Ghost Jobs: The Dark Side of the Job Market

In the ever-evolving job market, one issue has been quietly plaguing job seekers: ghost jobs. These non-existent positions or listings for vacancies that are rarely or never filled have been increasing, according to recent studies. The prevalence of these bogus offers has intensified the usual stress of employment hunting by raising the hopes of applicants for positions that, in some cases, amount to literally nothing.

The practice of posting ghost jobs is not new, but it has been taken to a whole new level in recent years. A 2024 study by hiring platform Greenhouse determined that between 18 percent and 22 percent of listings its clients post in any given quarter are classified as ghost jobs. A survey of over 730 recruiters last August by CV advisory company MyPerfectResume found that 81 percent reported they post ghost jobs. A poll of nearly 1,650 hiring managers by ResumeBuilder last May determined that 40 percent of respondents had posted a fake job listing this year, and 30 percent of their client companies had one online at the time of questioning.

The reasons behind the empty or misleading postings are varied, with critics calling company motivations anything from manipulative to downright malevolent. Some businesses are tossing up fake job listings to feign hiring pushes that indicate higher rates of growth than they enjoy, or to suggest they’re expanding in certain areas that might appeal to coveted customers. Others advertise for positions they aren’t sure they’ll bother filling unless they get a perfect candidate, then leave those online indefinitely when that All Star recruit doesn’t materialize.

But the most concerning aspect of ghost jobs is their impact on job seekers’ trust in companies and the job market. Jasmine Escalera, a career expert, shared her insights with ConsumerAffairs to help readers better spot the telltale signs of a ghost job, how this practice erodes trust in companies and the recruitment process, and how to overcome fake job postings.

“This practice erodes trust in companies and the recruitment process,” Escalera told ConsumerAffairs. “As job seekers become more aware of ghost jobs, they may start to view certain companies or job boards as unreliable, which can damage a company’s reputation. In addition, the sheer volume of ghost job postings can create inefficiencies in the market, making it harder for job seekers and employers to connect with legitimate roles and candidates. Ultimately, this practice prolongs job searches and creates significant stress, undermining confidence in the job market.”

To identify and avoid ghost jobs, job seekers can employ several strategies. First, research the company and job posting by checking the company’s website for more information about the job posting, looking for reviews on websites like Glassdoor, and verifying the company’s legitimacy with relevant authorities. Next, check the job description for any red flags, such as vague or overly generic ads, or qualifications that don’t match the scope of the position. Consider the duration of the posting, as job postings that have been active for an unusually long time might be disingenuous. Networking can also provide valuable insights into job postings and help job seekers avoid ghost jobs. Finally, be cautious of broad salary ranges and cross-check job listings to ensure they are listed on multiple job boards or platforms.



In conclusion, ghost jobs are a real problem that is eroding job seekers’ trust in companies and the job market. By understanding the motivations behind these fake listings and employing the right strategies, job seekers can better identify and avoid ghost jobs, saving time and effort in their job search. As the job market continues to evolve, it is crucial for both job seekers and companies to be aware of this growing issue and take steps to address it.