Top Reasons an Employer Didn’t Call You Back

For many of us, submitting a job application and getting no response from an employer is worse than getting their application rejected outright. Was there a technical error? Did my submission accidentally get lost? Did aliens intercept it?

Considering your confidence is shaky at best when you’re job hunting, it’s no wonder you immediately jump to the worst possible conclusion. Not to mention waiting is torturous, and experiencing radio silence while waiting is downright brutal—but unfortunately it isn’t unheard of. 

Why do employers ghost candidates? Monster's Emerging Workforce Survey 2022 found that 67% of employers said they never ghosted a candidate, but the 34% that did gave us the following reasons:

• Candidate was underqualified: 44%
• Candidate no longer seemed interested in the position: 43%
• The job opening was closed before being filled: 36%
• I had to prioritize filling other roles: 30%
• I got busy and forgot: 27%
• Candidate did not send a follow-up thank you: 21%

The ghosting goes both ways: 74% of employers said they themselves were ghosted by candidates, either during the recruitment or interview processes. 

To help calm your nerves (at least a little), you should know more about the logical—if annoying—reasons an employer didn’t respond to your application.

1. The Job Was Already Filled

Sometimes companies post job openings as a formality, despite already having an internal candidate in mind for the position. These employers often have company policies that require them to post job openings to the public, but in reality, there isn’t really a position available.

In addition, some employers don’t take down job postings after they’ve been filled. Why? Often, when a job gets posted, other job boards sweep in to feature said job in their listings, but employers don’t always know every single place their job postings show up. Thus the importance of applying as soon as you see a job you like.

2. The Hiring Manager Was Flooded With Applications

Put simply, recruiters and hiring managers are busy people, and sometimes, they just don’t have the time to look at every job application they receive. This frequently occurs when an employer receives hundreds of applications for a position but only has one person reviewing them. Again, get your application in there early for the best hopes of getting seen.

3. You Didn’t Follow Instructions

Job postings often state what candidates have to submit with their applications. Applicants should follow these instructions to the letter.

For example, maybe the employer asked you to submit a cover letter, but you didn’t. Or the job requested that you submit your resume as a PDF, but for whatever reason, you submitted it as a Word document.

Moreover, employers will use job application instructions as a test to see how closely you read and follow directions. So if an application requires three writing samples and you only supply one, guess what? You’re not going to be considered for the position. Don’t claim to be detail-oriented and then fail to follow the instructions in the job posting.

4. Your Salary Requirements Were Too High

Many states have made it illegal for companies to ask job candidates about their salary history, but that ban isn’t in place nationwide—and, unfortunately, many online systems don’t let you skip questions, which means have to put something down for your current salary.

However, if your number is leaps and bounds outside of how much money the company has allocated for the position, your application may not even reach the hiring manager’s desk. The upshot? Some employers say what the salary range is in the posting, so, if you know the job you’re interviewing for pays less than what you’re making and you’re OK with that, say so on your application.

5. Your Resume Wasn’t Tailored to the Job Description

Today, many employers use application tracking systems (ATS) to vet job applications. These software programs screen resumes by searching for certain keywords, which typically appear in the job posting.

To pass this initial test, use the job ad as a guide. If the job posting says the employer is looking for an experienced professional who is “fluent in data analytics,” use the phrase “fluent in data analytics” (assuming you in fact are!) on your resume. The ATS will pick up on the phrase and realize it matches up with the job description.

6. You Weren’t the Right Fit

This one tends to be the bitterest pill to swallow. In many cases, you won’t hear back from an employer because you simply weren’t a good match for the position. Or there was someone who was an even better match than you were. It happens. It stinks. But it doesn’t mean you’re hopeless by any stretch.

Follow Up, Just In Case

Occasionally, a lack of response isn’t necessarily a “no.” Don’t give up until you’ve officially been declined.

So, what’s the best way to follow up? Here are a few guidelines:

• Find out who the hiring manager is for the position. You can usually learn who the hiring manager is just by asking HR.
• Choose the best method of communication. Some companies include follow-up instructions in job postings. If you can’t find instructions, reach out to the hiring manager.
• Craft a smart email. Start with a subject line that includes the job title you applied for. In the body of the email, provide all information that the hiring manager needs to pull your application (e.g., the date that you applied, your job application number, etc.), then reiterate your interest in the position, and highlight one or two reasons why you’re a perfect fit for the job. Ask if your application is still being considered for the position, and if not, would they be so kind as to provide some feedback that would help strengthen your candidacy for future job openings. Also, keep it brief.

Next Steps: Be Proactive

If you request feedback and still don’t get a reply, don’t hound the hiring manager. Move on. As much as it pains you to see that job slip from your grasp, know that there are plenty of other awesome opportunities out there. Need some help? Create a profile on Monster. We can send you custom job alerts, connect you with recruiters in your industry, and much more. Apply as soon as something catches your eye!