While the term “ghost jobs” might sound spooky, it’s a pressing issue in today’s job market that can impact your job search. Ghost jobs refer to job listings that either don’t exist or are never intended to be filled. This phenomenon has become increasingly common. Understanding it can help you navigate your job hunt more effectively.

What Are Ghost Jobs?

Ghost jobs are listings posted legitimately by companies, but the roles are often not available for hire. Companies might post these listings to signal growth to company outsiders, to attract talent, to temporarily satisfy current staffers who are overworked, or simply because they have already been filled but not removed from job boards. Nearly 40% of companies say they have posted a fake job listing this year based on a survey of 650 hiring managers from the career site Resume Builder. Unfortunately, this practice leads to frustration among job seekers who apply for roles that don’t exist.

The Impact on Job Seekers

The concept of ghost jobs has real consequences for those looking for employment. Many job seekers are investing time and effort into applications that lead nowhere. The experience can also lead to burnout and discouragement among applicants. Completing a job application can take precious time as candidates research companies, tailor their resumes, and answer detailed questions. As a result, many job seekers, especially students, are rethinking their strategies. Some are opting to be more selective about the roles they apply for, focusing on positions that align closely with their skills and career goals.

Why Are Ghost Jobs on the Rise?

The rise of ghost jobs is tied to several factors in the current labor market. The job landscape is changing, and following labor movements such as the Great Resignation, many companies are wary of hiring full-time employees. This hesitancy can stem from budget cuts, hiring freezes, or a desire to keep options open for future needs.

Moreover, these ghost listings serve multiple purposes for employers. They can enhance the company’s image, show that it’s actively recruiting, or help in managing internal expectations by placating overworked employees. Unfortunately, this approach can mislead job seekers about the actual state of hiring.

Navigating the Job Market with Ghost Jobs in Mind

While ghost jobs may seem like an insurmountable hurdle, there are strategies you can use to navigate this terrain:

  1. Follow Up: Following up with the hiring manager on a job application within a few days of applying can give you insight into the organization’s state of hiring.
  2. Research Companies: Before applying, research the company’s recent hiring trends. Check for news on layoffs or hiring freezes that might indicate a company is not in a position to fill the advertised roles.
  3. Attention to Detail: If the listing indicates an outdated timeline for the application process, such as an application cut-off date that is in the past, that could indicate the listing is stale. Additionally, if a listing says it was posted more than 30 days ago, the position may no longer be available.
  4. Network: Utilize your professional network to make an introduction to a company you’re interested in.
  5. Focus on Quality: Rather than casting a wide net, concentrate on applying to roles that genuinely interest you and fit your skills. Tailoring your applications to specific positions can improve your chances of standing out.
  6. Stay Positive: The job market can be tough, but persistence is key.

In the Classroom

This article can be used to discuss human resources (Chapter 10: Managing Human Resources).

Discussion Questions

1.      What is a ghost job?

2.      Why are ghost jobs on the rise?

3.      What can an applicant do to navigate roadblocks in the application process?

This article was developed with the support of Kelsey Reddick for and under the direction of O.C. Ferrell, Linda Ferrell, and Geoff Hirt.