Ghosted, misled, and overlooked
What’s Wrong With Hiring Today
Several months ago, I interviewed for what I believed was the perfect role—a director-level marketing position at a prestigious organization. It wasn’t just any job; it was the kind of role I’ve excelled in for over a decade at similar institutions. When I was invited to apply, I felt genuinely optimistic.
After a promising HR screening, I advanced to a panel interview with key leaders. I thought the conversation was dynamic, and my extensive background in higher education marketing seemed to resonate with the team. Then—silence. Weeks passed without any updates, despite being told the process was urgent. Eventually, I received a generic rejection email: “An offer has been extended to another candidate.”
I was devastated. This wasn’t just a job—it was exactly what I’d been doing for years with proven success. To not even meet the hiring manager or advance further in the process shook my confidence. I questioned everything: Was I too senior? Too old? Did I misstep in the interview? It took months to rebuild my confidence, and the sting of that rejection lingered.
Last week, I discovered the truth: the position was never filled. The requisition had been canceled due to “internal issues.” When I reached out to express my continued interest, I was told the team wouldn’t consider anyone who had previously interviewed. No feedback, no explanation, no acknowledgment of my qualifications—just a blanket dismissal.
This experience is a perfect example of what’s broken in hiring today. Candidates are expected to be open, honest, and professional at every stage, yet companies often operate with a lack of transparency and consideration. It’s not just unprofessional; it’s disrespectful.
How hard would it have been to say, “We’re pausing this search due to internal issues”? How much effort does it take to provide feedback or invite previously qualified candidates to reapply? Instead, I was left questioning my abilities, my worth, and my future—all because the process prioritized opacity over honesty.
This isn’t just about me; it’s about the systemic issues in hiring. Recruiters who ghost candidates. Job requisitions closed without explanation. Companies holding out for mythical “perfect” hires while disregarding perfectly qualified ones. These practices not only hurt candidates, but they also damage the organizations that engage in them, eroding trust and tarnishing reputations.
Hiring is about people—real people with real skills, experiences, and lives. Respect and transparency should be non-negotiable. For me, this experience, while painful, has reinforced my resolve to advocate for better hiring practices and to never let an organization make me question my value again.