How to avoid being ghosted in your job search

According to Dictionary.com, the definition of ghosting is ‘the practice of suddenly ending all contact with a person without explanation’.  While the term is commonly referred to in the world of dating, it’s use is on the increase in the world of job search. Recruiters and hiring managers receive high volumes of applications per vacancy so it isn’t a surprise that they are unable to respond to all applicants. However, this leaves job seekers frustrated by the lack of communication when they have spent time and effort on their application.

So are you afraid of getting ghosted in your job search?  Here are 3 key ways to help avoid it:

Tailor your CV

The online job market is the most accessible it has ever been. You can find a job online and apply instantly with your CV. However, due to the simplicity of this process many jobseekers don’t change their CV for each application, and it ends up going into a big black hole.

It is essential in today’s job market that you tailor your CV for each application you make. The first person reading your CV needs to see how your experience matches the role you are applying for and will probably only spend a few seconds initially looking it. They will match your CV against the job description to see if you are a suitable fit. Don’t ‘spook’ them out and just send the same CV. Make a list of the skills and expertise required for the role and go through your CV and look for examples of how you meet the criteria. Make sure they feature on the first page and change the wording or order of bullet points, so they don’t get missed.

Beat the bots!

Due to the volume of applicants per vacancy, more companies and recruiters are using applicant track systems to shortlist suitable candidates. Therefore, your CV may be read by an applicant tracking system and not a human being.

To overcome being instantly rejected, look for key words and match and mirror your application to the job description.  Ensure your CV includes the key words from the job specification to increase your chances of being shortlisted.  Remove text boxes from your CV and any imagery as some Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) will reject these immediately.  And as before tailor each role according to the job specification.

Follow up

If you have seen a job of interest its quite likely you are not the only one. For each advertised vacancy, recruiters and hiring managers may receive up to 100 applications. Therefore, it’s important to consider ways to stand out from the rest and get them to read yours!

Before you make the application, it could be useful to contact the recruiter to understand more about the role and to start building a rapport. Recruiters want to ensure they have the best candidates for the role. They will decide on whether you are a good match for the role when they first scan your CV, so contacting them either before or after you have submitted your application will be the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and motivation for the role.

However, you must treat the first contact with a recruiter like you would an interview. If you fail to prepare for any conversations or don’t handle the process in a professional manner, they may cut off further communication with you and you could end up being ghosted.

Renovo is the UK’s leading outplacement and career transition specialist. We work with both organisations and individuals to support all their career transition requirements. If you would like to understand how Renovo can help you please call 0800 612 2011 or email info@renovo.co.uk