Ghosting a Prospective Employer: Why It’s a Career Killer

We get it—things change. You might accept one interview and get another offer, or second-guess whether a role is truly right for you. But no matter the circumstance, disappearing without a word—known as ghosting—is never a good look.

What the Stats Say

According to CareerBeacon, 20% to 50% of interview no-shows are due to ghosting. That’s right—up to half of all scheduled candidates simply don’t show up. And while hard data is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests even more disappear after the interview, or worse, accept a job and never show up on day one.

If you think no one will notice, think again.

After the Interview? Don’t Ghost—Follow Up

Interviewing is a two-way street, and so is communication.

• Always send a thank-you note the same day—by email or even a handwritten note if appropriate.

• Haven’t heard back after a week? Be patient, but if it’s been two to three weeks with no word, follow up.

• Choose the right method—if you had strong rapport, a quick phone call might be more effective than another email. Be polite, positive, and brief.

Trying to Land the Interview? Build Real Connections

It’s tempting to message every hiring manager you can find, but a focused approach is more effective.

• Reach out to the right people in the department or region you’re targeting.

• Use your network—alumni, industry groups, friends, and yes, even LinkedIn. Consider asking for a short informational interview to learn more.

• Be professional. Don’t overstep, and don’t take it personally if they’re too busy to respond.

Are You the Ghoster? Time to Rethink.

Even a brief note is better than silence.

• If you’ve scheduled an interview, show up.

• Changed your mind? Let the recruiter or employer know as soon as possible.

• Accepted a role? Congratulations! Now honour your commitment—or communicate promptly if circumstances change.

Your reputation matters. Integrity matters. How you show up—or don’t—speaks volumes.

Understand the Employment Landscape

In Canadian agribusiness, there are often more job seekers than open roles. Employers and recruiters can move on quickly.

If you ghost, your name will likely land on the “Do Not Call” list. And the person you ghost today? They may be the hiring manager—or decision-maker—for your dream job down the road.

Burning bridges isn’t just unprofessional—it’s short-sighted.

Final Thoughts: Be the Professional You’d Want to Hire

We all slip up from time to time. But professionalism, courtesy, and communication are always within your control.

Let it start with you.