hiring freezes, delays, and ghosting: how to keep your job search moving.

You've submitted applications and aced interviews. And then? Crickets. In 2025, many job seekers are facing a frustrating reality: longer hiring timelines, stalled decision-making, and recruiter silence due to hiring freezes and shifting priorities. But don't lose hope. You’re not alone in today’s job search, which seems almost never-ending. There are ways to stay active, resilient, and visible even when employers hit pause.

why hiring timelines are slowing down.

If you’re looking for a job in 2025, you may have noticed that hiring timelines have gotten slower. This year, 40% of job seekers haven’t had an interview in the last year, and the ones that do are reporting multiple rounds of interviews and tests.

But take heart: it’s not you. Economic pressure is prompting many companies to delay or freeze hiring decisions. New jobs created in the U.S. private sector dropped by 59% from January to February 2025, likely due to uncertainty around the impact of tariffs and consumer spending.

That uncertainty also triggers budget reviews and reorganizations that lead to longer approval cycles. Companies that used to hire quickly might need extra layers of approvals, meaning a new hire that took weeks might now take months.

what to do when hiring freezes delay your job search.

75% of candidates say that recruiter ghosting is common in 2025, and those who do hear back need to wait longer for a response. Sometimes, a hiring freeze can delay a job search when companies decide not to hire at all. If you find yourself in this position, the best thing you can do is keep moving.

It’s difficult to predict when (and in what industries) hiring will pick up again, so the best strategy is to focus on what you can control and stay engaged with your network. Below are a few specific tips for putting one foot in front of the other as you continue your job search.

keep applying to new jobs.

First, keep applying to new jobs, even if you don’t hear back from some employers. It’s easy to get excited about a role you seem like a good fit for, but getting invested too early can hold you back. Putting your search on pause for one opportunity might prevent you from applying to another job you may be an even better fit for.

If your job search stalls, don’t forget to look at niche job boards and professional association websites. Some employers forego larger sites to avoid getting swamped with applicants, so these websites might have opportunities you won’t find elsewhere.

follow up (gently and professionally) to stay on their radar.

After interviews, make sure to send a thank-you note within a day or so. It may not guarantee you get the job, but it can make you stand out if you’re a top candidate. Include links to your portfolio and LinkedIn profile, and include your contact information to keep it easy for them to reach out.

If it’s been at least two weeks and you haven’t heard back, follow up with a brief, polite email. Hiring expert Alison Green recommends asking about the company’s hiring timeline in the interview, then doubling or tripling it – and then following up with a brief email reiterating your interest.

keep building your skills.

Growing your skill set is an excellent way to stay adaptable during uncertain times – and it also demonstrates initiative. A 2021 Harris report found that 81% of employers value a willingness to learn above all other skills, and it’s even more important in a changing economy.

If you don’t know where to start, look into:

• Short courses: Online platforms like Udemy and Coursera have low-cost courses that can help you earn micro credentials to stand out. Many digital platforms also have credentials you can earn for free.
• Volunteer opportunities: If you’re better at learning on the job, consider volunteering. This not only helps you keep your skills sharp, but it can also help you expand your professional network.
• Gig work: Today, the gig economy is expanding rapidly – and many people are using it to grow their careers. Employers are also leaning more heavily on gig workers in 2025 to keep operations moving while they assess their budgets.

As you expand your skills, staying visible and engaged online will help you stand out to employers as they assess your resume.

how to stay visible & engaged.

Chances are, your potential employer will look at your LinkedIn profile as closely as they look at your resume. If you haven’t updated your profile in a while, make sure it’s polished, up-to-date, and accurate with a professional headshot.

Once you’ve done that, post industry insights or career reflections regularly to stay top of mind in your network. You can also join industry groups, answer questions, and comment on other posts to stay visible on LinkedIn.

Reconnect with your network to let them know you’re still searching for jobs, even if it’s been awhile. Many people understand that job searches are taking longer than ever these days, and there might be someone in a better position to help now than they were before.

Finally, stay open to short-term, temporary work, or project roles. A lot of temp-to-hire and contract projects can be a gateway to longer-term opportunities, and they’re excellent ways to test out different work environments.

understanding your job search options during a hiring freeze.

Searching for a job in a market filled with hiring freezes, delays, and ghosting takes patience – but fortunately, finding a job is still very possible. Hiring freezes eventually thaw out, and candidates who have maintained momentum will be set to move quickly when opportunities open up.

If there’s one rule to remember during a challenging job search, it’s this: don’t be afraid to ask for help. Career coaches, professional contacts, and trusted advisors can all offer unique perspectives you may not have considered. Ready to keep moving? Talk to a recruiter today to learn about opportunities that match your skills. Your next role might be just around the corner.