😞 Why You're Not Alone If You're Getting Ghosted or Rejected
1. Why does ghosting happen?
The truth is, internal priorities at companies shift constantly: roles close, budgets freeze, or hiring managers leave. In fast-moving hiring cycles, especially for internships, communication can fall through the cracks. It’s not professional, but it’s increasingly common 💼.
2. Most applicants don’t hear back
If you're refreshing your inbox and seeing nothing but silence, you're not alone. Large companies use software to filter and review thousands of applications. Most candidates are screened out without a single human review. The result? Ghosting at scale. According to LinkedIn and Indeed, over 70 percent of applicants never get a reply 📉. This isn’t about your talent; it’s about systems that are built to move fast, not with empathy.
3. Ghosting isn’t always personal
Getting ghosted after an interview can feel like rejection, but it usually reflects messy processes, not your performance. Recruiters may be juggling dozens of roles. Hiring teams might have lost funding or shifted to internal hires. Sometimes, your interviewer leaves the company mid-process. None of that is about you. And while it can feel like a punch to your confidence, it’s worth remembering: silence says more about the employer than it does about your worth.
🚪 What to Do If You Didn’t Even Get an Interview
It stings when you spend hours perfecting your application only to hear... nothing. No email. No update. Not even a rejection. If you’re feeling invisible in the internship cycle, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: not getting an interview isn’t a reflection of your potential. It’s often a sign that your application never even made it past the first layer of review.
Before you question your entire resume or start spiraling, it’s worth understanding how early-stage hiring works. Most companies today use digital gatekeepers; systems that scan, score, and sometimes filter out resumes long before a human ever sees them. If you’ve never heard of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), now’s the time to get familiar. Because your strategy going forward depends on it.
1. Understand how application filters work
When you submit a resume to a company’s job portal, it usually doesn’t land in someone’s inbox. Instead, it goes into an Applicant Tracking System. These tools are designed to organize large volumes of candidates. But they also act like silent bouncers. If your resume isn’t formatted clearly, doesn’t include enough of the right keywords, or includes graphics that confuse the system, you could be cut from the pile before your qualifications are even considered.
Many ATS platforms use keyword-matching algorithms. That means they’re scanning for specific terms that match the job description: skills, titles, experiences, and even software tools. If your resume doesn’t speak the same language as the posting; the system might rank it lower, or skip it altogether. This is why using a template optimized for ATS readability and tailoring your resume to each role matters more than ever.
2. Fix what you can control: resume, strategy, targeting
You can’t control the volume of applicants or the recruiter’s schedule. But you can improve what lands in their system. Start with your resume. Make sure it’s clean, free of tables or text boxes, and uses clear section headers. Use words from the job description, yes, copy-paste them if they’re relevant to your experience. Focus on outcomes, not just tasks: instead of “worked on a marketing project,” say “developed a content calendar that boosted engagement by 20 percent.”
Next, consider your strategy. Are you applying to only the top-name companies? If so, you’re competing with thousands. Consider widening your net to include startups, nonprofits, or regional employers with smaller applicant pools. These roles often give you more responsibility and visibility early on.
Finally, rethink your targeting. Make sure the roles you’re applying for align with your current skill set, even if you’re still building it. If you’re applying to data analyst internships without any mention of Excel, SQL, or Python on your resume, the system might flag you as unqualified, even if you’re capable of learning fast. It’s not about pretending; it’s about translating your experiences into language the system and the recruiter understand.
3. You can't change your education, but you can build experience with an externship
Your degree, your GPA, your class standing (these aren’t things you can overhaul overnight). What you can build is experience. Real-world, resume-ready, mentor-supported experience. That’s where externships come in.
These aren’t just one-off projects or shadowing gigs. Externships through Extern are guided, short-term, project-based learning experiences built around real deliverables and real mentorship.
Each externship lasts 8 to 12 weeks, with weekly time commitments ranging from 2 to 10 hours. You're not thrown into busy work. Instead, you’re guided by an Extern Program Manager, trained on real-world workflows, and equipped to deliver professional-level outcomes.
🧭 Internship Programs To Consider
If you’re tired of being ghosted, you're not the only one. While ghosting is common, some companies do stand out for their organized timelines, structured feedback, and clear next steps. These internship and early-career programs have built reputations for consistency and communication, and they tend to run on predictable, yearly cycles:
- Google APM Internships (Associate Product Manager program for aspiring PMs)
- Microsoft Explore Internships (ideal for first and second-year students in tech)
- Shopify Internships (remote-first and async-friendly, built around autonomy)
Some Internship links to apply to:
Data Scientist, Research Intern, PhD, Summer 2026
User Experience Research Intern, MS, Summer 2026
Student Researcher, BS/MS, Winter/Summer 2026
Security Consultant Intern, BS/MS, Summer 2026
💡 Tip: These roles are competitive, but that’s not a reason to self-reject. Mark your calendar for early deadlines, follow their career pages, and consider externships to build momentum while you prepare.
💔 How to Handle a Rejection or Ghosting After the Interview
You prepped, you showed up, and you gave it your best and now? Silence. Or worse, a one-line rejection. This part of the process can feel like the hardest, especially after you’ve invested your time and energy. But this is also where growth begins if you let it.
1. It's not personal, and give yourself space to process it
It’s easy to take rejection personally. Those emotions are valid. Processing them helps you move forward without dragging rejection into your next application. Treat yourself with the same empathy you’d give a friend in the same situation 💙.
2. Debrief what went well and what didn’t
Before you jump into your next opportunity, take a few moments to review the one that just ended. Think back to the questions you felt confident answering, and also the ones that caught you off guard. Was your energy aligned with the role? Did you show your enthusiasm clearly enough? Write it down. This isn’t about self-blame, it’s about learning. Each interview, even the silent ones, gives you data to improve your next one. Use it.
3. Follow up politely if it’s been 2+ weeks
If it’s been more than 10 business days and you haven’t heard anything, send a brief and polite email to follow up. Mention the date of your interview, your continued interest in the role, and ask if there are any updates to share. Keep it under 100 words. Following up doesn’t make you annoying, it shows professionalism and respect for your time.
4. Reach out via other avenues or contact another recruiter for the same role
Silence from one contact doesn’t mean the entire opportunity is gone. If you applied through LinkedIn, see if another recruiter is listed for the same job or team. You can send a quick message asking if they’d be open to sharing any updates. Don’t come in hot with frustration; instead, approach with curiosity and professionalism. Sometimes, your email gets buried. Other times, a nudge helps reopen the conversation 🔁.
5. Practice Interview (link to our interview guide)
You don’t need to wait for another real interview to improve. Set up practice interviews with friends, mentors, or even your school’s career center. Use mock interviews to work through your weak spots, get comfortable speaking about your experiences, and refine your answers. Tools like Extern’s Interview Guide can help structure your prep, especially if you’re targeting roles in: tech, marketing, or consulting. The more you practice, the less likely you’ll freeze when it counts.
.png)
✉️ How to Write a Follow-Up Email After Interview With No Response
No response after an interview is one of the most discouraging parts of the process. You spend days replaying every answer in your head while refreshing your inbox. But here’s the reality: sometimes a well-timed follow-up email is the nudge that gets you noticed. It shows you’re still engaged and ready. The key is timing, tone, and clarity.
1. When (and why) you should follow up
The best time to follow up is between five to ten business days after your interview. This gives the hiring team time to complete next steps internally while still keeping your name fresh in their inbox. Weekends, holidays, and internal meetings can delay timelines more than you think. A follow-up email after this window shows your continued interest without coming across as impatient.
Following up also gives you a chance to clarify your enthusiasm for the role. Especially in larger organizations, recruiters may be juggling dozens of candidates. A polite note can remind them that you’re still here, still excited, and still serious about the opportunity 📩.
2. What to say in your message
Keep your message under 100 words. Mention the role, the date of your interview, and that you’re checking in for updates. Reaffirm your interest and thank them again for the opportunity to speak. You don’t need to recap your resume or repeat your answers. Just be direct, warm, and professional.
Here’s a template to get started:
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding my interview for the [Role Title] position on [Interview Date]. I’m still very interested in the opportunity and wanted to see if there have been any updates.
Thanks again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Interviewed by a Manager? Use This Follow-Up Template:
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up on my interview for the [Role Title] position on [Interview Date]. It was great speaking with [Name] about [specific topic or project], and it made me even more excited about the opportunity. Just checking in to see if there are any updates you’d be able to share.
Thanks again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
These work across industries and keep the door open for response without pressure.
3. What to do if there’s still no reply
If you don’t hear back after a follow-up, don’t take it as a final rejection. Many factors could be at play. You can consider sending one final check-in after another week, but beyond that, it’s time to shift your energy. Silence is not the same as a verdict. Instead of waiting indefinitely, start focusing on new applications, practice interviews, and experiences that continue to build your momentum. Your time is valuable, treat it that way.
🌱 Smart Ways to Move Forward After Fall Internship Rejections
You didn’t land that fall internship. It’s frustrating, especially after you spent weeks applying, preparing, and hoping for a reply. This isn’t the end of your career story, it’s just one chapter. The smartest thing you can do now is shift your focus forward. Spring opportunities, portfolio growth, and professional experience are still within reach 🌟.
1. Refresh your materials, mindset and get ready for spring
Think of this as your reset phase. Open your resume and check if it still reflects your most recent experiences. Update your LinkedIn with relevant skills, side projects, or any campus involvement you’ve added this term. But don’t stop at your materials, your mindset needs the same refresh. Instead of seeing this as failure, reframe it as a pause: a moment to pivot, plan, and apply with sharper clarity. The spring cycle is coming fast, and the work you do now sets the tone for how ready you’ll be.
2. Keep learning and start networking
Internship or not, your growth doesn’t have to pause. Sign up for a new course. Practice your interview answers with friends or mentors. Join a student group or online community related to your career interests. And start reaching out, not with a pitch, with curiosity. Ask for advice, ask what they wish they knew at your stage, ask what they’re working on. These small conversations can lead to surprising connections 🤝.
3. Look for nontraditional paths like Externship to improve your chances
When traditional internships are hard to access, Externships offer a practical and flexible way to keep building experience. You’ll work on real projects, receive mentorship, and walk away with outcomes that recruiters care about. It’s not just about adding lines to your resume, it’s about momentum, skill-building, and proving that you don’t stop when doors close 🚀.
❓ FAQ: Ghosting, Rejections, and How to Stay on Track
1. Why do companies ghost applicants after interviews or applications?
It’s rarely personal. Ghosting often happens because recruiters are overwhelmed by volume, roles close unexpectedly, or hiring priorities change. Poor communication systems also play a role. While it’s frustrating, silence is usually a reflection of their process, not your performance.
2. How long should I wait before following up after an internship interview?
Wait between five to ten business days. If you interviewed on a Monday, the following Wednesday is a solid check-in point. Use your message to briefly reaffirm interest and ask if any updates are available.
3. What should I include in a follow-up email after an interview with no response?
Mention the job title, the date of your interview, and your continued interest. Keep it professional, under 100 words, and include a thank you. You’re reminding them of your presence, and not demanding a reply.
4. What if I never even got an interview?
You’re not alone. Many strong candidates get filtered out early by automated systems. Focus on making your resume ATS-friendly, tailor your applications, and explore smaller employers or project-based opportunities like externships.
5. How can I recover from multiple internship rejections?
Start by detaching your worth from your results. Every rejection gives you data. Reflect on patterns, get feedback if possible, and find new ways to gain experience, whether through courses, freelance work, or short-term externships 📚.
6. Do recruiters remember if I follow up or reapply?
Yes, and usually in a good way. A thoughtful follow-up shows initiative and professionalism. If you’re reapplying, update your materials to reflect growth since your last application. Progress leaves a strong impression.
7. What’s the best alternative if I can’t secure a 2026 summer internship?
Remote externships are one of the most accessible, resume-ready alternatives. You’ll gain experience, mentorship, and real deliverables, without needing to relocate or wait for next year’s recruiting season 🚀.
.png)
💬 You’re Still in This
If you’ve been rejected, ghosted, or left wondering what went wrong, take a deep breath. This moment isn’t a full stop, it’s just a redirection. You’re still building, still growing, and still incredibly capable.
Internships aren’t the only path. With externships, you can gain real experience, mentorship, and clarity at your own pace. And when you’re ready to try again next season, you won’t be starting from scratch, you’ll be starting stronger!
From curated internship listings to concierge calls when you’re feeling stuck, we’ve got you. Our mission is to help you grow with confidence, clarity, and support.
You’re not behind, and there’s still so much ahead 🌱.
.png)
