{"id":397076,"date":"2026-06-15T17:31:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T22:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=397076"},"modified":"2026-06-15T18:20:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T23:20:49","slug":"is-it-illegal-for-potential-employers-to-ghost-you","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/hiring-process\/is-it-illegal-for-potential-employers-to-ghost-you.html","title":{"rendered":"Is It Illegal for Potential Employers To Ghost You?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Is It Illegal for Potential Employers To Ghost You?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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In most instances, it\u2019s not illegal for a potential employer to ghost you by ceasing all communication without explanation during the interview process<\/span> or after making a job offer. However, ghosting may become illegal if a background check influences a potential employer\u2019s decision to hire you and they don\u2019t provide you with the required notices under state law. It may also be against the law for a company to use AI screening tools without properly disclosing it to job applicants<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Most of us know what it\u2019s like to be \u201cghosted\u201d by someone, whether a potential romantic partner, a new friend, or a relative. As difficult as it may be, you have to suck it up and accept that the other person just isn\u2019t interested in maintaining a relationship with you. What do you do when a potential employer ghosts you<\/a>?<\/p>\n

The job searching<\/span> process<\/a> can be difficult, regardless of whether you already have a job or are unemployed. To go through the application and interview process<\/span> only to have the employer cut off all contact with you can be frustrating. It probably feels worse than not being interviewed at all.<\/p>\n

In most cases, it isn\u2019t illegal for a company to ghost a potential employee. If a business owner decides not to move forward with a potential job candidate, that is their prerogative. There are certain situations in which the individual may have a legal claim against the would-be employer.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explore and explain whether it\u2019s illegal for a potential employer to ghost you. We will also discuss the differences between a company ghosting candidates<\/span> before hire and ghosting them after the individual accepts a job offer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If a company has recently ghosted you during the hiring process<\/span> or after hire, and you feel like you\u2019ve been deceived, consider speaking with a local employment attorney<\/a>. Depending on your situation, you may have a claim for damages.<\/p>\n

What Does \u201cGhosting\u201d Mean in Terms of Employment?<\/h2>\n

What\u2019s ghosting? In a job definition, it means that an employer brought you through the hiring process<\/span><\/a> before ceasing all further communication. This is frustrating, but usually legal. Companies have the right to hire whomever they want to and are not required to follow up<\/span> with everybody who submits an application.<\/p>\n

The problem arises if the company extended an offer that you either accepted<\/a> or were thinking about accepting, only to have the company suddenly stonewall you. For example, you see a job opening<\/span> on LinkedIn<\/span> and apply. The Human Resources<\/span> manager interviews you and makes an offer. They give you until Monday of the following week to accept or reject the offer.<\/p>\n

After considering the offer, you decide to take the job. The Friday before you accept the offer, you give notice at your current employer. They do not accept your notice<\/a> and ask you to leave immediately. When you call the new company to formally accept their offer, you\u2019re given the runaround. It doesn\u2019t take long to realize that your job offer is no longer available, if it ever truly was. This is an example of a business illegally ghosting you.<\/p>\n

Why Would a Potential Employer Ghost You During the Recruiting<\/span> Process?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s hard to imagine why a company would, after several rounds of interviews<\/span>, extend an offer to you and then refuse to return your phone calls. Why would their HR professional<\/span> take the time to meet with you several times only to ghost you?<\/p>\n

There are multiple reasons why a company may do this<\/a>, including:<\/p>\n