process. Use this as an opportunity to refine your job search strategy and focus on companies that demonstrate clear communication and professionalism.
6. Move On
If the company continues to ghost you or doesn’t provide a satisfactory explanation, it may be best to move on and redirect your energy towards other opportunities. Remember, you deserve to work for a company that values and respects your time and efforts.
If the ghosting behavior was particularly unprofessional or concerning, you may consider sharing your experience on job review websites or professional networking platforms. This can help raise awareness and provide insights to other job seekers.
The above content was provided by Andrey Kolchurin, Career Coach
Conclusion
There’s no way to sugarcoat it – being ghosted after a job offer sticks. It’s confusing, deflating, and demoralizing.
But, if you find yourself in that situation, know that you may have dodged a bullet.
A company that would ghost after a job offer likely isn’t somewhere you wanted to work anyway.
So keep moving forward in your search and know that there is something better still out there for you.
