You’ve had a great conversation with a recruiter. You sent your resume, maybe even had an interview—and then … nothing. Days turn into weeks. No calls. No emails. No feedback.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Being ghosted by a recruiter can feel frustrating and discouraging, especially when you’re actively job hunting. But rather than getting stuck in the silence, it’s important to take proactive steps.
At Burnett Specialists, we believe that transparency and respect should guide every interaction. If you’ve been ghosted by a recruiter, here’s what you can do—and how to protect your confidence and career momentum.
1. Pause and Reevaluate the Timeline
Before jumping to conclusions, give the situation a quick review. Did the recruiter say when you’d hear back? Sometimes delays happen due to:
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Client scheduling changes
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Internal feedback cycles
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Unexpected hiring freezes
If it’s only been a few days past the expected update, give it a little more time. Recruiters often juggle multiple roles and clients, and while communication is important, slight delays can be common.
2. Follow Up Professionally
If you haven’t received a response after a reasonable amount of time (usually 5–7 business days), send a short and polite follow-up message. Reaffirm your interest and ask if there are any updates.
Example:
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I wanted to follow up on our recent conversation regarding the [Job Title] position. I remain very interested and would appreciate any updates you can share. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
This shows initiative and professionalism without sounding pushy.
3. Keep Your Options Open
One of the most important steps after being ghosted is not to wait around. Continue applying for other roles, networking, and working with additional staffing firms.
Burnett Specialists encourages candidates to stay active in their job search. We’re here to keep momentum going—not leave you in the dark.
4. Evaluate the Recruiter’s Communication Style
If a recruiter disappears without notice or updates, it may be a red flag. Communication matters, especially in staffing. A recruiter who:
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Doesn’t follow through on promised updates
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Ignores multiple follow-ups
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Isn’t transparent about the hiring process
may not be the right fit for your long-term job search.
At Burnett Specialists, we prioritize respectful, timely communication. If something changes in a hiring process, we tell you. If we don’t have news, we still check in.
5. Don’t Take It Personally
Being ghosted can feel personal, but it often has little to do with your qualifications. Some common reasons a recruiter might stop responding include:
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The client paused or canceled the role
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The position was filled internally
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The role no longer aligned with your background
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The recruiter got pulled into a high-priority search and lost track
While it’s not ideal, it’s not a reflection of your value. Stay focused, confident, and committed to finding the right opportunity.
6. Work With a Reputable Staffing Firm
The best way to avoid being ghosted is to work with a staffing firm that values integrity, transparency, and candidate relationships. At Burnett Specialists, we treat every job seeker with the professionalism and care they deserve.
Our recruiters provide clear communication, real feedback, and ongoing updates—because we believe your job search experience should feel collaborative, not one-sided.
7. Use the Experience as a Learning Opportunity
If you’ve been ghosted, use the moment to reflect:
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Was there anything you could have clarified earlier in the process?
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Did you confirm timelines and next steps?
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Did you follow up in a timely and professional manner?
Sometimes small changes in how you engage with recruiters can lead to better outcomes in the future.
Burnett Specialists: A Partner You Can Rely On
Job searching is challenging enough—you shouldn’t have to deal with silence from the people who are supposed to support you. At Burnett Specialists, we take pride in providing a clear, consistent, and professional candidate experience.
With 50 years of experience across industries like administrative, legal, finance, HR, and technology, we’re here to help you navigate every step of your job search—with the honesty and care you deserve.
Let’s Work Together
Tired of being ghosted by recruiters? Let Burnett Specialists show you how job searching should be done. Contact us today or apply through our job board to get connected with a recruiter who’s ready to support your success.
