What Does It Mean to Get Ghosted After Sending a Resume?
Getting “ghosted” means you send out a resume, maybe even complete a phone screen or interview, and then… crickets. No email. No call. No rejection. Just silence. And it can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you’re a perfect fit.
Why Resumes Get Ghosted (From a Recruiter’s POV)
When you get ghosted after submitting a resume, it’s easy to assume you did something wrong. But from the recruiter’s point of view, it’s often about volume, filters, and time.
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They’re flooded with hundreds of resumes per role.
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Most use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that screens out anything not perfectly aligned.
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If your resume doesn’t quickly signal value, they move on.
In other words: it’s not personal—it’s process.
How to Make Your Resume Impossible to Ignore
To stand out in a crowded inbox or ATS:
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Tailor your resume to the job – Use keywords from the job description.
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Show impact, not just responsibilities – Use numbers and outcomes (e.g. “Increased sales by 30% in Q2”).
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Use a clean, readable format – No photos, tables, or fancy fonts that confuse the ATS.
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Add a compelling summary – Lead with your biggest wins in the first few lines.
Smart Follow-Up Strategies That Get Replies
A great follow-up can bump your name to the top of the list. Here’s how to do it right:
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Wait 5–7 business days after submitting or interviewing.
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Send a brief, polite email that expresses continued interest.
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Mention the role by name and something specific from the company or job description.
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Keep it human – Show that you’re genuinely interested, not desperate.
Example:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name], I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] role. I’m really excited about the opportunity to contribute [insert specific value], and I’d love to know if there’s been any progress in the hiring process.
What to Say When You Haven’t Heard Back
If it’s been two weeks and still silence, send a second follow-up. You can say:
Just wanted to check in once more regarding the [Job Title] position. I understand you may still be in the process of reviewing candidates. I’m still very interested and would appreciate any updates.
If there’s no response after that, it’s okay to move on—and keep them in your network.
How to Stay Top-of-Mind (Without Being Annoying)
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Engage with the company on LinkedIn – Like, comment, and reshare their posts to stay visible.
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Connect with the recruiter or hiring manager – Send a polite, non-pitchy message.
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Post about your own expertise – Let them see you’re active and valuable.
This approach keeps you on their radar without crowding their inbox.
If your resume keeps getting ghosted, it’s not a dead end—it’s a signal to improve your approach. By understanding the recruiter’s point of view, optimizing your resume, and following up strategically, you turn silence into conversations.