How “Ghost Jobs” Create False Sense of Hope to Job Seekers and How to Avoid Them

By Moon Harper

Feb 13, 2024 05:07 AM EST

Ghost Job Postings — (Photo : Unsplash/Erwan B )

Some people are still having difficulty finding their next career opportunity despite the reported increase in hires and job openings by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Applying for a new job can be thrilling, nerve-wracking, and a big-time investment. But above all, it can often be quite frustrating. Despite putting effort into writing a personalized cover letter, adjusting your resume to fit the job, and possibly networking with people at the company, it's disheartening to receive a rejection or, sometimes, no response.

According to Movement to Work, landing an interview typically takes about 10 to 20 job applications and around 100 to 200 applications before receiving a job offer. While you might think it's just the usual job hunt, recent research indicates a more troubling possibility. What if the job listings you have applied to aren't real? There is a spooky new job market trend: ghost jobs.

Why Do Companies Post "Ghost Jobs"?

A "ghost job" is a position that appears to be available but does not exist because the company posted it without any real intention of filling it. Although this isn't very common, some organizations do this to create the impression that they are expanding or growing steadily. Sometimes, "ghost jobs" are roles that companies plan to fill later due to other priorities, such as managing their budget or retaining current staff, but they want to have a pool of qualified candidates ready when the time is right.

Websites like "Monster" and "Indeed" sometimes display outdated job listings. A job might seem available on these platforms, but when you check the company's website directly, you'll find that it's either closed or already filled.

How to Avoid Job Fatigue Caused by Ghost Jobs?

Shelly Stotzer, CEO of Crosworks Career and Talent Strategists, advises against playing a volume game in job hunting. Instead, she suggests understanding your target jobs thoroughly and directing your energy toward those that align best with your skills and interests. In December, the hiring rate went up by around 3.6%. Experts advise using job search websites as one tool among many, not relying solely on them.

How to Spot a Ghost Job Before You Even Apply For It?

The issue with ghost jobs is that job seekers can't distinguish between real and fake listings. This means they might waste time applying for jobs that don't exist. Job hunting is already time-consuming without having to deal with ghost jobs.

Here are a few tips on how to avoid ghost jobs according to Andrew Fennell, ex-recruiter and founder of StandOut CV:

Take time to visit the company's official website. It could be a red flag if the job is not listed on their careers page but appears on a job board.
Check if the company is still promoting the role on social media. Generally, they wouldn't continue advertising if it's a ghost job.
Look for the hiring manager's contact information, often provided in the job ad. Reach out to them via LinkedIn or email to confirm if the position is still open before applying. They're responsible for candidate communication and are likely to assist you, especially if some time has passed since the job was posted.

In today's job market, not every online job listing can be trusted to represent a real opportunity. Therefore, doing extra research before applying for any role is important to avoid falling for ghost jobs.