The Internet may be full of opportunity, but it’s also full of lies and BS.
Nowhere is this more evident than in online job boards, where legitimate openings sit side-by-side with what are known as ghost jobs. According to a recent analysis by Greenhouse, up to one in five job listings in 2024 were ghost jobs—positions that were either never real or were posted without any intention of hiring. For job seekers, this creates a minefield of wasted effort and crushed hopes.
Let’s break down why ghost jobs exist, how to recognize them, and how to adapt your job search strategy for success.
Why Do Companies Post Ghost Jobs?
The reasons for ghost postings vary, but common motivations include:
- Pipeline Building for Future Roles: Companies want to collect resumes for hypothetical future openings.
- Brand Image: Posting new jobs creates the illusion of growth and success.
- Internal Optics: Shockingly, some employers admit they post jobs to alleviate staff complaints or make employees feel replaceable.
Another 2024 survey revealed that over 60% of employers use ghost postings to project an image of hiring, while others do so simply to gather data on applicants or conduct market research.
Industries Most Likely to Use Ghost Postings
Greenhouse data shows that construction, the arts, food service, and legal services have the highest rates of ghost jobs. More than 70% of companies posted at least one ghost job in 2024, and 15% did so regularly.
How to Spot a Ghost Job Posting
While there’s no foolproof way to avoid ghost jobs, these signs can help you identify red flags:
- The Listing Is Old
- A job posting that’s been live for several months without updates or application deadlines could be a ghost job.
Pro Tip: If a job is older than 90 days, search for more recent versions or cross-check it on the company’s career page.
- No Progress After Applying
- If you’ve submitted a resume for a seemingly ideal role but receive no acknowledgment or follow-up, it may be a dead listing.
What to Do: Politely follow up with a professional email. If there’s no response or confusion about the role, it could be a ghost job.
- The Position Is Repeated
- Jobs that are continuously reposted under slightly different titles can indicate a fishing expedition for resumes rather than a real opening.
Solution: Use advanced search filters on platforms like LinkedIn to prioritize fresh, verified job postings.
- Check for a Verification Badge
- LinkedIn and Greenhouse now tag verified jobs, helping distinguish real opportunities from ghost listings.
Real-Life Experiences with Ghost Jobs
Alexander Rea, a creative professional, shared his frustrations with ghost jobs on LinkedIn, comparing them to a form of “sport fishing” where companies use fake job listings to study applicants. Another user, Lance Hemphill, expressed disappointment in the growing number of automated or fake listings that make applying on LinkedIn feel pointless.
These anecdotes underscore a broader issue: Ghost jobs contribute to a soul-crushing job market where applicants feel exploited and demoralized.
Steps to Avoid Wasting Time on Ghost Jobs
- Research Before Applying
- Always visit the company’s official website to cross-check job postings.
- If the listing isn’t there, consider it a red flag.
- Leverage Your Network
- Use LinkedIn or industry connections to inquire about open roles. If no one seems aware of the position, it may be fake.
- Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
- Don’t spray your resume at every listing. Instead, target well-researched and verified job postings that align with your goals.
- Be Mindful of Scams
- Ghost jobs aren’t just a waste of time—they can sometimes lead to phishing scams. Always verify the company and URL before providing personal information.
Navigating the Haunted Job Market
Ghost job postings are yet another challenge in a competitive job market. However, with strategic research, networking, and thoughtful application tracking, you can focus your efforts on genuine opportunities.
Feeling spooked by the modern job market?
Don’t face it alone.
Schedule a consultation with Grammar Chic today and invest in a resume that opens real doors. With 16 years of experience, we’ll help you turn job board confusion into clarity and success.
Amanda E. Clark founded Grammar Chic in 2008. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She launched Grammar Chic after freelancing for several years while simultaneously leading marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies.