Former TripAdvisor CEO Ghosted on LinkedIn as Ghosting in Hiring Rises 112% Since 2020

Steve Kaufer, the former CEO of TripAdvisor, has found himself frequently ignored on LinkedIn since stepping down from his leadership role three years ago. In a recent interview on the Grit podcast, Kaufer joked about being “ghosted” by professionals he once connected with, acknowledging that this type of silent treatment was a new experience for him. “I laugh at it sometimes when I reach out to someone on LinkedIn and I get ghosted,” he said. “And I’m like, ‘Wow, that didn’t used to happen to me. But okay, get used to your new life.’” Kaufer explained that during his tenure as CEO, he intentionally kept a low profile, avoiding unnecessary publicity unless it directly benefited the company [1].

Kaufer’s experience is not unique. A career expert, Jasmine Escalera from Resume Builder, noted that even high-level executives are not immune to being ghosted in professional networks. “Getting ghosted or shut out after leaving a position can happen, and even high-level leaders aren’t immune to it,” she said in an interview with Fortune. Escalera emphasized that being ignored by former connections is often not a reflection of one’s professional value but rather a byproduct of shifting priorities or poor communication from the other side [1].

Ghosting has become a growing concern in the professional world. According to Glassdoor data, mentions of ghosting in job interview reviews increased by 112% between 2020 and 2023. Meanwhile, a survey by Resume Builder and LiveCareer found that 69% of HR professionals admit to ghosting candidates by closing job searches without notification. Additionally, job seekers are increasingly encountering “ghost jobs”—fake listings posted by employers to create a false image of growth. About 60% of candidates report running into these misleading postings and receiving no follow-up from the employer [1].

Ghosting is not one-sided. According to 2025 data from Indeed, 75% of job-seekers have ignored a prospective employer in the past year, with 93% of Gen Z acknowledging they have skipped out on interviews. This trend suggests that the frustration with silent rejection is prompting workers to mirror the behavior of employers who fail to communicate.

Despite the negative emotions associated with being ghosted, Escalera argues that it can sometimes be a “blessing in disguise.” “If someone disappears without a word, they’re simply not the right match,” she said. The same logic applies to companies and recruiters: their lack of communication may signal a poor fit for a candidate’s values or career goals [1].

For professionals facing ghosting, Escalera suggests several strategies to reframe the experience and maintain momentum. First, she advises expanding one’s professional reputation beyond their current or past job. “Build real relationships where people understand your expertise and contributions beyond your title or company,” she said. Second, tailoring applications to highlight transferable skills is essential, especially when making a career shift. Networking remains a powerful tool, as it increases visibility and opens up new opportunities.

Escalera also encourages professionals to follow up politely with hiring managers or connections who have gone silent. “One no-response doesn’t always mean no,” she said. “People get busy, inboxes get crowded, and professional persistence can often pay off.” If this does not yield results, she recommends expanding one’s network and continuing to apply to other roles. “If you still don’t get a response, just keep building momentum by focusing on growing your network, applying to other roles, and staying visible,” she advised.

While ghosting can be disheartening, Escalera emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. “The right company will make it known they want you by engaging, following up, and making space for your brilliance,” she said. In this evolving job market, she believes that ghosting should not be seen as personal rejection but as a redirection toward better-aligned opportunities.

Source: [1] Tripadvisor Cofounder Admits He’s Often Ghosted on LinkedIn Now That He’s Stepped Down—But a Career Expert Says It Could Be a ‘Blessing in Disguise’ (https://fortune.com/2025/07/31/tripadvisor-ceo-steve-kaufer-linkedin-ghosting-workers-hiring-managers-careers-networking-resumes/)