Articles

Please Don’t Ghost Your Automotive Job Interview

January 29, 2025 | Promotive

Tips for New Auto Mechanics

There has been an alarming increase in ghosting during automotive job interviews. Learn what candidate ghosting means and how it can harm your career.


Since joining the recruiting side of the automotive industry, I have experienced candidate ghosting in three main ways:

  1. Initial Conversation: After a great discussion with a candidate about an open position, they express interest in being considered for an automotive job interview. Then, after speaking with the hiring manager and deciding the candidate is a fit, they “ghost” and suddenly stop responding to calls, texts, or emails.
  2. No-Show for Interview: We have agreed upon a date, time, and location for the candidate to meet the hiring manager. During the scheduled interview, they are nowhere to be found and without any communication—they have “ghosted.”
  3. Ignoring Job Offer: Say they attend the job interview, and the hiring manager decides to move forward with an offer. This type of “ghosting” means they just stop responding. Maybe they changed their mind or received another offer? No idea; no communication whatsoever.

It’s a Waste of Everyone’s Time

Ghosting wastes the time and energy of people trying to help you get a job! Reviewing resumes, conducting phone calls, setting up interviews, and coordinating schedules of everyone involved here requires a lot of effort. When you ghost, you waste their time, and they won’t want to help you in the future.

You’re Damaging Your Reputation

There are several negative impacts to not showing up when you say you will. Hopefully, most are obvious but here are the consequences:

  • Lacks Professionalism: Ghosting reflects poorly on your professionalism and communication skills; as well as a lack of respect for the time and effort others invest in helping you.
  • Negative Impression: This disrespect leaves a negative impression on the employer or recruiter, damaging your reputation within the automotive industry. Word-of-mouth travels fast.
  • Missed Opportunities: You miss out on the opportunity you were once interested in as well as the valuable feedback and constructive criticism that could improve when applying to future opportunities.
  • Burned Bridges: Ghosting burns bridges with employers, recruiters, and other contacts. In the tight-knit automotive industry, maintaining positive relationships is crucial for networking and career advancement.
  • Ethical Considerations: It is unethical and unprofessional to leave an employer or recruiter without any communication, especially after they have invested time and resources in considering you for a position.
  • Personal Growth: Even if you decide not to pursue the opportunity, providing a polite and timely rejection allows for closure and contributes to personal growth and professionalism.

Please be considerate. This is valuable time spent for people that are trying to help further your career. Even if an opportunity isn’t right for you at the moment, a recruiter or hiring manager may consider you in the future. Be polite, professional, and courteous. Close all conversations and interactions with a simple call, text, or email.

Really, it’s that simple.

The Future of Auto Tech Careers: Emerging Trends and Opportunities

Taking a look at the future of auto tech careers and emerging trends, it’s no surprise that all arrows are pointing to technology. With that said, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage – it’s a necessity. That is especially true for those wrenching in the heart of repair shops. As automotive…

Read More about The Future of Auto Tech Careers: Emerging Trends and Opportunities

Celebrating Our First Year in the Automotive Aftermarket

Promotive just closed out our first official year (or, technically, 9 months) of business in the automotive aftermarket. What started out as a mission to connect talented automotive professionals with industry-leading repair shops has expanded into so much more. As we wrap up our numbers for 2023 and prepare for an even more exciting 2024,…

Read More about Celebrating Our First Year in the Automotive Aftermarket

Resume Tips to Help You Land Your Next Automotive Job

Whether you are currently seeking employment or plan to begin your search soon, Kelly from Promotive’s recruiting team shares her resume tips to help you land your next automotive job. Creating a resume is your first chance to make an impression with a hiring manager at a repair shop or dealership. It allows you to…

Read More about Resume Tips to Help You Land Your Next Automotive Job

Soft Skills for Automotive Jobs: What the Eff are Soft Skills?

Ryan from Promotive’s recruiting team shares his insights on required soft skills for automotive jobs: what are they exactly and how can they help you in your career? There is a lot of buzz about the importance of certifications, trainings, and relevant experience. But when it comes to making offers or giving promotions, there is…

Read More about Soft Skills for Automotive Jobs: What the Eff are Soft Skills?

Rev Up Your Career in 2024: AI-Powered Tips for Automotive Technicians

Hey Automotive Technicians! If you’re gearing up for your next career move, we’ve got some turbocharged tips to fuel your journey. Navigating the job market can be a winding road. But harnessing the power of AI to turbocharge your resume and fine-tune your interview skills can, when applied correctly, help accelerate your success. Of course,…

Read More about Rev Up Your Career in 2024: AI-Powered Tips for Automotive Technicians

Industry Insights: Are You a Tech-Savvy Automotive Technician?

Joy Robertson, Operations Assistant at Promotive, came across an article that she found interesting and relevant to our mission of connecting top talent with industry-leading shops. As the industry shifts and its needs change, Joy shares a summary of what experts believe is the future for recruiting automotive technicians in 2024. If you’re a techy…

Read More about Industry Insights: Are You a Tech-Savvy Automotive Technician?