I Should Be Allowed to Report Employers for Ghosting Applicants

It was the third time in six months that I had applied to a local nonprofit in my field. I carefully tailored my CV, wrote personalized cover letters, and even applied for a volunteer position just to get a foot in the door. Not a single response. Over four years, I applied to seven different positions there, including volunteer work, internships, and staff roles. Nothing. Silence.

"It’s degrading," I told a friend recently. "You put in all this effort, and it’s like you don’t even exist to them."

This experience isn’t unique. A 2023 survey by Jobvite found that over 60% of job seekers never hear back after applying, even when they meet all qualifications. Ghosting isn’t just annoying—it’s psychologically harmful. Dr. Emily Clark, a workplace psychologist, says, “Being ignored repeatedly erodes confidence and trust in the professional ecosystem.”

Why Employers Ghost

There are many excuses organizations give for ghosting applicants:

• Too many applications to manage
• Lack of HR resources
• Belief that silence avoids confrontation

Yet none of these excuses justify the emotional toll on applicants. In small towns or niche fields, ghosting can effectively block your entire career path.

Stories From the Front Lines

Take Jenna, a graphic designer in Vermont. She applied to a local arts collective five times over three years. Each time, she was ignored. “I even offered to volunteer for free, just to show my skills,” she says. “Nothing. Total silence.”

Or Samir, a nonprofit coordinator in Texas: “It’s humiliating. When you’re the only person in a 200-mile radius qualified for a role, ghosting feels like a personal attack.”

How Reporting Could Work

Imagine a system where applicants could report ghosting. This doesn’t mean punitive measures initially—it could start as transparent feedback platforms for applicants. Employers could then be rated not just on service but on communication ethics.

Realistic Steps Applicants Can Take

• Use follow-ups and polite reminders
• Keep a log of applications sent and responses received
• Share experiences on professional networks

Ghosting should no longer be a silent epidemic. Applicants deserve recognition for their effort, and organizations should be held accountable for ignoring human beings who want to contribute meaningfully.

Related Posts You Might Like:

• How to Deal with Ghosting Employers
• Top 10 Ways to Stay Motivated When Job Hunting
• Volunteer Work Can Lead to Paid Positions
• The Psychology of Being Ignored at Work
• 7 Ways to Follow Up Without Annoying HR