I'm looking for some insight from recruiters. Why do most of them ghost you after speaking to you?

10 Comments

1. Elana BobryMay 11,2026 at 8:25PM UTC

   that is so discouraging. I have had experiences like that too. So sorry you're going through that.

2. QueenOfNumbersMay 12,2026 at 1:15AM UTC

   They are only paid when they place candidates, so if they aren't working an open "order" that you meet the needs for, they aren't focused on finding you a job. Rather, they are paid by the company, so only focus in one direction.

3. AnonymousMay 12,2026 at 2:49PM UTC

   This is really easy all you have to do is follow the money. You're not paying them so they're not going to waste their time talking to you. If you might be their paycheck and the one candidate that they want to pursue of course they will chase you down.

4. AnonymousMay 12,2026 at 4:58PM UTC

   First understand the kind of recruiters they are. It sounds like they are contingency recruiters. How they work is on commission. If you fit a role for which they have a job order you are going to hear from them. If you don't, you won't. They haven't ghosted you because you are not an active candidate for them. Now if you had interviewed with one of their clients and they suddenly went silent yes then it is a problem. Agencies, they only get paid if you get hired or else they do work for free. Not knowing the level and area of your expertise I cannot provide more feedback as to the type of recruiter you might need to engage with. I see nothing wrong with them not following up with you if they are contingency. You should email the first person you spoke with and ask them if they have anything a fit. You should consistently check in with anyone like that since things may change often with them. Then you are top of mind if they have an open spot. Additionally, most do specialize in a certain are of work so be sure you are talking to the one who aligns with your skillset and has connections and previous hires with the companies that interest you.

   Do note that location does not matter much since these days most agency recruiters work remotely or with wide ranging clients. Keep in mind the best solution is sending your resume directly to the companies that interest you. Many employers don't want to pay hefty agency fees to hire you unless you are Executive level hire. Many fees range from 20-30% of an annual salary so for example if you make 100K the company may not want to pay that agency the commission associated with that hire. Its expensive! Also if the agency presents you and then the company does not hire you the company cannot hire you directly for 1 year of they must pay the fee. So, it is a negative for you if you do not control who the agency sends your resume to. If you do engage with an agency recruiter be sure you give them permission to present you each time to avoid this issue in the future. Work your network, own your job search and use forums, linkedin, blind, glassdoor and others to unearth places where you can find a new role. Good luck.

5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 12,2026 at 6:27PM UTC

   As a general rule, recruiters don't find jobs for people - they find people for jobs.

   As others have mentioned, you've been dealing with agency (contingent) recruiters - they get paid if they make a placement. They typically are only looking for candidates that are a match for their open positions.

   If you want to build relationships with agency recruiters, look for those that specialize in your industry or position and stay in touch with them.

6. AnonymousJune 2,2026 at 3:31PM UTC

   What about in house recruiters? Why do they do the same thing and ghost you. At least close the loop.

7. AnonymousMay 13,2026 at 6:42PM UTC

   They are almost like sales professionals working on salary plus commission . They move on quickly . I find the most reliable ones work in house !!! External ones I have lower expectations . One time I had 7 external recruiters call me for the same job In less than 60 days and it went nowhere !

   best bet is to create a strong resume , level up your LinkedIn and let the recruiters chase you !!!

8. AnonymousJune 1,2026 at 1:26PM UTC

   OMG this. I have gotten the same thing on Linkedin a LOT lately.. Almost the same dog and pony show too and the opportunity ends up being the exact same role no less than 3 other external recruiters are hitting me up about.. Then it goes nowhere.

9. SindeeMay 26,2026 at 1:57PM UTC

   I interviewed with one client and the recruiter was also in the interview. The recruiter said I was perfect for the job and then she ghosted me. And she is VP of her recruiting company. I stopped dealing with a certain variety of recruiters. And, ironically, the job I found, was without the help of a recruiter.

10. Krystin MorganMay 28,2026 at 4:40PM UTC

    First off, it's just a bad practice - it's frustrating when a recruiter doesn't get back to you! Even if they don't have a role for you, they should just let you know.

    That said, typically that is the issue: they don't have a role for you. Recruiters only fill specific roles, so if they don't have something you're a fit for right now, they are likely to move on to other candidates. They absolutely SHOULD close the loop with you, but chances are they're busy and letting things fall through the cracks. Your best bet is just keeping on with the search!