Ghost Jobs: What Are They & How Can I Avoid Them?
During an initial consultation with one of my former clients, I could feel her frustration. After two months of sending out countless resumes, she wasn’t gaining any traction. She had applied to dozens of positions and hadn’t received a single call for an interview. Confused and disheartened, she started wondering if the jobs she was applying to were even real. Was she unknowingly applying for ghost jobs?
Unfortunately, her experience isn’t uncommon. Many job seekers find themselves in this situation, applying to positions that seem promising but lead nowhere. These so-called "ghost jobs" are postings made by companies with no real intention of hiring anytime soon. They can waste your time, drain your energy, and add unnecessary confusion to your job search. So, why do these ghost jobs exist, and how can you avoid falling into the same trap?
One thing I’ve heard repeatedly from job seekers over the past year is just how difficult it is to navigate today’s job market. It’s a tough landscape out there, and one of the biggest hidden challenges is ghost jobs. These are positions that, for various reasons, might never be filled or are no longer active, despite still being posted. In fact, according to a 2024 Resume Builder survey, 4 in 10 companies admit to having posted jobs they weren’t actively trying to fill. What’s worse- 40% of hiring managers reported their companies posted ghost jobs this year, covering roles across all levels from entry to executive.
If you’re like me you’re probably wondering: why the hell are these jobs even posted?
Here are a few reasons companies put up these listings:
Enhancing company image: In uncertain economic times, companies post job listings to project growth. It creates an image of optimism and expansion for investors or customers, even if the role isn’t actively being filled.
Market research: Some organizations use these listings to assess salary expectations or potential talent pools for future hires.
Timing issues: The company may intend to fill the role later but can’t hire now due to budget constraints or hiring freezes.
Outdated listings: Sometimes, a company simply forgets to take down old job postings after the role has been filled or postponed.
This practice doesn’t just waste applicants' time. It also skews job market data, making it harder for everyone—from economists to job seekers—to understand the true state of the labor market.
How to Spot a Ghost Job
Identifying ghost jobs can feel tricky, but over time, I’ve found a few telltale signs that can help you avoid wasting your time on these misleading postings:
Stale job listings: If a job has been posted for more than 30 days without an update, be cautious. Most legitimate job listings typically stay active for about 14 days. If the position has been open for over 90 days and has thousands of applicants, it’s probably a ghost job.
Vague job titles or descriptions: Be skeptical of generic job titles or descriptions with little detail. If the role seems too ambiguous or doesn’t give a clear sense of what’s involved, it’s likely not worth applying for.
No recent company activity: Research the company. If you can’t find any recent news or social media activity from them—or worse, if you see reports of hiring freezes—they may not be actively recruiting. A company that’s genuinely hiring will usually have posts from recruiters or hiring managers on LinkedIn, sharing opportunities with their networks.
Check the company website: If you find a job listing on a third-party job board but it’s not listed on the company’s own careers page, this could be a sign that the job is outdated or inaccurate.
Here’s My Advice:
Even in a market where ghost jobs are more common, you can take steps to avoid wasting time and focus your efforts on real opportunities. Here’s what I suggest:
Network: We know that 80% of job opportunities are found through networking. Use your time wisely by connecting with peers and utilizing your network. Set a goal to connect with 2-3 people each week.
Share your story: Be open about your job search on LinkedIn or other professional platforms. Let your network know your goals, and make sure to highlight your skills and expertise. This can attract the right kind of attention from potential employers.
Keep learning: Now is a great time to build your skill set. Online courses, certifications, or even workshops can make your resume stand out when the right opportunity comes along.
Reach out directly: If you’re unsure whether a listing is a ghost job, contact the company directly. Use your network to verify whether the role is still active. This extra step can save you from wasting time on a dead-end listing.
Ghost jobs have made an already tough job search feel even more overwhelming. I know how discouraging it can be when feel like you're doing everything right and still not getting the results you deserve. While we can't control everything in the job market, we can lean on each other, share knowledge, and advocate for change. By staying proactive, trusting your instincts, and focusing on building real connections, you'll find your way through and come out stronger on the other side.
-Cydney
