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Ghosted at a Video Interview...

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Ghosted at a Video Interview...

I was laid off four months ago when my team was dissolved in a division of a major online retailer. After a phone screen for a Sr. Manager position I'd applied to, I received a call to set up a second, interview on Zoom.

I searched everywhere for the job description to prepare, but could not find it, even on the corporate career site under my candidate profile. I reached out to ex-co-workers and they couldn't find it either. I finally asked the person who set up the call for a copy but he also didn't have one. He said he'd ask the head recruiter and she sent me one the next day.

Logging on to Zoom for the interview, I waited about 7 minutes before I saw the name of the hiring manager pop on screen. Thinking she'd turn on her video to begin I was dumbfounded when her name suddenly disappeared. I stayed on camera for 10 more minutes before realizing she wasn't coming back. I called the recruiter who'd set up the call and he was puzzled. He said he'd try and find out what happened and set up another call. A few minutes later, I got a phone call from the woman who'd sent me the job description. She apologized and told me that they'd decided to move forward with another candidate. When I asked why I was scheduled if that was the case, she fumbled to explain before saying I should have been notified the day before but she was out of the office – which was the day she sent me the job description. It was a bald-faced lie! She apologized again and told me to have a great rest of my day. I told her that would be hard now and said goodbye.

Never have I ever been ghosted like that. And by this huge company that I was employed by for over 7 years? I suspect they hired internally, but it was so appalling and unprofessional. My teenager told me she thinks I dodged a bullet. But even so, I really needed that bullet!

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  1. Anonymous

    Unfortunately, this kind of idiotic behavior happens all too often. Brush it off. Move on. You totally dodged a bullet.

  2. Stephanie Branch Lekowski

    Wow. This is epic dysfunction. Why do companies and firm put up with this yet it's so tough, next to impossible for candidates to get jobs when unprofessionalism is tolerated to this extent? Are companies/firms so willing to retain incompetent employees just so they don't get sued? (the only reason I can think of) It can only get better.

  3. Barbara

    I agree with your daughter and would go further and advise you that this is not personal at all. Plus you were not ghosted you had resolution and an apology! You’ll find many unprofessional and rude adventures during the job hunt and real ghosting. It’s great that you have so many contacts in your industry. Make sure to use those to get your next job. You will do great.

  4. Anonymous

    So sorry this was how you were treated. Unfortunately it pretty common and really nothing personal. Hang in there.

  5. Anonymous

    shameful. Sorry that happened.

  6. Anonymous

    I’m so sorry that happened. I feel entirely how awful that feeling after can be. But if that’s how they treat people, I can only imagine what it would be like once placed in that role. You dodge a bullet.

  7. Anonymous

    Not uncommon, it happens and it’s not always deliberate. It also happens with Dr appointments using video technology, which can be very frustrating. My daughter had an incident recently where the person that was suppose to interview her had lost all technology for 24 hours. it’s not always that you aren’t the best candidate or it’s deliberate, give it another chance if you really want the job .

  8. carolina girl

    I agree with your daughter! If this company will do that to you BEFORE, imagine how you would’ve been treated if you had been hired. Kids are smarter than we give them credit for.

  9. Anonymous

    so sorry this happened,but you are wasting time and your energy to be angry about this (I read your posting and see you blaming the recruiter and a whole bunch of other stuff). Girl, this was a bad situation from the Get Go-- the fact that you had to DIG to find a job description, all this "back and forth", then someone ghosts you online, etc etc....Turn your back and run. Losers. You don't want this and don't waste another minute trying to figure this out.

  10. Anonymous

    Fight against impersonating is correct! Some day at some where unconscious leaking evidence will lead legal action against unethical or unauthentic suspects.

  11. Anonymous

    Well what happened to you was bad, no excuses for the fact that they definitely could have handled it much better than they did. Perhaps post on glassdoor about your experience, in a way to warn others of what you dealt with in terms of lack of professionalism. Then move forward, you know they didn't deserve you.

  12. Anonymous

    I really understand where you're coming from. I'd want to know why and would try to get to the bottom of it too, especially if landing a job is critical right now. But I'm reading what others have said here, and I have to concede that they, along with your daughter, are right. You were saved from a lot of headaches and heartaches had it gone the other way. Yes, it would have been nice to at least be heard and considered for the job, but if they could flip on something like an innocuous job interview, I can imagine what other more critical things they'd switch about...like salary or even job responsibilities. Heck, I'm thinking that the fact that there was no job description, probably means they were doing this whole thing on the "fly" and were hoping that someone or somebody would catch the bait to be drawn into the trap of this disorganization. The fact that you asked for the job description indicated to them that you weren't some naive soul and that they'd have to reckon with you, if they engaged you any further. May not seem like it now but count yourself fortunate that this didn't go any further. All the best!

  13. Anonymous

    Great reply - what I would have written! Clearly - she dodged a bullet as it was completely disorganized and deceptive from the onset. Move on and forward with way better prospects. So much unprofessionalism and lack of communication these days. I see it everyday. Hard to come by professionalism.

  14. Jen Frischen

    I have seen a lot of listings lately with missing or vague job descriptions. I just skip over them.

    The other possibility for why they are not listing the description is that they are possibly trying to get rid of someone and don't want that person to figure out their job is being advertised. Which, of course, means that they would do the same to others.

    Definite bullet dodged.

  15. Afo Ogbeyalu Kalu

    From your description of the chain of events, it seems more like a case of mismanagement than a reflection of your value as a former employee/job candidate . . .

    That being stated, the harsh reality is that a candidate has little or no control over the etiquette of a hiring manager, recruiter, or interviewer. All one should do is to continue to present self at their personal and professional best, and keep playing "the numbers game" (apply to multiple positions, as no one position is promised . . . ).

    I wish you well as you transition to a new, and hopefully, better opportunity.

  16. Jen Frischen

    Lots of people talk about playing the numbers game. That's exactly what it is. Several years ago, I was on unemployment for a short period of time. The requirement to continue receiving my unemployment was to prove I had made one contact a week. ONE contact a week. How is anyone going to get a job making ONE contact a week? After several weeks, you could list that contact again either with a new position or as a follow-up.

    Just after losing my previous job. I got right to work and put out a LOT of applications and sent my resume' to many. I would say in the first month I had made at least 100 contacts. Some were for things I really wanted and others were for something to hold me over if things got really desperate.

    I continued to make a lot of contacts, but I only listed about 5-10 each week in case I needed to list the others in a subsequent week.

  17. Anonymous

    I know it's tough but I think your teenager is correct. It sounds like the job could be problematic from Day 1.

  18. Tiana Mumford

    Good day ,

    I am sorry that’s beyond me ,but the crazy part had you done that to them you will be frowned upon . It doesn’t surprise me . Ask yourself do you want to continue to apply at the company or go outside ?I am with your teen you do not know what you got saved from.

    Blessings

  19. Anonymous

    I hear you and, one recruiter isn’t representative of a whole company.

  20. Anonymous

    Hi! I understand your frustration! But honestly? You dodged a bullet. Only God knows what would've occurred if you were granted that job.

    I had a similar experience with a well known beauty brand. Sent me an email saying they tried to contact me , but since they couldn't get me they would be moving on. Except, they NEVER reached out to me. So I decided to reach out to them myself & see if I can ar minimum get am interview. Called about 5x finally got a hold of the person responsible and that person NEVER called me when they were supposed too. I accepted it and moved on . God was protecting me from a toxic environment possibly. And he's doing the same for you.

    I know irs hard now, but there is better out there.

    Good luck ??

  21. Anonymous

    This has happened to me multiple times by multiple companies. As part of my work force reduction package I received a "career coach". She has "no idea how to help since I am doing well by myself". I show up to the video call and she did not show up or cancelled the call. Yet I some how received the link for the call. Just yesterday the same happened the company called me 4x during the day. Finally we speak, and they schedule a 15 minute video call with the hiring manager, I waited the 15 minutes no show. When I sent an email to say no one showed up they rescheduled the call.

    Please do not get me started with the LinkedIn where I am pretty sure its a numbers game. I get contacted its urgent please send me your contact information and your resume. After I do I get ghosted, to the calls they scheduled never to be heard from again.

  22. Ayian

    I actually just got hired in 2 days on Indeed with 7 calls for interviews. I used the app and after decades of the website being garbage, I had zero expectations. I'm pleasantly surprised with how well it works and how few scam jobs are present (I only came across one). If you haven't already tried the indeed app, give it a go.

  23. Anonymous

    I've had the same thing happen to me. Ugh. It is so frustrating! Companies today are so unprofessional yet they expect you to act professionally.

  24. Anonymous

    You’re right to feel angry. They clearly made a mistake.This situation doesn’t say anything about your skills, or your prospects.

    Take a moment to express your anger in whatever productive way works for you. (I go outside and pluck weeds from my garden). Then forget about this incident and forge ahead. You are far too talented to let this put a hiccup in your giddy up.

  25. LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

    I agree with your teenager, you did dodge a bullet. This is more than just unprofessional. If they treat you like this as an applicant, how would they treat you as an employee?

    Personally, I do not like Zoom interviews or meetings. Once you are on camera, this can open the door to prejudice and discrimination. You are being judged on your appearance and not your skill set.

    A better opportunity is waiting for you.

  26. Nadine Bonner

    How is that different from an in-person interview? You are also judged on your appearance.

  27. Anonymous

    If you are in an in person interview you still face the prejudice and discrimination. It's just easier to shut the interview down over electronics imho.

  28. LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

    That's true to some degree; however, when it is a face-to-face meeting it is not that easy. Social media and technology are great tools, when used responsibly. What about soft skills? It appears that this interviewer / hiring manager did not have any.

  29. Anonymous

    Sorry - that's horrible.

    Go to Glassdoor and post a review of the company and a review of the interview process - don't use:

    any names or specific hiring manager

    your location

    your job title

    It should be general so they don't know it's you.

    Other job seekers should be aware about this recruitment process - it's unlikely you are the only one that they have done this to or will do this to in the future.

  30. worklifebalance

    A similar thing happened to me. I was scheduled for a Zoom job interview. I got on the call, and no one showed up!

    I reached out to them later to ask about it, and got no response! At all!

    If they moved forward with another candidate, that’s fine. I’m a big girl and I can take it. But they should have told me, instead of wasting my time!

    Later on, I got another job that I am VERY happy with so far! (knock on wood!). And it is MUCH better than that other job would have been! I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but you really did dodge a bullet! It’s VERY hard to feel that when you’re in the middle of job search hell, of course! :)

    Looking back on that other job, there were other red flags. I forget exactly what they were, because it has been awhile, but I remember thinking that. They seemed disorganized and mismanaged in other ways, too.

    If this is how they acted on sn interview, when they’re supposed to put their best foot forward, imagine what it would have been like to work there!

    Good luck out there!

  31. Nancy Cincotta

    It’s an employers market, and many are behaving in unprecedented, poor ways. When the pendulum swings eventually, and its job seeker’s market, they will be the first to complain about candidates’ behavior. We all deserve better. I just don’t know how we will get there. Manners are a thing of the past.

  32. Wanda Shaw

    Agreed. I just wish that more recruiters and others making the hiring decisions would lead with the intention of being fair and kind to everyone they interview - Put themselves in the place of the interviewee- how would they feel about being talked down to, being made to hang around in a zoom call waiting room for extended periods of time or being fed a bunch of lies and half truths. If not, they should because in this market when a lot of organizations are downsizing, a lot of them will ultimately take their own turns in the job search lottery.

  33. Evelyn Livant

    I'm sorry for your experience. I believe you dodged a bullet. Back in 2021 I had interviewed with a company and they made me a verbal offer. They sent me the employee handbook while writing up an offer letter. I got a call from the CEO that he found out the budget wasn't in place and they were putting the position on hold. I was pretty upset, but also felt like I dodged a bullet. I moved on. I just got a really great job that I started a month ago. Ironically, that previous offer that I'd long since forgotten about just came back. I let the recruiter know I was employed. I'm not sure I'd want to take the offer and work for a company where the CEO approves hiring and filling a role and doesn't know in advance the budget.

    I know it's painful. Try to hang in there.

  34. Anonymous

    They obviously don't have their act together and are VERY unprofessional! You probably dodged a bullet.

    I just had a phone screen with the Executive Director of a hospital in my area and he had no clue of what he was doing. It lasted a whole 15 mins and he didn't ask me anything about my work history or anything. The only thing he wanted to talk about was the hospital and I had already done my research on it and I told him what I had learned about it, and he didn't have anything else to add to the conversation! It was completely 'flat'

  35. Jen Frischen

    That's interesting that you say that. I had an interview a couple of years ago where the interviewer said they didn't want to hear about me, because they would be talking to references and all I would do is tell them the good things about me.

    My takeaway from that was:

    1. They probably aren't going to hire me.
    2. They are going to ask leading questions to try to dig up "dirt" and that's just negative.
    3. Well of course I planned to saying the good things about me. Who doesn't?

    We all get those canned interview questions about our weaknesses and what we would like to improve and we all find some way to answer those questions. Yet. who goes into an interview with the attitude of "Let me tell these people why I am a human dumpster fire and give them lots of examples."

  36. Wanda Shaw

    Lol!

  37. Anonymous

    I agree with many who are saying you dodged a bullet. I think it says a lot about the company in the way they are treating you during this interviewing process, a period when they should be "wooing" you. You would not want to go work for a company that acts that disrespectfully. That might be how they treat their employees.

    Don't get discouraged. Good luck in your job search! I believe in everything happens for a reason. You might not see it now but you'll probably end up at a place that will be better for you!

  38. Marcia Smith

    I hate to say it, but unfortunately, this is the status quo at many organizations - large and small.

    So many employers just see their employees as a piece of meat with a job to do - and nothing more....

    Just be happy that you won't be working there and move on to greener pastures.

    Best of luck with your job search - it's grueling out there...

  39. Farah Bajwa

    It's so frustrating when these things happen! I agree with your teenager - I'm learning to allow the space for things to happen rather than always using my will. You did what was in your control and it just wasn't meant for you. So long as you're doing what you can in your own best interest I truly believe God and the universe are working behind the scenes in your best interest. Its a tough ask, but trust and let go. Patience is a virtue I can struggle with but from my own experience a better door will open. Hang in there, dear!

  40. Anonymous

    The increasing incivility in society is directly reflected in the professional realm. Decency should be a value upheld no matter what - and it says a lot that the hiring manager came on and dropped off the call like that. I have many choice words for people who feel exempt from basic respect and empathy. It’s quite sick.

  41. Jen Frischen

    It's always HR that behaves with the least humanity. Companies DEMAND civility and integrity from their employees, but most "leadership" has no civility, integrity or common sense. Yet watch them let you go when you create an error as small as a typo.

  42. Anonymous

    I'm sure had you gotten the job, the company would be just as unorganized and unprofessional. You dodged a bullet.

  43. Rosa Goes

    Good riddance! This seems to be happening especially in large companies. So it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them. Good luck to you and better opportunities your way.

  44. Patricia Manroe

    It sounds outrageous to me too.

    Sounds like they can't get their act together. Maybe it's best you didn't get the position if that's how they act.

  45. Anonymous

    Girl, I concur you definitely dodged a bullet. I worked for a company like this that was extremely unorganized. They had an admin assistant who worked at the corporate office ( with no human resources or recruiting experience ) do all screening of resumes and scheduling interviews for positions all over the entire state for every location. Then this person would either never send a zoom invite or would send a zoom invite then never tell the person who they were interviewing with that they had an interview. From there they would message at the last minute to try to reschedule, because there was pretty much always a scheduling conflict, or after the candidate message them and told them that they waited on zoom and nobody ever joined, this person would attempt to reschedule and the entire process would repeat. This was of course if the candidate was lucky enough to get a timely response in the first place. you do not want to work for a company like this. Do not feel bad and you did not do anything wrong. Trust me. it is a lack of communication on their part. It is probably a very unorganized company and you would probably not be happy working there. They probably can’t keep any employees and the ones they have are most likely miserable.

  46. Jen Frischen

    I think your teenager is right. I think you dodged a major bullet. If that's how they do business, you don't want you name attached to that dysfunction. I know you think you needed that bullet, but I think it hit right where it needed to- the death of their credibility.

  47. Anonymous

    That is so unprofessional. while reading this I had so many questions. Running through my head. Sorry this happened to you. What’s the name of the company so I’d never apply?

  48. Anonymous

    You dodged a bullet.

    What doesn’t make sense is, it tbey hired internally, why would the hiring manager even join the call - keep their camera off and then jump off the call? I would think she or he would have simply not even joined the call.

    Not to sound rude, but it was almost as if she jumped on the call with someone else to validate who you were, and had already made the decision to not move forward if it was you. (Like someone fed that person -bad info on you)

  49. Anonymous

    Maybe the hiring manager had 2 roles open and logged on thinking it was for the other role.

  50. Alley Keosheyan

    I feel ya, if you think that stings, I was actually "ghost-fired" by a company who I'd worked for for 10 years! Granted it was a remote/freelance position, so I guess legally they were under no obligation to notify me, but to up and go "radio silence"? Straight up rude. Guess that's the world we live in now.

  51. Andrea Ch.

    Once I applied to this job I was totally qualified for. I got the meeting link for interview. It was cancelled 10 minutes prior to the call, no explanation. I reached out to the HR person who was supposed to interview me, she said she had a conflict and scheduled again for the next day. Second try, she did exactly the same, cancellation with no note or explanation. I reached out to her again and she told me she had a problem with her computer, she scheduled again for the next day. The third day she did exactly the same, except she totally ghosted me.

    This is total disrespect for candidates who desperately need the job. Seems there is no empathy or whatsoever from the hiring teams. Hope they never face the same situation, as it feels awful!

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