Job hunting can be an exhausting process, with countless applications, interviews, and rejections. But few things are as frustrating as applying for a job only to find out it was never really available. These 'ghost jobs' — job postings that don't correspond to real, open positions — are unfortunately a common occurrence. In this guide, we’ll explore what ghost jobs are, why companies post them, and how you can spot the warning signs before wasting your time.
A ghost job is a listing for a position that either doesn’t need to be filled or has already been filled, yet remains advertised. This happens for a variety of reasons, and job seekers often find themselves in a frustrating situation when applying for these roles.
One common reason for ghost job listings is that the company already has someone in mind for the role, but internal recruitment policies require them to advertise the position publicly. In these cases, the job ad is essentially just a formality, and external candidates have little chance of being hired.
Another reason is that the company may not have an actual opening but wants to collect CVs in advance for future needs. Recruitment teams sometimes create these listings to build a pool of potential candidates without an immediate hiring intention.
In more troubling cases, companies may post fake job ads to reassure current employees that help is coming — or worse, to push them to work harder out of fear of being replaced. 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.”
How to Spot a Ghost Job
Recognising a ghost job can save you time and frustration. While it can be challenging to determine whether a position is legitimate, there are a few red flags that can help you identify potentially false listings:
- Check the Posting Date
The easiest way to spot a ghost job is to check when it was posted. If there’s no clear timestamp, or if the listing was posted months ago, it’s worth approaching with caution. As Peter Duris notes, "Most roles get filled much faster than that. Usually, the hiring manager might’ve just forgotten to remove it. However, sometimes it’s left up intentionally." - Look for Inconsistencies
If the job is posted on multiple sites but not on the company’s own website, that’s a warning sign. Job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed may display roles that companies have not updated, making it unclear whether the position is still available. In this case, it's worth contacting the company directly to confirm if the job is still open. - Vague Job Descriptions
Pay attention to job descriptions that lack specific details, such as the location, salary, or qualifications. A broad salary range can also be a clue that the company may not be serious about hiring for the position. If the listing is too vague, it might not be a genuine opportunity. - Repetitive Postings
Seeing the same job reposted frequently or for an extended period may indicate issues with the company or the role itself. "If the listing is older than a month, it is a good sign that the role has already been filled," Peter advises. Filtering job boards to show only recent postings can help you avoid old or ghost listings. - Research the Company
Websites like Glassdoor or Indeed often feature reviews from current and former employees. Checking these sites can give you insights into whether a company has a history of advertising ghost jobs or making hiring promises that never materialise.
Protect Your Time and Efforts
Falling for a ghost job can be discouraging, but by staying aware of the signs, you can avoid the frustration. Always be sure to verify the legitimacy of job listings, especially if something feels off about the posting. A quick phone call or email to the employer can often clarify whether a job is still available and save you from wasting time on an opportunity that doesn’t really exist.
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