When Companies Ghost Candidates After a Presentation

The Real Reason for The Silent Treatment

Let’s talk about something that’s recently been happening far too often in the hiring world. It’s an unethical practice that leaves talented professionals feeling used, frustrated, and disillusioned.

Picture this:
Let’s say you apply for a role, and you make it through initial screenings. Then BAM! You’re asked to prepare a presentation, proposal, or even a full-blown strategy to solve a real problem the company is facing. You pour hours (sometimes days) into research, crafting slides, and rehearsing your delivery. You present your ideas with passion, and you think everything went well. The interviewer compliments your work, and even tells you to expect an answer soon. You’re excited because you know you’ve crushed it. But weeks go by and crickets.

Nothing – No feedback. No rejection. Just silence.

If this has happened to you, I want you to know two things right away:

• It’s not you. This is a failure on the company’s part, not a reflection of your worth.
• You’re not alone. This practice is becoming more common, and it’s time we call it out.
  
  

Why do companies do this?

Here’s a few explanations, and none of them are great or justifiable:

• Free labor. Some companies disguise interviews as “as case studies” to extract ideas without compensation.
• Disorganization. Hiring teams drop the ball, lose momentum, or change priorities without regard for candidates.
• Power dynamics. A lack of respect for candidates’ time and effort signals deeper cultural issues.

But here’s the hard truth: A company that ghosts, after asking for significant work, is showing you exactly how they operate. If they can’t extend basic professional courtesy before you are hired, how will they treat you as an employee?

What can you do?

As disgusting as it is, there are some things you can do to mitigate the effects of being ghosted and duped.

Set Boundaries Early. Before diving into a presentation, ask: “Is this a real business challenge you’re currently facing?” “How will you use my presentation?” “What is the timeline for feedback?” If they dodge these questions, consider it a red flag.

Protect Your Intellectual Property. If you’re presenting original ideas, you might add a simple disclaimer: “This proposal is for interview only and remains my intellectual property unless otherwise agreed.” I know this may seem to be overkill, but there are many horror stories of people who prepared fantastic presentations, websites, and other projects for interviews, only to find out that the company used their ideas, and ghosted them.

Redirect the rejection. A company that ghosts candidates and steals their ideas doesn’t deserve you. The right opportunity will respect your time and contributions.

A Message to Hiring Managers

If you recognize this behavior in your own hiring process, pause and ask yourself: “Are we treating candidates the way we’d want to be treated?” “Are we valuing their time, or exploiting their eagerness?” Transparency and respect cost nothing. A simple email, even if it’s a rejection, goes a long way in maintaining your company’s reputation.

Remember this

To anyone who’s ever stared at an empty inbox, wondering if your brilliance got lost in the corporate void: Hold your head high. That silence isn’t a verdict on your talent. It’s a mirror reflecting their values. Let this be your reminder: you don’t need validation from a company that treats candidates like disposable drafts. Your ideas, your effort, your time are gold. And gold doesn’t beg for attention; it waits for the right hands to hold it.

The next time this happens, take a deep breath, then delete that “Follow-up #4” draft. Instead, pour that energy into a company smart enough to recognize your worth. Because here’s the secret no ghost will ever admit: When they fade into the background, they’re making space for something better to step into the light.

As a candidate, you’re a compass that points toward workplaces that respect hustle, honor creativity, and answer emails.

Keep it moving.