How to Recognize and Avoid Ghost Job Postings

“Ghost jobs” or “ghost job postings” are open positions that are advertised on job boards, but which actually do not reflect a real open position. It’s unclear how many of these ghost jobs are currently floating around, or how these fake jobs affect the number of seemingly open positions reported in the job market right now. One thing is certain though—Ghost jobs are massive time wasters.

Hopeful applicants will spend precious hours tweaking their resume, writing the perfect cover letter, or even in some cases filming a video to explain why they would make a good candidate. They apply, and then… they never hear back. These positions are referred to as ghost jobs because that’s exactly what happens when you apply to them, you’re ghosted.

But how do you avoid a ghost job posting? First, you have to learn how to spot them.

How to Spot a Ghost Job Posting…

The problem with these listings is that they often did at some point reflect a real job opportunity, but not always. According to a survey from Clarify Capital, 50% of hiring managers reported leaving a job posting open and online even after they’ve filled a position. There are many reasons why managers do this, and some claim that it’s because their company is ‘always open to new employees’, but there’s a big difference between being always open to new employees, and actively seeking to fill a position.

Job seekers can’t wait around forever until someone in HR decides to go through the stack of applications that were sent in for a ghost job.

How to Recognize a Ghost Job Posting:

1. The post uses vague, overly positive language

2. You receive no response

3. It’s a long-term job posting

Vague, overly positive language

If the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. In most cases, when a company is advertising for a real job, the posting will be informative, straight-forward, and maybe even a little boring. If you see phrases that are generalized and over the top, like “Work for the Best Company in the World” or if the advertisement focuses too much on what seem like unrealistic claims, that’s likely a ghost job.

No Response

We know what you’re thinking—this list is supposed to help you avoid applying to jobs in which you receive no response. But we’re not suggesting that you go through the trouble of applying. Instead, send an email directly to the company.

If you see a company advertising an open position, but it seems like it might be a ghost job, why not just ask? Most companies will have contact information on their website, and in some cases, you may even be able to find an email address for the hiring manager themselves. Send them an email asking whether or not they are actually hiring, and perhaps even include a link to the job posting and inquire whether or not that position specifically is still open. Additionally, make sure you use professional language and are in no way accusatory.

Long-Term Job Posting

Because of how competitive the job market is right now, most real positions will be filled quickly. This means, if the job posting you’re looking at has been live for more than a couple of months, it’s likely a ghost job. Obviously, there are some exceptions, but if you’re looking to avoid wasting your time, consider applying to more recent job postings first, and then going back to some of the older listings.

The Easiest Way to Avoid Ghost Jobs and Scams

At the end of the day, you’re not always going to know for sure that every job you’re applying for is real and not a ghost job.

That said, using more reputable sources to conduct your job search is definitely one way to cut down on all the noise. At CyberCoders, we use our unbeatable recruiting technology to help you find your perfect match. Click here and let us help you find your next great career opportunity!