Ghosted After Reference Check: What To Do?

Applying for jobs can be a time-consuming and nerve-wracking process. Your research, prepare your application materials, and finally, land an interview. After the interview, you think it went well and you are told that they will be checking your references. But then, you hear nothing. Weeks go by without any updates, and you are left wondering what happened. Being ghosted after a reference check can be frustrating and disheartening. But, it’s important to keep in mind that there may be various reasons why the employer has not followed up with you. Let’s learn about What to do when you are ‘Ghosted After Reference Check’.

What to do after being ghosted?

After being ghosted there is no need to feel heart-broken, you can follow the below steps in such a case: 

1. Follow up with the employer: The first step is to reach out to the employer. Send a polite email or make a phone call to inquire about the status of your application. 
2. Be persistent but not pushy: If you haven’t heard back after your initial follow-up, you can reach out again after a reasonable amount of time has passed.
3. Consider the timing: It’s possible that the employer is still in the hiring process and hasn’t made a final decision yet. 
4. Learn from the experience: While being ghosted after a reference check can be discouraging, it’s important to try and learn from the experience.

Follow up with the employer without assuming the worst

Following up after a reference check is a critical part of the job search process. It can help you demonstrate your interest, stay top of mind, clarify misunderstandings, gather feedback, and show professionalism. By following up, you can put yourself in the best possible position to secure the job.

Here are some of the most important reasons why you should follow up with the employer:

1. Shows your interest: Following up with the employer demonstrates that you are interested in the position and eager to learn more about the hiring process. It also shows that you take initiative and are willing to go the extra mile to secure the job.
2. Helps you stay top of mind: By following up, you can remind the employer of your qualifications and keep your name fresh in their minds. This can be particularly helpful if they are reviewing many candidates for the position.
3. Allows you to clarify any misunderstandings: Following up can also be an opportunity to address any concerns or misunderstandings that the employer may have. For example, if they are hesitating because of a reference, you can explain or clarify any issues that may have come up.
4. Allows you to gather feedback: Following up can be an opportunity to gather feedback on your application or interview. This can be valuable information that you can use to improve your job search strategy or your qualifications.
5. Shows professionalism: Following up politely and professionally shows that you are respectful of the employer’s time and decision-making process. This can help to establish a positive reputation for yourself, even if you don’t get the job.

How to follow up?

Following up after a reference check is important, but it’s essential to do so professionally and politely. Following up after a reference check is a great way to express your interest in the position and gather feedback. Remember to keep your message brief, express your interest, inquire about the status, provide additional information, be patient, and use a professional tone. By following these tips, you can follow up effectively and increase your chances of securing the job.

1. Start with a thank-you.
2. Keep it concise.
3. Highlight your interest.
4. Inquire about the status.
5. Provide additional information.
6. Be patient.
7. Use a professional tone.

Be persistent without being pushy

Following up persistently but not pushily is key to maintaining a positive impression on the employer. Remember to space out your follow-ups, use a polite tone, be concise, offer to help, consider other options, and know when to move on. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of securing the job without being pushy or aggressive.

1. Space out your follow-ups: It’s important to give the employer time to respond before sending another follow-up message. Wait at least a week before following up again, and be patient throughout the process.
2. Use a polite tone: When following up, make sure to use a polite and respectful tone. Avoid being aggressive or confrontational in your messages, and make sure to maintain a positive impression on the employer.
3. Be concise: Keep your follow-up messages brief and to the point. Avoid rambling or oversharing information, and be respectful of the employer’s time.
4. Offer to help: If you haven’t heard back from the employer, offer to help in any way you can. For example, you could offer to provide additional references or information or answer any questions they may have.
5. Consider other options: If you still haven’t heard back from the employer after several follow-ups, consider reaching out through a different channel. For example, you could try contacting them through social media or mutual contact.
6. Know when to move on: While it’s important to follow up persistently, it’s also important to know when to move on. If you haven’t heard back from the employer after several attempts, it may be time to focus your efforts on other opportunities.

Consider the right timing

Timing is an important consideration when following up after a reference check. It’s important to give the employer time to review your references and make a decision before following up. However, waiting too long can also hurt your chances of being considered for the position. Here are some guidelines on timing for following up after a reference check:

1. Wait at least a week: After your reference check, it’s reasonable to wait at least a week before following up with the employer. This gives them time to review your references and make a decision.
2. Consider the employer’s timeline: If the employer provided a timeline for the hiring process, make sure to follow it closely. If they said they would decide within a certain timeframe, wait until that time has passed before following up.
3. Follow up after the interview: If you haven’t heard back from the employer after the interview, it’s reasonable to follow up after a week or two. This shows your continued interest in the position and can help keep you top of mind for the employer.
4. Follow up after a job posting deadline: If you applied for a position with a specific deadline, wait until after that deadline has passed before following up. This gives the employer time to review all applications before making a decision.
5. Consider the industry: In some industries, the hiring process can take longer than in others. For example, government positions or positions that require security clearances can take several weeks or even months to finalize. Make sure to research the typical timeline for your industry and adjust your expectations accordingly.
6. Follow up sparingly: While it’s important to follow up, it’s also important not to overdo it. Avoid following up too frequently or too aggressively, as this can come across as pushy or desperate.

Learn from the experience

While being ghosted after a reference check can be discouraging, it’s important to take the opportunity to reflect on your job search and learn from the experience. Here are some tips for learning from a negative job search experience:

1. Reflect on your application: Take a step back and reflect on your application materials, including your resume, cover letter, and references. Consider if there are any areas that could be improved, such as highlighting specific skills or tailoring your materials to the job description.
2. Seek feedback: If possible, reach out to the employer and ask for feedback on your application. This can provide valuable insight into what you could do differently in the future.
3. Consider the company culture: Reflect on whether the company culture would have been a good fit for you. If not, consider if there were any red flags during the application process that you missed.
4. Learn from the experience: Use the experience as a learning opportunity. Consider what you can do differently in your job search, such as expanding your network, applying for different types of positions, or improving your interview skills.
5. Stay positive: While being ghosted after a reference check can be discouraging, it’s important to stay positive and motivated in your job search. Focus on your strengths and accomplishments, and keep pushing forward.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being ghosted after a reference check can be a frustrating and disheartening experience. However, there are steps you can take to follow up with the employer, learn from the experience, and stay positive in your job search. By following up in a professional and persistent manner, you can increase your chances of getting a response from the employer and potentially securing the job. It’s also important to take the opportunity to reflect on your job search and learn from any negative experiences, such as seeking feedback from the employer and considering ways to improve your application materials or interview skills. Remember to stay positive, focus on your strengths, and keep pushing forward in your job search.