Here’s What Happens When You Ghost an Interviewer

Sometimes, after accepting an interview, you end up having a change of heart. Maybe you learned something about the company or role and are no longer interested, or you end up accepting a position elsewhere before the big day arrives. 

In any case, it may be tempting to avoid the awkward cancelation call by simply not showing up. After all, discussing with the hiring manager why you changed your mind isn’t always fun. But ghosting the interviewer does come with consequences. If you are thinking about pulling a nocall-no show on an interviewer, here’s what happens. 

You Set That Bridge Ablaze 

When a candidate ghosts an interviewer, that doesn’t go unnoticed. The hiring manager will likely view that move as unprofessional and even rude, especially because you wasted a time slot that could have been given to another candidate or used to handle other important tasks. Essentially, it isn’t something that the hiring manager will overlook, and they may never forget. 

Since you now have a reputation for ghosting on an interview, that bridge is effectively burned. If you apply for a position at that company in the future, there’s a good chance your resume will end up in the discard pile automatically. 

Your Ghosting Reputation Might Spread 

After you fail to show up for an interview, the hiring manager may discuss your no-show with other managers, including members of their networks at other companies. This can allow your reputation for ghosting an employer to spread to other organizations, and that may hurt your chances of getting an opportunity elsewhere. 

Additionally, if the interviewer later moves on to another employer, the memory of you flaking comes with them. That could hurt your chances at that business as well, all because you didn’t call to cancel your interview. 

The Right Way to Cancel an Interview 

While it is normal to be a bit nervous about canceling an interview, you don’t need to be anxious about making the call. Hiring managers understand things can change and they’ll likely be appreciative that you extended them the courtesy of letting them know. 

Call the hiring manager as soon as you know you won’t be attending the interview. The more notice you can provide, the better, so don’t delay in reaching out. 

Start the conversation by thanking them for their consideration. Next, let them know that, regretfully, you need to cancel. Then, provide them with a basic reason. This can include accepting a position elsewhere, deciding to remain in your current job, or simply feeling it isn’t the right fit for you at this time. 

You don’t have to provide specifics, but offering a simple reason for your decision is a good idea. If the hiring manager presses, you can decline to provide additional details. However, it’s rare the interviewer would pursue something more in-depth. 

Ultimately, ghosting an interviewer is always a bad idea. If you aren’t going to make the interview, take a moment to let the hiring manager know. Usually, the conversation will only last a minute or two, but those few minutes can be critical if you want to preserve your reputation. 

If you would like to find out more, the team at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us to discuss your questions with a member of our staff today and see how our interview etiquette know-how can benefit your job search.   

 

 

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