Being a ghost is never easy. In simple terms, ghosting is the cessation of communication without explanation. For example, you had a great date, but the guy suddenly stops texting and doesn’t explain why it was wrong. It is no less unpleasant when ghosting comes from a potential employer.
ContentWhat is ghosting? Process your feelings Analyze the experience, not yourself Refocus your job search See alternative ways to achieve your career goals Leverage your professional network
“Unfortunately, being ghosted—whether personally or professionally—is almost inevitable,” Rebecca Williams, talent strategy consultant at Indeed, tells Stylist. “Being left in the dark about your dream job can be just as frustrating or painful as not getting a response from a date.” WomanEL will share expert advice on what you can do about it.
What is ghosting?
Ghosting is a term commonly used in dating and social relationships to refer to the sudden and unexplained cessation of communication or contact with someone. While most people think of ghosting in a digital context, that is, a friend or dating partner stops responding to text messages, emails, calls, etc., it can happen in any social circumstance.
And, again, ghosting is not only about friendship and love. It is just as common in the world of work. For example, you were given a verbal job offer and then disappeared. Or employers failed to show up for a phone interview without explanation.
No matter how it is done, ghosting is a heartbreaking reality. If you remain in this state, it can undermine your self-esteem and have a huge impact on your emotions. In fact, it can even be as damaging as physical pain.
We've covered what ghosting is, now let's discuss what to do now if you're being ghosted.
Rejecting a job for no reason can inspire you to make a more thoughtful search, Source: freepik.com
Process your feelings
Rejection takes time to overcome, especially if it is not explained. Therefore, it is important to give yourself time to process your feelings and give yourself some breathing space. “You might want to give yourself a day off,” Williams suggests. “Do something else you enjoy, or just hang out with a friend.”
Analyze experience, not yourself
It's easy to look inside yourself and wonder what you did “wrong.” “The first thing to remember is that the employer has no right to visit you and that it is not your fault,” Williams adds. “It’s also important to understand that you will likely never know why you weren’t heard back—and it may be for a reason that has nothing to do with you as a candidate.” However, if you're in the mood for self-reflection, this may be an opportunity to revisit your resume or brush up on your interview technique.
Refocus your job search
Just like in relationships, this is a great time to take stock and see how the job you missed out on matches your ideal job aspirations. Make a list of what you liked (and didn't like) about the position, which will help you narrow your search next time.
“If a position you haven't heard back from meets all your requirements, it will be very difficult to be the one who is the guest. But it can also give you energy knowing that similar positions exist,” advises Williams. It's also helpful to look at the company culture, the people on the team, and the additional benefits and training and development opportunities available at the company.
See alternative ways to achieve your career goals
A great way to find jobs similar to the one you really want is to research the competitors of the company you're interviewing with to see if they're hiring anyone for a similar position, Williams says. “Look at the employees currently working in your ideal position. Research the career path they have chosen,” she adds. “Some may have required higher education or relevant work experience to qualify for this position.”
Use your professional network
Don’t be afraid to use your connections to help job search, even if it's just useful advice or motivation. “Often, the people who have worked with us and know us best professionally are in a good position to determine which opportunities are best suited to our skills and experience,” says Williams.
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