If you’ve ever applied for a job in the UAE, you know the feeling all too well. After spending hours perfecting your CV, writing a personalized cover letter, and hitting submit, you wait — and wait — and then… nothing. No email. No call. Just silence. This experience, known as getting “ghosted,” is becoming more and more common for job seekers, not just in the UAE, but all across the Middle East.
For job seekers, this silence isn’t just frustrating — it can be deeply discouraging and emotional. But why is this happening? And what can job seekers do about it? Let’s explore why employers aren’t always responding, how it affects you, and what you can do to improve your chances of getting noticed in a crowded job market.
The emotional impact of being ignored
Job searching is more than just sending a resume; it’s about hope, effort, and dreams for the future. When employers don’t respond, it’s more than just an inconvenience — it can have a real emotional toll.
Moncef Khouchane, a UAE resident currently looking to switch careers, shared his experience: “I have been applying for several positions and didn’t receive a single acknowledgement. It made me question whether my qualifications were even relevant. Moreover, I find it unfortunate that operational departments across multiple domains are not willing to provide a fair chance at an interview to young professionals with limited experience in a particular industry and looking for a career change. It almost feels like it is a clear direction outlined in bold that one shall not be permitted to change their career.”
Moncef’s experience isn’t unique. Across the GCC, many job seekers are facing the same frustration. When the silence continues for weeks, it leads to feelings of self-doubt and anxiety about their future.
Why employers don’t always respond?
The problem of being “ghosted” is not just a personal one. Employers are also struggling to keep up with the massive volume of applications they receive. In high-growth economies like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, companies can get hundreds or even thousands of applications for a single job posting, especially in competitive fields like finance, technology, and marketing.
Filip Rideau, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup Middle East, explains the challenge employers face: “Employers are challenged by a growing mismatch between the skills they need and the applications they receive. Many applications don’t align with the specific demands of roles, making it difficult to provide timely feedback while also prioritizing operational efficiency. Bridging this gap requires a shift toward smarter recruitment processes and clear candidate communication.”
It’s clear that employers have a lot on their plate, but the lack of communication can still feel frustrating and impersonal to job seekers.
The hidden cost of silence for employers
While job seekers are the ones left feeling ignored, employers also face consequences when they don’t respond to applicants. Failing to engage with candidates can harm an organization’s reputation. In a world where reviews on social media and job platforms can make or break a company’s image, employers risk being seen as disorganized or unprofessional.
If a company ignores candidates, they may also miss out on top talent, as potential applicants may be discouraged from applying in the future. It’s a problem that cuts both ways—job seekers feel overlooked, and employers might lose out on great candidates.
The role of technology in fixing the hiring process
So, how can things improve? The good news is that technology is offering solutions. Modern recruitment tools like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and AI-powered platforms are helping streamline the hiring process and make it more transparent. These tools can keep candidates updated on their application status—whether they’ve been shortlisted, received, or rejected—so they’re never left in the dark.
Bayt.com, a popular job search platform in the region, is helping bridge the communication gap by offering real-time notifications. These updates can help candidates stay informed and engaged, reducing the frustration of waiting for an update.
On the employer side, these technologies help screen resumes faster, identify the best candidates, and speed up hiring timelines. With AI doing the heavy lifting, hiring teams can spend more time focusing on interviews and less time sorting through hundreds of applications manually.
What can job seekers do to stand out?
While employers and technology play a huge role in the process, there are also things you, the job seeker, can do to increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward:
- Tailor Your CV: Customize your resume for each job you apply for. Focus on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role.
- Optimize for ATS: Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter candidates. Make sure your CV includes relevant keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing the initial filter.
- Professionalism Matters: Make sure your social media profiles are clean and professional. Employers often review candidates’ online presence, so make sure what they see reflects your skills and personality.
- Don’t Forget Follow-Up: After submitting your application, don’t be afraid to follow up. A polite email asking about the status of your application can help keep you on the employer’s radar.
- Prepare for Interviews: If you get the chance, make sure you’re well-prepared for the interview. Practice answers to common questions and come with a clear understanding of the company and the role.
Moving forward: Transparency is key
At the end of the day, job seekers and employers both want the same thing: a fair, efficient, and transparent hiring process. For job seekers, communication is crucial. A quick response—even a rejection—is better than silence. For employers, making the effort to engage with applicants can improve their company’s image and help them find the right candidates more quickly.
By embracing new technologies and focusing on transparent communication, both job seekers and employers can work together to make the hiring process more effective and rewarding.
Getting ghosted after applying for a job can feel like a personal setback, but it’s a problem that’s shared by many across the Middle East. The rise of technology and smarter recruitment processes offers hope for a more transparent, efficient, and respectful job market. For job seekers in the UAE, the key is to stay persistent, optimize your approach, and remember that better communication and the right tools can make all the difference.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
