Why are Job Seekers Ghosted by Employers?

Orlando Haynes, a 22-year veteran recruiter and talent acquisition leader, explains what's actually happening behind the scenes when candidates get ghosted.

Think recruiters are ignoring you on purpose?

Ghosting during the job search feels personal, but it’s usually not. In this episode of the Control Your Career podcast, I sat down with Orlando Haynes, a 22-year veteran recruiter and talent acquisition leader, to talk about what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

The Real Reason Candidates Get Ghosted

According to Orlando, it’s not about you, it’s about volume. Recruiters are often managing hundreds of applicants across dozens of roles. Once a role is filled, most don’t have the capacity (or technology) to send personalized follow-ups, and yes, auto-responses aren’t always reliable.

But there’s a strategy behind how recruiters search resumes—and most candidates don’t know how to take advantage of it.

It’s Not the ATS. It’s How You Show Up in It.

Orlando debunks the myth that your resume gets “lost” in an ATS. You’re not being kicked out of the system—you’re just not showing up in the search results. Keyword optimization matters, but so does honesty. Recruiters will ask about every bullet point, and if you can’t explain it, you’re done.

The Resume Lies That Will Get You Caught

Orlando and I talk about the rise of bad advice floating around on social media, especially the idea that you should lie or “trick the system.” Spoiler: Don’t. You’ll get caught, and it's not a good look when you’re sweating through an Excel test you claimed to be an expert in.

What Recruiters Really Want to See in Interviews

It’s not just about checking boxes. Orlando shares how great candidates close the gap between their experience and the company’s pain points, often before they’re even asked. From 90-day plans to strategic follow-up questions, this episode is packed with insight to help you interview like a leader.

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