How to Handle Ghosting After an Interview With Pharmaceutical Company
We live in a world more connected than ever before, and yet isolation—emotional and professional—can feel just as profound. It’s never been easier to reach out to someone, and yet harder to get a response. This paradox shows up everywhere—from dating apps to job applications.
So if you’re navigating the dating scene right now, you have my sympathies.
But let’s talk about something even more critical: your career.
When a pharmaceutical company ghosts you after an interview, it can feel disheartening—and more than just a blow to the ego. We’re talking about your livelihood. Your future. Your sense of direction. The stakes are high.
Here’s how to navigate the silence:
Take a Breath—It’s Not Always Personal
Ghosting after a job interview stings. You’ve done the prep, showed up with your best self, and now… silence. Especially in industries like pharma—where precision, timelines, and communication are expected—it can feel disorienting. But in most cases, it’s not about you.
Across Ireland and Europe, pharmaceutical and life science companies often operate within complex internal structures. These are highly regulated environments with shifting project pipelines, multinational hierarchies, and multi-level approval chains. A hiring manager may have been ready to move forward, but:
A budget freeze may have been implemented in Basel or London.
The role may have been reshaped due to a merger or audit findings.
HR in Dublin may be waiting for headcount confirmation from Germany or the U.S.
An internal candidate may have re-entered the process.
Or simply, the responsible contact may be on annual leave with no coverage.
It’s frustrating—but often systemic. The silence rarely reflects your qualifications or the strength of your interview performance. Even smaller Irish firms can face slowdowns due to funding gaps or EMA/FDA feedback cycles. Larger EU corporations are often slowed by compliance and standardisation protocols.
None of this excuses ghosting. Professional courtesy should be a given. But recognising that silence typically stems from internal disarray—not your merit—can help you move forward. It’s not personal. It’s structural.
Follow Up—Once or Twice, Then Let It Go
If it’s been more than 7–10 business days with no update, follow up professionally. A concise email expressing continued interest and requesting a timeline for next steps is perfectly appropriate.
If there’s still no response after a second follow-up a week later, give yourself permission to move on mentally, even if the process hasn’t been formally closed.
In Ireland and across Europe, delays can happen—but so can inertia. It is not your responsibility to wait indefinitely.
Especially in STEM fields—where many professionals favour structure and clear communication—ambiguity can be deeply uncomfortable. You might find yourself rereading emails, checking your phone, second-guessing every detail.
That’s human. But don’t allow one silent process to block other opportunities. Set a boundary. Two follow-ups, then shift focus. That’s not impatience—it’s self-respect.
Reflect on the Experience
Once follow-ups are sent, redirect your energy into reflection:
What went well? What moments felt strong? Where did you feel most in your element?
What could be improved? Was there a question that caught you off-guard? Did any part of your response feel unclear?
Did anything feel "off"? Were there signs of disorganisation, vague expectations, or lack of alignment?
These are valuable insights. They help you prepare better for the next round—and help you identify early red flags in future processes.
Reframe the Narrative
You didn’t get ghosted because you weren’t qualified. You got ghosted because the system failed to communicate.
That is a reflection of their internal process—not your capability.
Across the Irish and European pharma sectors, even highly structured organisations are not immune to inconsistent communication or disjointed recruitment practices. Misalignment, competing priorities, or shifting approvals can derail even well-intentioned hiring processes.
Instead of internalising the silence, remind yourself:
You showed up.
You prepared.
You delivered your best.
If a company failed to follow up, that reflects on them—not you. And if they treat candidates this way, it’s worth questioning how they support employees.
Keep Applying—Momentum is Key
The greatest risk of ghosting isn’t the silence itself—it’s that it stalls your momentum.
When you've invested emotionally in a role, it's tempting to pause your search. But in Ireland’s fast-moving STEM market—and in European hubs like Basel, Amsterdam, and Berlin—opportunities shift quickly.
Keep applying. Keep networking. Keep refining your pitch. Every interview strengthens your ability to communicate, clarify your goals, and assess cultural fit.
Momentum is your ally. Keep it moving.
Talk About It—You’re Not Alone
Ghosting can feel isolating. But it is more common than we like to admit—even in highly structured sectors like pharma and biotech.
In Ireland and across Europe, candidates are left without updates after first interviews, final panels, and even post-verbal offers. Few talk about it, which makes it feel like a personal failure.
It isn’t.
Share your experience. Talk to peers. You’ll likely hear, "That happened to me too."
Sometimes it leads to catharsis. Sometimes it leads to a job lead. Either way, it reminds you that you're not alone.
Final Thought: Professionalism is a Two-Way Street
Every candidate deserves clarity and courtesy—whether they are selected or not. STEM professionals often bring specialised training, deep sector knowledge, and considerable preparation to the table. The hiring process should reflect that level of professionalism in return.
A lack of follow-up reflects a breakdown in process—not a lack of merit.
And often, it tells you what kind of work culture you may have just avoided.
Trust that. Learn from it. And move forward with your dignity intact.
If you’ve been through this and need guidance, support, or a clear strategy for what comes next, I’m here to help.
Whether you're navigating your next career move, preparing for an upcoming interview, or trying to rebuild confidence after a setback, I work with STEM professionals across Ireland and Europe to take purposeful, practical steps forward.
Book a 1:1 consultation or explore CV and coaching packages here.
Or, if you know someone else struggling with this, feel free to share this article. Sometimes knowing you're not alone is the first step toward feeling empowered again.
