Far too many corporations and agencies do a lousy job of closing the loop with prospective candidates. Come on, folks. We can do better.
While 75 percent of job seekers applying for jobs never receive acknowledgement of their applications being received (CareerBuilders.com), even applicants reaching the initial interview stage regularly face similar ghosting or equally frustrating belated, cryptic “thanks-but-no-thanks” emails. This is a downer for the applicant as well as a reputational blemish on the organization’s brand image.
“From the second job seekers are viewing your job ad and applying to your company, they are forming an opinion of who you are as an employer and as a business,” said CareerBuilder’s Senior Director of Talent Intelligence, Sanja Licina. “One bad applicant experience can have a ripple effect with candidates not only vocalizing their dissatisfaction with how they were treated, but encouraging others not to apply or even buy products from that company.”
A talented young pro who I’ve known for several years shrugged as she told me about her recent experience of being approached by a major agency that brought her in for several interviews, all of which ended on positive, encouraging notes. She was excited. Weeks later, after several follow up emails and a call to the HR contact, she learned the firm was not in a position to fill the position. Her reaction was better than mine might have been. Taking the high road, she thanked them for the opportunity to connect, expressed her continued interest in the agency, and asked for feedback to continue improving for the future. (She received no such feedback–not even a sentence or two).
“Rejections can sting and be emotional, but they’re also an opportunity to demonstrate who you are and how you rise to the occasion,” she shared with me. “The hiring process can be very uncertain, competitive, and challenging, and it will test you. How you respond to the test ultimately tells all.” With that attitude, she should find a job soon.
A few weeks after that conversation, I saw a former student — Alayne Trinko — at a Chicago networking event hosted by Tiffin Jernstedt and her PR legend father, Rich Jernstedt. Alayne has had her share of ghosting situations, but she always maintained a positive outlook on the job market despite its flaws.
Alayne’s wise advice: “Stay open-minded. Keep applying – everywhere. Lean on your support network, keep the conversation going with organizations you admire, and remember: every ‘no’ clears the path for a ‘yes’ truly meant to be and aligned with your values and goals. The hiring process can be revealing — notice what it shows you, trust your instincts, and keep moving forward with confidence.”
Impressed with her wise point of view, I asked Alayne to jot down some tips for young professionals navigating rejection and the hiring process in today’s competitive and uncertain market. Here is her advice:
- Stay Open and Adaptable: Understand that hiring decisions can change quickly. What feels like a sure thing one day may shift the next — keep your options open and be ready to pivot.
- Respond with Grace and Professionalism: Even when disappointed, react with friends, family, or mentors. Respond thoughtfully to your point of contact. Thank hiring managers, express continued interest, and ask for feedback or the opportunity to connect elsewhere within the organization. Your response shapes your professional reputation – avoid burning bridges.
- Keep Building Relationships: Rejection isn’t a dead end. Use it as a chance to deepen connections within companies or industries you admire by staying engaged and visible. The effort and interest in maintaining the connection may not be reciprocated but demonstrating how you value and build relationships keeps the door open.
- Lean on Your Support Network: Friends, family, mentors — they’re your anchor. Share your experiences and seek encouragement; you don’t have to navigate the ups and downs alone.
- Trust Your Intuition and Values: The hiring process reveals a lot about company culture and fit. It also prompts you to dig deep into personal reflection. Listen closely; trust your gut and know that every “no” is making room for the right “yes.”
- Not everyone is going to ghost you. There are organizations out there that honor the intensity and vulnerability of the recruitment process — don’t be discouraged.