I Applied to 50+ Jobs and Got Ghosted by All of Them: Here's How That Feels

If you’ve ever spent hours perfecting your resume, writing tailored cover letters, and clicking “Submit Application” with a hopeful heart—only to hear nothing back—you’re not alone. I’ve applied to more than 50 jobs over the last few months. The result? Crickets. Not even a “We regret to inform you.” Just... silence.

At first, I was optimistic. I had relevant experience, a strong portfolio, and the willingness to adapt and grow. I hit “Apply” with excitement, visualizing myself in each role. Then, slowly, the enthusiasm dimmed. The inbox remained empty. Days turned into weeks. Weeks into months. Still nothing.

The Emotional Toll of Silence

Rejection is tough—but ghosting is worse. With rejection, at least you know where you stand. Ghosting makes you question everything. Was my resume bad? Did my email get lost in the void? Did I miss some secret industry code?

You start rereading every line of your application, hunting for mistakes. You rewrite your cover letter for the 12th time. You even start wondering if you should’ve used a different font. It’s a weird headspace, and it’s exhausting.

It’s Not Just Me—It’s a Broken System

The more I talk to others, the clearer it becomes: this is the new normal. HR departments are overwhelmed, applicant tracking systems (ATS) screen out great candidates, and sometimes roles are posted just to fulfill a hiring requirement.

The hiring process has become so automated, so impersonal, that even taking the time to send a “Thanks, but no thanks” email is becoming rare. That’s not just disheartening—it’s dehumanizing.

But I’m Still Here

Despite the silence, despite the burnout, I’m still here. Still applying. Still hoping. Still growing.

I’ve learned to separate my worth from a lack of response. I’ve built a thicker skin, and I've found comfort in community—connecting with others who are navigating this same frustrating, demoralizing job market.

And no matter how many applications vanish into the void, I keep reminding myself: I’m not invisible. I’m not unworthy. The right opportunity just hasn’t found me yet.

To Anyone Else Going Through This…

You’re not alone. You’re not a failure. You’re not lazy, or too picky, or not good enough. This system is broken, but you are not.

Keep showing up. Take breaks when you need to. Celebrate small wins. And don’t be afraid to talk about it—because sharing our stories makes this heavy silence feel a little less lonely.