It is a scenario that unfortunately happens all too often in the hiring process. Everything seems to be going well. You feel great about the interview and are confident that a job offer is about to follow. But then… silence.

The construction industry is currently experiencing a talent shortage, and many companies are desperate for talent, which makes this situation even more confusing. Keep in mind that ghosting happens in every field, so before you take things personally, let’s take a step back and consider the most common reasons this could happen. After that, we will touch on a few things you can do if you happen to find yourself in this uncomfortable situation.

Common reasons why you have not heard back about the job

• There was a change in company focus or priorities. This is the most common reason why the hiring process shifts gears without any notice. Maybe the construction company is no longer hiring carpenters because there was a change in the project parameters. Perhaps there was a sudden, urgent need for electricians, so the hiring manager is now focusing all their attention on filling this position. With all of the safety regulations, budget restraints, and government mandates that construction companies face, there could be a million reasons why priorities could change.
• It is an issue with the hiring manager or internal recruiter. People make mistakes. It is possible that the person responsible for hiring went on vacation and forgot to let you know, or they could have left their position or been fired and did not do a very good job of wrapping up before they left. Another possibility is that the organization filled the position, and unsuccessful applicants were never notified. Before you start blaming yourself, remember that there are many ways that recruiters can drop the ball.
• You could be slightly at fault. While it is always nice to assume that things are someone else’s fault if you are being ghosted, it could be because the interview did not actually go as well as you thought it did. If you forgot to follow up, the recruiter might not think you showed enough initiative or interest in the position. Depending on how much time has passed, there might not be anything that you can do at this point; ensure that you do not make the same mistake in the future.

So, where do you go from here? The best thing that you can do is to follow up. Of course, people are busy, and you do not want to come across as too demanding. Sending an email once a week is a good rule of thumb (although you probably should call it after about a month). If you are getting nothing but radio silence, you can also reach out on the company’s website or the recruiter’s LinkedIn page.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, the construction industry needs talent – if one job does not work out, another will. Beyond that, there is not much else you can do. Just keep your head up and continue forward.

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