Applying for a job can be a disheartening experience, especially when you invest time and energy only to discover the position has already been filled. Perhaps you even land an interview, only to be told that an internal candidate was chosen, despite your stellar performance. Or worse, you might never receive a response at all, leaving you in a state of frustrating silence. These phantom positions are what we call ‘ghost jobs,’ and there are several reasons why companies might create these deceptive listings.
Why Do Companies Post Ghost Jobs?
A ghost job is essentially a position advertised that doesn’t need to be filled. One of the main reasons for posting such a listing is to fulfill internal recruitment regulations. Companies often have strict guidelines requiring them to advertise openings online, even if they have a candidate in mind. This might seem like a formality, but it ensures compliance and can help create a perception of fairness in the recruitment process.
Alternatively, the job advert might be entirely fabricated. The position may never have existed, and the recruitment team might be using the listing as a ruse to gather potential candidates for future openings. This allows them to build a pool of qualified individuals they can reach out to when a suitable role becomes available.
The final reason for these listings, unfortunately, is rather sinister. As Peter Duris, CEO and co-founder of Kickresume, explains, ‘In what is probably the worst-case scenario, job posts are used to make overworked employees believe help is coming or to pressure them into working harder out of fear of being replaced.’ This tactic is designed to maintain the status quo by creating the illusion of imminent hiring while simultaneously pressuring existing employees to work harder.
How To Spot a Ghost Job
Falling victim to a ghost job listing can be discouraging. You might feel like you wasted time and energy pursuing a ‘dream’ opportunity that never really existed. Luckily, there are warning signs to watch out for when browsing job boards and recruitment sites like LinkedIn.
Peter Duris suggests that the most obvious clue is the posting date. If there’s no clear timestamp or the listing was posted months ago, proceed with caution. Even job postings older than 30 days should raise a red flag. ‘Most roles get filled much faster than that,’ Peter explains. ‘Usually, the hiring manager might’ve just forgotten to remove it. However, sometimes it’s left up intentionally.’
Another red flag is seeing the job listed on Indeed or other job search sites but not on the company’s own website. This discrepancy might indicate that the listing is not legitimate or that the company is not serious about hiring.
If you’re unsure about a listing, it’s always wise to contact the company directly via email or phone to confirm if the position is still open. This simple step can help you gauge their level of seriousness and ensure you’re not wasting your time on a ghost job.
Other signs to watch out for:
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Vague job descriptions:
Look for missing details like salary, location, or specific responsibilities. A general description might indicate a lack of seriousness or a lack of clarity about the role.*
Broad salary range:
A broad salary range (e.g., $50,000 – $100,000) can suggest that the company is not committed to the position or is trying to attract candidates at a lower salary than they are willing to offer.Remember, it’s important to be proactive and skeptical when searching for jobs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, research the company thoroughly, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
