Advice Hub

Ghosted Again? What’s Actually Going on Behind the Scenes

Insights

You sent the CV. You nailed the interview. And then… nothing.

No feedback. No update. Just radio silence.

If you’ve ever been ghosted during a job search, you know how frustrating it is. It feels personal. Disrespectful. And completely demoralising.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: in most cases, it’s not about you.

Let’s take a look behind the scenes of hiring processes—and break down what ghosting really means (and how to stay in control when it happens).

Why You’re Not Hearing Back

Ghosting doesn’t always come from bad intentions. More often, it’s a result of messy systems, misaligned priorities, or unclear ownership.

Here’s what could be going on:

The role got pulled

Budgets shift. Priorities change. A role might be paused, cancelled, or absorbed internally—without a formal update.

Feedback is delayed (indefinitely)

Hiring managers go quiet. Interviewers are on holiday. Decisions stall. And instead of telling candidates “no update yet,” some teams say nothing at all.

You’re caught in the volume trap

Some roles get hundreds of applications. If the internal team is under-resourced, they’ll focus only on shortlisted candidates—and skip proper comms for the rest.

They’ve chosen someone else… and won’t say it

No one enjoys delivering bad news. So some companies just don’t do it, assuming silence is less painful than rejection.

Spoiler: it’s not.

What You Can Control When You’re Being Ghosted

You can’t stop companies from going quiet—but you can stop it from derailing your momentum.

Here’s how:

Keep a clean pipeline

Don’t pin all your hopes on one “perfect” role. Keep applying. Keep networking. Keep multiple options alive. That way, silence from one process doesn’t break your stride.

Set your own follow-up loop

If you haven’t heard back within 5–7 working days of your last interaction, follow up once. Keep it professional and short. Then move on.

De-personalise the silence

Ghosting feels personal. It rarely is. Use logic, not emotion: “If this company doesn’t communicate well during hiring, what does that say about working there?”

Build relationships, not just applications

Instead of blasting out CVs, spend time building recruiter and peer relationships. Warm intros lead to better feedback loops—and more transparency.

How Recruiters (The Good Ones) Are Changing This

Recruiters can’t always control client silence—but they can make a difference by:

  • Setting expectations early about timelines and next steps

  • Keeping you updated, even if there’s no big news

  • Giving honest feedback if you’re not progressing

If you’re not getting that from the recruiters you’re working with, you deserve better.

Final Thought: Don’t Let Ghosting Kill Your Confidence

Job searching is already stressful. And silence only makes it harder.

But being ghosted isn’t a reflection of your worth or potential—it’s a reflection of a broken process on the other side.

So keep showing up. Keep building momentum. And remember: the right company won’t leave you wondering.

Want a recruiter who actually keeps you in the loop?

At We Do Group, we believe candidates deserve clarity, honesty, and feedback—whether they get the job or not.

Looking for a new finance role and tired of the black hole?

Let’s chat.

More from our Advice Hub

Insights

AI Is Changing Finance Teams in 2025 — But Not How You Think

3 min read
Published 2 months ago
Team meeting

Automation isn’t the threat. It’s the unlock.
There’s a quiet revolution happening in finance.
It’s not about replacing accountants with robots or handing over decision-making to machines....

Read More
Insights

The Hidden Cost of a Bad Finance Hire (And How to Avoid It)

5 min read
Published 5 months ago
Help wanted sign

Hiring the Wrong Person is More Expensive Than You Think
You need a finance hire.

You rush to fill the role.
You find someone with the right experience on paper.
They interview well enough, so you...

Read More
Insights

The Finance Talent You’re Overlooking (And Why They’re Leadership Material)

6 min read
Published 4 months ago
Leadership

How to Spot a Future Finance Leader (Before Your Competitor Hires Them)
The Best Future CFOs May Already in Your Team – Do You Know Who They Are?
 
Every business wants strategic,...

Read More
Insights

Job Descriptions That Actually Attract Top Talent (Instead of Sending Them to Sleep)

6 min read
Published 6 months ago
Computer closing

Let’s Be Honest: Most Job Descriptions Are Awful
If your job ad looks anything like this…
 
“We’re looking for a dynamic, results-driven self-starter with excellent communication...

Read More
Insights

How You Do Anything is How You Do Everything

3 min read
Published 1 year ago

The saying “How you do anything is how you do everything” is a powerful reminder of the importance of consistency and excellence in all aspects of our lives. At We Do Group, we are big...

Read More
Insights

Red Flags to Look Out For When Interviewing a Senior Finance Candidate

7 min read
Published 6 days ago
Interview

Hiring a senior finance leader isn’t about filling a gap or finding someone to close month-end. It’s about securing a strategic partner – someone who shapes decisions, protects margins,...

Read More