Graduate describes being 'ghosted' by 400 employers

Graduate describes being 'ghosted' by 400 employers

A recent case highlights the challenges faced by graduates in today’s competitive job market, where some applicants are being “ghosted” by prospective employers. Karyna Lohvynenko, a 21-year-old master’s student studying governance, has applied for around 400 jobs but has received only three interview invitations. Despite her impressive CV, which features experience with the United Nations and various councils in the UK and US, she has struggled to progress in her job search.

Karyna, originally from Ukraine and once aspiring to become her country’s president, has broadened her job search to include roles across politics, business, and even entry-level positions such as barista work. However, most employers have not responded to her applications. The phenomenon of “ghosting,” commonly associated with dating when one party suddenly ceases communication, is becoming more prevalent in recruitment, according to Michael Jones, a recruitment consultant. He points out that many graduates like Karyna, who apply to hundreds of roles, often face silence. Automated screening processes, particularly those driven by AI, frequently prevent applications from ever reaching human recruiters.

Speaking about her experience, Karyna described the lack of feedback as more unsettling than outright rejection. “That uncertainty is worse than rejection… it feels like a void. Like your application disappears before anyone even sees it,” she said. “The ghosting from employers creates confusion, anxiety, and makes the whole process feel dehumanising.” She is currently earning her master’s degree at Cardiff University and holds a degree in business and management with a law pathway from Cardiff Metropolitan University. Her extensive work experience includes volunteering, policy roles, and ambassador positions, yet she finds that even with these qualifications doors remain closed.

The scale of the problem is underscored by rising youth unemployment rates, currently at their highest level in over ten years among 16 to 24-year-olds. Recruitment expert Michael Jones explains that many applications never reach a human reviewer because of the large volume of candidates and the increasing use of AI screening tools. “The danger is that AI looks for patterns, not potential. If your experience or communication style doesn’t match what the system expects, you can be filtered out before anyone actually meets you,” Jones noted. Karyna echoed this sentiment, describing AI-led interviews as impersonal. “You’re essentially speaking to a screen, like a chatbot interface,” she said. “There’s usually a strict time cap… which is not enough to explain your full experience. You feel cut off before you can properly present yourself.” Despite these challenges, Karyna remains hopeful and committed to continuing her job search until her capabilities are recognized

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More