You nailed the interview. You had a great rapport with the hiring manager, you answered every question with confidence, and you sent a thoughtful thank-you note. You’re expecting an offer, or at least a second interview. And then… nothing.
Welcome to the soul-crushing world of post-interview ghosting. It’s a silent rejection that leaves you questioning your skills, your personality, and your sanity. But what if the story is more complicated than you think?
At JobCoffin.com, we’ve analyzed over 47,392 instances of ghosting, and our findings reveal a surprising truth: ghosting is a two-sided phenomenon. It’s not just something that happens to you; sometimes, it’s a form of self-sabotage, especially for neurodivergent professionals.
The Two Faces of Ghosting
1. The Employer Ghost
This is the classic scenario. The company goes silent, leaving you in a state of limbo. The reasons are many, and they rarely have anything to do with you personally:
- Internal Chaos: Budgets get cut, priorities shift, and the role you interviewed for is put on hold.
- Cowardice: The hiring manager is avoiding the uncomfortable conversation of telling you that you didn’t get the job.
- Sheer Volume: In a competitive market, recruiters are often overwhelmed with applications and simply don’t have the bandwidth to respond to everyone.
2. The Self-Ghost
For professionals with ADHD, the dynamic is often more complex. The same brain that can hyperfocus and solve complex problems can also be prone to a unique form of self-sabotage.
- Boredom-Induced Abandonment: The interview process is often long and drawn out. For a brain that thrives on novelty, the slow pace can lead to a loss of interest and a subconscious decision to disengage.
- RSD-Driven Ghosting: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is an intense emotional response to perceived rejection or criticism. For those with RSD, the fear of a negative outcome after an interview can be so overwhelming that they preemptively “ghost” the opportunity to avoid the potential pain of a formal rejection.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is not a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5, but it is a term coined by Dr. William Dodson and is widely used by clinicians to describe a common and often debilitating symptom of ADHD. It’s a neurological condition that causes a person to experience severe emotional pain as a result of perceived or actual rejection, criticism, or failure. This isn’t just “being sensitive”; it’s a profound and overwhelming experience that can have a major impact on a person’s life and career.
JobCoffin.com: Your Anti-Ghosting Shield
At JobCoffin.com, we’ve built our platform to combat both forms of ghosting. We provide the tools, the structure, and the emotional support you need to stay engaged and resilient throughout the interview process.
Automated Interview Prep
Our interviewPrepService.js is your secret weapon against both employer and self-ghosting. 24 hours before your scheduled interview, we automatically send you a comprehensive “prep packet” with everything you need to succeed: company research, talking points, and a checklist to keep you on track. This not only ensures you’re prepared and confident, but it also keeps you engaged in the process.
The “PANIC” Button for Your Brain
We understand that for those with RSD, the fear of rejection can be paralyzing. That’s why we’ve built a powerful safety net into our platform. If you’re spiraling after an interview, you can simply reply with the word “PANIC” to any of our emails. This will activate a multi-stage crisis intervention protocol designed to help you navigate the emotional turmoil and get back on your feet.
Predictive Intelligence
Our platform’s “interview probability” score helps you focus your energy on opportunities where you have the highest chance of success. By avoiding long-shot applications, you reduce your exposure to potential rejection and the emotional toll that comes with it.
Take Back Control
Ghosting is a brutal and demoralizing experience. But it doesn’t have to derail your job search. By understanding the dynamics at play and leveraging the right tools, you can take back control, stay engaged, and land the job you deserve.