Have you ever been "ghosted" by an employer after accepting a job offer?

vintagegal, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Jul 17, 2023

The weirdest thing that ever happened to me was taking a per diem job only to never be scheduled and then sent a letter I was fired. This was after several attempts of me calling, writing, sending smoke signals asking to be placed on the schedule. Needless to say I didn't take too well to the unjust term of being fired and after a well worded yet firm email, the head of the HR clarified I was not fired and that they were sorry for the confusion. I didn't bother to call after that. Any place that doesn't have their *stuff together is not a place where I'd like to be employed. I have a feeling the DON was way over their head and not able to figure out scheduling.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 19, 2023

I have seen this more commonly recently in the work-from-home/remote job realm. People get ghosted on interviews and jobs as well. Very unprofessional and weird.

klone, MSN, RN · Jul 19, 2023

I got ghosted once, sort of after a job offer. I was trying to get out of inpatient and was just applying everywhere. I applied at an infusion center, and had an interview that went fair. After, I called to follow up and she was gushing about what great experience I had and how well suited I was for the job, and she asked me to come in and shadow. I got there and sat in the lobby for 20 minutes, and was then told that the woman I was supposed to shadow wasnt there.

So I left and never heard from them again and they didn't return my calls. I surmised that they got me confused with another applicant and when I showed up for the job shadow they realized their mistake and weee too embarrassed to tell me I wasn't the person they wanted to come in and job shadow.

Peachpit · Jul 20, 2023

Wanted to provide an update..I finally heard from HR late yesterday and the Director today..it seems the hold up is the background check company. They are, evidently, extremely slow and though my background is over 90% completed until its 100% I am not allowed, by company policy, to start. The offer letter had agreed for me to move forward this week (pending drug test etc) but that is, obviously, not happening. My start date has now been pushed out another 2 weeks due to no fault of my own or the hiring manager.

I was polite but direct with both of the people I spoke with and told them I am not able to just hang in limbo indefinitely, have never had an issue with a background check nor one that has taken, literally, 6 weeks and their silence over the past few weeks was also concerning. I received apologies and reasons (excuses) for the lack of response but I do think they understand now that I do have other options and while I would like to have this job, they are also fortunate to have me as an employee w/what I "bring to the table"

I have a PRN position I am working now so at least I have income and plan to apply to other places this weekend and keep interviewing just in case this keeps dragging on. I don't plan to hang in there much longer - end of the month is MY deadline. 3 months from application to hire to now limbo is more than enough time even for the largest of facilities.

I get applicants are interviewed for positions but employers seem to forget applicants are also evaluating them and the interview process is a two way street. At least I think it is.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Jul 27, 2023

While it wasn't really ghosting because my employer was in contact with me pretty regularly my current job had the slowest onboarding I've ever seen. I received my offer letter in late November and due to a combination of Holidays and another oops in getting me scheduled for a starting class I didn't actually start the job until March. Fortunately I didn't put in my notice at my previous job until I had a firm start date or I could have potentially found myself unemployed without income for a bit.

Because of the reliance on the schedule for starting training classes for new employee's a longer onboarding is typical so it's not a job for someone who needs a job with a quick start date but 3 months was a little much.