What Are 'Ghost Jobs'? Everything You Need to Know About Fake Job Postings

In recent times, job seekers have faced a new challenge known as 'ghost jobs.' These are job postings that appear genuine but are created by companies without any immediate intention to hire. While they are not scams, they can be frustrating and misleading for job seekers.

What Are Ghost Jobs?

Ghost jobs are job advertisements that remain active without the company planning to fill the position soon. According to a report by Resume Builder, four out of ten companies admitted to posting fake job listings, and 40 percent of companies were found to have published ghost jobs in 2024. These listings are often created for reasons such as building a pool of candidates, conducting market research, or enhancing the company’s image.

Are Ghost Jobs the Same as Scams?

No, ghost jobs differ from scams, scams are designed to deceive job seekers, often asking for personal information or money. Ghost jobs, on the other hand, are not created to exploit applicants but rather serve internal company purposes, such as gathering interest or preparing for future hiring needs. However, they still mislead candidates, who may invest time and energy into roles that do not exist.

Why Do Companies Create Ghost Job Postings?

• Maintaining a Pool of Potential Candidates: To ensure they have access to qualified applicants for future hiring needs.
• Studying Market Trends: To analyse the availability of skills and understand industry demands.
• Enhancing Employer Reputation: Regular job postings can convey an image of stability and growth.
• Planning Ahead for Budgets: Roles may be advertised in anticipation of funding approval, enabling quick hiring later.
• Evaluating Industry Standards: Job ads help companies compare salaries, qualifications, and perks with competitors.

Effects of Ghost Jobs on Employers and Job Seekers

On Employers

• Damage to Credibility: Frequent ghost listings can lead to a loss of trust, harming the company’s reputation among job seekers.
• Unnecessary Use of Resources: Processing applications for roles that aren’t real can waste HR time and divert focus from genuine vacancies.
• Reduced Applicant Quality: Job seekers may avoid applying or show less enthusiasm, resulting in a smaller pool of serious candidates.

On Job Seekers

• Loss of Time and Effort: Applicants spend significant time and resources on roles that do not exist.
• Heightened Stress and Disappointment: Repeatedly applying for fake positions can erode confidence and make job searches more difficult.
• Missed Genuine Opportunities: Focusing on ghost jobs may cause candidates to overlook or miss out on real openings elsewhere.

How Job Seekers Can Identify Ghost Job Postings

To avoid wasting time, job seekers should carefully research employers and verify postings on official platforms. Networking with industry professionals and checking for consistency in job details can also help identify legitimate opportunities.