The Phantom Job Search, Part 1: How to Deal with Ghost Jobs and Ghosting Without Losing Your Spirit
If you’ve ever poured your heart into a job application—only to hear nothing in return—you’re not imagining things. Ghost jobs and ghosting are real, and they’re exhausting.
One minute, a role looks like the perfect fit. You customize your resume, ace a round or two of interviews, maybe even start picturing your first day. And then… silence.
Welcome to the Phantom Job Search: a frustratingly common experience in today’s market that can make even the most confident professionals start second-guessing themselves.
But here’s the truth: this isn’t about you. It’s about a messy hiring landscape that too often leaves candidates in the dark. So, let’s talk about what’s really going on—and how to navigate it without losing your momentum, your motivation, or your sense of self.
What Are “Ghost Jobs”?
Ghost jobs are positions that appear active online—but may not actually be open. Sometimes the company already filled the role and forgot to take it down. Sometimes they’re gathering resumes for a future need. And sometimes the role is frozen internally, but the listing lives on.
It’s confusing. It’s disheartening. And unfortunately, it’s pretty common.
What to do instead of spiraling:
Don’t fall in love with a listing. Treat each application as one of many options, not the one.
Prioritize quality over quantity. Focus your energy on roles that are aligned with your strengths, values, and goals.
Validate through real people. A quick message to someone at the company can confirm whether a role is truly active—or just hanging around. (Check out more tips for validating jobs in Part II of this blog series!)
Why Ghosting Happens (And What It Doesn’t Mean About You)
Let’s be honest: getting ghosted after an interview is one of the worst parts of the search. It’s confusing. It feels disrespectful. And it chips away at your confidence—especially if you made it past the first round.
But in most cases, ghosting is about disorganized hiring systems, shifting budgets, or a lack of communication—not a judgment on you or your worth.
When you’ve been ghosted:
Follow up—once or twice. A short, kind nudge is perfectly reasonable. If there’s no response, let it go (easier said than done, I know).
Keep moving forward. The moment you hit “send” on a follow-up, submit another application or schedule a networking call. Don’t wait in limbo.
Reclaim your narrative. Write down 3 things you did well in the interview process. That evidence matters more than one person’s silence.
How to Stay Grounded (and Maybe Even a Little Hopeful)
You are not alone in this. Ghosting and job search ambiguity are near-universal experiences right now. That doesn’t make them okay—but it does mean you can give yourself permission to stop taking them so personally.
Here’s how to stay steady:
1. Create a “search sanctuary”
This isn’t just a to-do list—it’s a process that impacts your mental health. Build in things that help you feel resourced and steady: routines, reflection, walks, snacks, whatever works.
2. Focus on signals, not silence
Job searching often feels binary: I got the job or I didn’t. But real progress shows up in conversations, introductions, interviews, and insights. Track those signals. Celebrate them.
3. Use your strengths as a compass
This is one of the most powerful tools you have. When you understand what energizes you and what you're great at, you’re better equipped to recognize the right-fit opportunities—and let go of the ones that aren’t meant for you.
4. Build a “bounce-back plan”
What’s your move when something ghosty happens? Is it texting a friend, journaling, updating your spreadsheet, or taking a break from the apps? Decide in advance. Your future self will thank you.
A Final Word
The job search can feel full of shadows: missed connections, vanished roles, and eerie silences. But it’s also full of possibility. Every step you take—every email, every connection, every tailored resume—is part of something real and forward-moving, even if it doesn’t feel that way yet.
So if you’re feeling haunted by ghost jobs or ghosting, know this:
You’re not doing it wrong.
You’re not alone.
And you are absolutely still in this.
(Stay Tuned for Part II of this blog series!)
Need Help Navigating the Unknown?
You don’t have to walk through the fog alone. As a career and strengths coach, I help job seekers create strategic, human-centered search plans that boost confidence and increase results—without burning out.
Curious if we’re a good fit? Let’s connect.
