From dating apps to job interviews, we’re all being left on read. Here's why it hurts — and what we can do about it.

Ghosting Isn’t Just for Dating Anymore

Ghosting — the act of abruptly cutting off communication without explanation — has expanded far beyond the realm of online dating. Today, job seekers are ghosted (as soon as they apply to a job, during the interview process, after final interviews), recruiters vanish after hounding you about an opportunity, and even networking contacts disappear after offering help.

It's not just rude. It's structural. And it’s everywhere.

A Culture Shaped by Swipes

The rise of swipe-based platforms like Tinder has fueled a new culture of disposability. With endless options at our fingertips, people are more likely to skip hard conversations — or any conversation at all — and simply move on.

77% of job seekers say they’ve been ghosted by employers (Indeed, 2021). Meanwhile, Indeed also reports that ghosting from recruiters has become so common that candidates expect it as part of the process.

“A recruiter hounded me for availability and then vanished.”

“I had three interviews, a take-home assignment, and nothing.”

These are anonymized composites based on public job seeker testimonials across Reddit, LinkedIn, and career forums — but they’ve become eerily universal.

Why It Hurts More in the Job Search

In a job market defined by instability, being ghosted can feel deeply personal. You’ve been searching for jobs that are a good fit, customized your resume, poured energy into a cover letter — only to be met with silence.

The psychological toll includes:

• Confusion and self-doubt

• Burnout from the constant cycle of effort with no feedback

• Financial stress from zero job placement

• Lack of trust

And yet, employers walk away unscathed.

Ghosting is Avoidance

Psychologists frame ghosting as a form of “avoidant behavior”(SimplyPsychology, 2024) — skipping emotional discomfort by removing oneself entirely. In workplaces, this may stem from a fear of confrontation, lack of time, or unclear hiring processes.

But silence isn’t neutral. In professional settings, it sends a loud message: “You’re not worth a response.”

The Personal Crossover

What’s especially damaging is that professional ghosting mirrors personal ghosting — and often overlaps. That friend who promised to review your resume? Gone. The networking contact who said “I'm happy to connect” Never replied. The recruiter from an agency who urgently chased you down? Ghosted you.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Ghosting won’t disappear overnight — but change can start with culture and accountability.

For employers and recruiters:

• Set clear communication expectations

• Close the loop with candidates

• Be honest — silence isn’t kindness

For job seekers:

• Follow up once or twice, then move on without internalizing it

• Share your experiences — publicly or anonymously — to spotlight the issue

• Build support networks with others facing the same patterns

👉 Been ghosted? You’re not alone: Checkout Ghost Stories

Disclaimer:

The content on this site is for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the author's personal opinions. It does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. All data sources are cited where applicable. Stories shared by users or sourced from public forums are anonymized and presented for illustrative purposes only.