7 Job Interview Ghosting Email Templates (Copy-Paste Scripts)

Last month, a Marketing Director candidate—let's call her Sarah—was ghosted by a Series B startup. She had four rounds of interviews. The VP of Sales told her, "We love you." Then... silence.

For 12 days, she checked her email every 15 minutes. She started analyzing her own performance, wondering if she laughed too loud or asked the wrong question about runway.

She was about to send the standard "Just checking in!" email (which is useless, by the way).

I told her to stop. We sent Script #4 (The "Closure" Email) instead.

Two hours later, the Recruiter replied. They hadn't ghosted her because they hated her. They ghosted her because the CFO froze the budget, and they were too embarrassed to tell her. She got the closure she needed, and three months later, that same recruiter placed her at a different firm.

Here is the rule: Silence is not a "No." Silence is chaos.

Recruiters are overwhelmed, disorganized, or waiting on approval. Your job is not to be polite. Your job is to break the deadlock.

Here are the 7 job interview ghosting email templates that actually work, including a sample email to recruiter after ghosting that consistently gets a reply.

1. The "Gentle Nudge" (Day 5 Post-Interview)

When to use: It’s been 5 business days since your interview. No word. Why it works: It forces a timeline without being desperate.

Subject: Quick follow up / [Role Name]

Hi [Name],

Great meeting you last [Day].

You mentioned the team would be finalizing next steps by [Date]. I know timelines shift, so I just wanted to bubble this up to see if you have an update on where things stand.

I'm still very interested in the role, especially the [Specific Project mentioned in interview].

Best, [Your Name]

2. The "Competitive Leveage" (The Nuclear Option)

When to use: You have another interview or offer pending. Why it works: Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). Nothing moves a recruiter faster than losing a commission.

Subject: Timeline update / [Role Name]

Hi [Name],

Hope you're having a great week.

I wanted to be transparent—I’ve moved to the final rounds with another company and expect to have a decision to make by [Date].

[Company Name] is still my first choice. Is it possible to expedite the next step on your end so I can align the timelines?

Thanks, [Your Name]

3. The "Value Add" (The Soft Touch)

When to use: You forgot to mention something important in the interview. Why it works: It’s value-forward, not ask-forward. You aren't "checking in"; you are giving them ammo.

Subject: Additional context on [Topic] / [Your Name]

Hi [Name],

We touched on [Specific Problem] during our chat, and I realized I didn't send over the [Portfolio/Case Study/Data] I mentioned that solves exactly that.

Attached here. I thought this might be helpful as the team reviews the pipeline.

Best, [Your Name]

4. The "Closure" Email (The Break-Up)

When to use: It has been 14+ days. You are 99% sure you didn't get it. Why it works: It uses "Negative Reverse Selling." By pulling the offer away, you force them to chase you or admit the truth.

Subject: Permission to close file?

Hi [Name],

I haven't heard back from you regarding the [Role Name] position, so I’m assuming you’ve moved forward with another candidate.

Totally understand—just wanted to get the confirmation so I can cross this off my list and focus on other opportunities.

Wishing you the best, [Your Name]

Warning: This script is binary. 50% of the time, they reply, "No! We are still deciding!" The other 50%, they say "Yes, sorry." Either way, you get your life back.

5. The "Recruiter Bypass" (Hail Mary)

When to use: The internal recruiter is ghosting you, but you interviewed with the Hiring Manager. Why it works: Hiring Managers care about filling the seat. Recruiters care about clearing their inbox.

Subject: Reconnecting / [Role Name]

Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

Loved our conversation about [Topic].

I haven't heard from [Recruiter Name] regarding next steps, and I know inboxes can get buried. I wanted to reach out directly to see if the team is still considering candidates for this role?

If not, no worries—I’d love to stay in touch regardless.

Best, [Your Name]

6. The "Zombie" Re-Engagement

When to use: It’s been 3 months. You saw the job is still posted. Why it works: The person they hired probably quit, or they never found anyone. You are the easy fix.

Subject: [Role Name] / Still looking?

Hi [Name],

I noticed the [Role Name] position is open again (or still open).

I know timing is everything. Since we last spoke, I’ve [mention almost any new skill or project]. I’m arguably a stronger fit now than I was in [Month].

Are you open to a 5-minute chat to see if it makes sense to re-visit this?

Best, [Your Name]

7. The "Networking Pivot" (The Bridge)

When to use: You were rejected (or soft ghosted), but you liked the company. Why it works: It turns a "No" into a lead.

Subject: Quick question

Hi [Name],

Thanks for the update. While I’m disappointed, I was really impressed by the culture at [Company].

Since you see open roles across the industry, do you know any other teams in your network looking for a [Role Title] with my background?

Best, [Your Name]

Summary Cheat Sheet: How to Follow Up After Interview No Response