Recruiter ghosting after a verbal offer is one of the most frustrating situations in the job search. You were told the job was yours. You may have turned down other offers or started planning your resignation. And then—radio silence.
Unfortunately, this scenario is increasingly common. According to a LinkedIn News survey, 45% of job seekers say they’ve been ghosted during the hiring process—even after receiving some form of offer. This includes verbal offers, which can feel like a done deal but legally are not.
This article walks you through:
- What a verbal offer actually means
- Why recruiter ghosting happens after one
- What you can and can’t do about it
- How to respond professionally
- How to protect yourself next time
What a Verbal Offer Actually Means
A verbal job offer is an informal statement from a recruiter or hiring manager that a company intends to hire you. It often includes details like the job title, salary, and potential start date. But unless you receive and sign a formal written offer, it’s not binding.
That’s why recruiter ghosting after a verbal offer can feel so disorienting. It blurs the line between being “offered the job” and still being in limbo.
Why Recruiters Ghost After a Verbal Offer
Here are the most common reasons why recruiter ghosting happens even after you’ve been verbally offered a role:
1. The Offer Was Premature
Recruiters sometimes move too fast, extending a verbal offer before final approvals are secured from HR, finance, or leadership. If those approvals don’t come through, the offer is effectively dead—even if no one tells you directly.
2. Hiring Freeze or Budget Changes
Companies may implement sudden hiring freezes or pull funding for a role. According to SHRM’s 2025 workplace trend report, many employers are still making last-minute adjustments to headcount and budgets, which can derail late-stage hiring decisions.
3. They Selected Another Candidate
Some employers give informal verbal offers to multiple candidates while stalling on paperwork. If another finalist signs first, the rest may be ghosted without explanation.
4. Internal Restructuring or Miscommunication
Sometimes the recruiter leaves the company, the position is absorbed into another team, or there’s simple miscommunication. You’re left hanging—not out of malice, but due to internal disorganization.
5. Poor Candidate Communication Culture
If a company ghosts you after offering you a job, consider it a warning sign. This may reflect broader issues with how they handle employees, not just candidates.
How to Respond to Recruiter Ghosting After a Verbal Offer
Here’s how to navigate this situation while staying professional and in control.
1. Follow Up—Once or Twice
Send a brief, polite email to check in. Here’s a sample:
Subject: Follow-Up on Verbal Offer – [Your Name]
Body:
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to follow up on the verbal offer we discussed on [date]. I remain very interested in the position and would appreciate any updates you can share.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
If you don’t get a response after two follow-ups spaced a few business days apart, move on.
2. Keep Applying and Interviewing
Do not stop your job search based on a verbal offer. It’s not official, and putting your search on hold could cost you valuable time and other opportunities.
3. Don’t Take It Personally
Ghosting is rarely about you. It’s often a reflection of internal dysfunction or indecisiveness. Remember: you made it to the final round. You were qualified. That still counts.
Can You Do Anything Legally?
In most cases, no. Verbal job offers are not legally binding in the U.S. unless there is a written contract or significant proof of detrimental reliance (e.g., quitting a job, relocating based solely on the offer). These cases fall under a legal concept called promissory estoppel, but they are difficult to prove and rarely pursued.
If you believe you’ve experienced financial or professional harm, consult an employment attorney to explore your options. But for most candidates, the best path is to refocus and keep moving forward.
How to Protect Yourself From Recruiter Ghosting
There’s no guaranteed way to avoid ghosting, but here are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Ask the recruiter directly: “When can I expect the written offer?”
- Request clarity on internal approvals and timeline
- Stay cautious if the recruiter is vague or avoids direct questions
- Research company reviews on Glassdoor or TeamBlind
- Ask for a backup point of contact in case your recruiter is unavailable
Being proactive and informed can help you spot red flags earlier.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been ghosted after a verbal offer, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. If anything, it shows that you’re getting close.
Let this experience sharpen your instincts. The next opportunity might come from a company that values clear communication, follows through, and respects your time.
That’s the one worth waiting for.