“Rejected In 5 Minutes”: 35 People Share The Most Unhinged Job Rejections They Were Unfortunate Enough To Receive

To find out more about job rejections, as well as why so many candidates are ghosted by recruiters, we spoke with Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, the CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts and best-selling author of seven books, including a global bestseller Never Go With Your Gut: How Pioneering Leaders Make the Best Decisions and Avoid Business Disasters (Career Press, 2019), who shared some interesting insights.

Dr. Gleb explained that the worst way to reject a job candidate is to not provide any feedback or communication at all, leaving the candidate wondering about the outcome of their application. “This lack of professionalism can harm the company's reputation and cause frustration for the candidate. It is always better to provide a timely and respectful rejection notice, even if it is brief, so that the candidate can move forward in their job search,” he said.

There are a variety of reasons why a candidate can be ghosted, including high volume of applicants. Dr. Gleb explained that “When dealing with a large number of applicants, it can be challenging for recruiters to respond individually to each one, especially if they lack the resources or staff.”

Sometimes, applicants never hear back from the recruiters due to the time constraints. “Recruiters may prioritize filling open positions over providing feedback to unsuccessful candidates, as they are often under pressure to find the right candidate quickly.”

In other cases, legal concerns may be at play. “Some recruiters may avoid providing feedback to avoid potential legal issues, such as discrimination claims or misunderstandings about the reasons for rejection.”

Last but not least, the organizational culture can be the reason why an applicant is ghosted by the company they applied to. Dr. Gleb argues that the company's culture might not prioritize or value communication with unsuccessful candidates and that’s why candidate ghosting occurs.

The good news is that it is possible to reduce the chances of being ghosted as a candidate. Dr. Gleb’s advice is to not forget a follow-up. “Send a follow-up email a week or two after submitting the application or completing an interview, as it may prompt a response from the recruiter.”

Being proactive is also the way to go. “Keep in touch with the recruiter throughout the application process, without being overly persistent.”

Dr. Gleb also stressed the importance of networking. His advice is to establish connections with company employees through LinkedIn or other professional networks, as they may be able to provide updates on the hiring process or put in a good word for you.

And last tip for not getting ghosted as a candidate is to make sure you stand out. “Make your application as strong as possible, highlighting relevant skills and experiences, to increase your chances of making it to the next stage of the hiring process.”

Often, however, no matter how much you stand out during a job interview, you still get rejected. Job rejections maybe very difficult to handle, especially if the candidate is going above and beyond to make a good impression, prepare for the interview questions, and do everything it takes to get a position.

Dr. Gleb’s advice for dealing with job rejections is to stay positive and to recognize that rejection is a part of the job search process, and not a reflection of your worth as a person or professional.

“If possible, ask for feedback from the recruiter and use it to improve your application materials and interview skills,” Dr. Gleb said and added that it’s important to “continue to search and apply for jobs that align with your skills, experiences, and interests.”

Moreover, Dr. Gleb suggests expanding your network. “Use this opportunity to meet new people, attend industry events, or join professional organizations to increase your visibility in the job market.”

Last but not least, advice on dealing with job rejection is to consider alternative paths. “Reevaluate your career goals and explore different industries or roles that may be more suited to your skills and interests.”