Getting a job offer is exciting. You’ve probably already imagined yourself in the new role, talked to family and friends, and even mentally planned your first day. But what happens when, after a verbal offer, the recruiter stops responding to your emails and calls? It’s called recruiter ghosting, and it’s more common than it should be.
Being ghosted by a recruiter, especially after a verbal job offer, can feel confusing and frustrating. You’re left wondering what went wrong and what to do next. In this article, we’ll explore why recruiters ghost candidates, how to spot the signs early, and, more importantly, what you can do if you find yourself in this situation.
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Can a company rescind a job offer after a verbal offer?
Yes, a company can rescind a verbal job offer. Without a written agreement, the offer is not finalized, and the company has the flexibility to change its decision.
Some people find themselves wondering, “What if I get a verbal offer but no written offer yet?” If you’ve received a verbal offer but no written offer, follow up with the recruiter to request a timeline for when you can expect the formal offer. Until you receive it in writing, the offer is not formal.
Why do recruiters ghost candidates? Common reasons
There could be several reasons why a recruiter asked for availability and ghosted you all of the sudden, and not all of them are personal. Understanding these possibilities can ease your frustration and help you avoid getting stuck in the “why-the-recruiter-ghosted-me” loop.
Internal changes at the company
It may be that the company you were applying to experienced an internal shake-up—like budget cuts, restructuring, or a hiring freeze. In the case of a hiring freeze after a verbal offer, the company has halted all hiring activities, possibly due to financial issues.
These changes may leave the recruiter in a tough spot, unable to officially offer you a position after a verbal offer was extended.
The position was filled internally
Even after offering you the role verbally, the company might decide to fill the position with an internal candidate. It’s often easier for companies to promote from within, and unfortunately, this can happen last minute, leaving the recruiter unsure how to break the news—and instead giving you nothing but silence after the verbal offer.
Recruiter moved on to another candidate
It’s possible that another candidate emerged late in the process, someone who was a better fit for the role. When a recruiter goes silent, it could be because they had to pivot quickly, leaving you in the dark.
Recruiter is overwhelmed
Recruiters often juggle many candidates at once and can easily become overwhelmed by a high volume of interviews and communications. This might answer the question, “Why do recruiters ghost instead of being honest?”—whether due to discomfort in delivering bad news or simply being swamped by their workload.
Miscommunication or confusion
Sometimes, there’s a disconnect between the recruiter and the hiring manager, leading to miscommunication about the job offer status. The recruiter may not have the final say and is waiting for clarity, which can drag out the process while leaving you in the dark.
Signs that you’re being ghosted by the recruiter
Ghosting isn’t always immediately obvious, especially if the recruiter initially showed strong interest. However, there are some signs that suggest the recruiter ghosted you:
Long gaps in communication
If you were receiving regular updates, but suddenly days or weeks go by without hearing from the recruiter, this could be a sign of ghosting by recruiters. A recruiter should ideally keep you in the loop, especially after making a verbal offer.
Unanswered calls and emails
If you’ve reached out multiple times without any response, this is a red flag. Recruiters who are engaged in the hiring process should at least acknowledge your attempts to follow up.
“It’s alarming when a recruiter fails to respond to calls, emails, or text messages for a long time,” says Jason Huang, HR consultant of ARTMAN.
Vague responses
If you’re ignored after a job offer, or you get a response that’s vague or non-committal, something is probably off. Phrases like “We’re still figuring things out” or “I’ll get back to you soon” without clear next steps may indicate they’re stalling or reconsidering.
The offer was never in writing
A verbal offer can feel like a sure thing, but until it’s in writing, it’s not official. If the recruiter promised to send a formal offer and it never arrives, you might be in ghosting territory.
What to do when a recruiter ghosts you after a verbal offer
Being ghosted can feel like a dead end, but there are a few steps you can take to regain control of the situation and increase your chances of landing the job—or moving on without losing momentum.
1. Follow up (but don’t overdo it)
Give the recruiter a reasonable amount of time to respond—typically a week—before reaching out again. When you do follow up, be polite but firm, reminding them of the verbal offer and asking if there are any updates or next steps.
“If you’ve been ghosted, send a confident email highlighting your qualifications and contributions, and politely ask for an update on the offer,” says Sven Wang, HR manager at Ancheng.com, with over 15 years of experience guiding candidates through their journey.
“Recruiter-ghosted-me-after-verbal-offer” email: A follow-up example
Hi [Recruiter’s name], I hope you’re doing well!
I wanted to follow up regarding the [Position title] role. You had mentioned extending a formal offer, and I’m excited to proceed with the next steps.
Please let me know if you need anything from me or if there’s an update on the timeline.
Thanks for your time!
2. Reach out to other contacts
If the recruiter isn’t responding, try contacting someone else in the hiring department, like the HR manager or hiring manager. Politely explain that you’re trying to get an update on the offer and that your communications with the recruiter have gone silent.
3. Continue your job search
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Continue applying to other jobs and interviewing elsewhere. You never know when another, even better, opportunity will come along.
4. Consider your options if the offer falls through
If it becomes clear that the offer isn’t going to happen, move on quickly. Accept that the recruiter may have ghosted for reasons outside of your control and focus on finding a company that values open communication.
How to avoid being ghosted in the future
While you can’t always prevent recruiter ghosting, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of it happening again.
When you receive a verbal offer, ask for a specific timeline for when you can expect the formal offer in writing. “You can ask, and I believe it is reasonable to ask during the interview, how long it may take to get feedback and whether you will receive it,” Wang says. Having a clear deadline helps both parties stay accountable.
You can also ask them to follow up with a written offer via email. It’s much harder for a recruiter to ghost you if there’s a documented agreement.
Stay professional and prompt—you’ll set the tone for how communication should be handled. If you’re quick to respond, it subtly pressures the recruiter to keep up the same level of communication.
If something feels off during the hiring process—like vague responses or delays in communication—don’t ignore the red flags. Trust your instincts and continue your job search until you’ve signed an official offer.
What’s next? Moving forward after ghosting
While being ghosted by a recruiter can feel frustrating, it’s not the end of your job search journey. By following up professionally, exploring other opportunities, and learning from the experience, you can turn the setback into a stepping stone.
Remember that recruiter ghosting is often a reflection of the company’s internal issues, not your qualifications or worth as a candidate ghosted after an offer letter.
Every job search experience, even the difficult ones, helps build resilience. Moving forward, focus on applying to companies that demonstrate clear communication, and trust that the right opportunity is still out there.
Ghosting doesn’t define your career—it’s just a bump in the road.
FAQs
Is it normal to get ghosted by recruiters?
Unfortunately, yes. While it’s unprofessional, many candidates experience ghosting during various stages of the hiring process, even after receiving a verbal offer.
Should I follow up with the recruiter after the verbal offer? How long should I wait?
It’s typically a good idea to wait about a week before following up. Be polite and professional in your inquiry.
Should I keep interviewing after a verbal offer?
Absolutely. A verbal offer is not official until it’s in writing, so it’s wise to keep your options open until you’ve signed a formal offer letter.
Can I prevent being ghosted by a recruiter?
While you can’t control the recruiter’s actions, you can reduce the chances of ghosting by asking for clear timelines and getting everything in writing.