Searching for a new job can feel like a job in itself. The hoped-for reward – an interesting and inspiring new position – makes the process well worth the effort. But what if that great new position is only a mirage – a job that doesn’t actually exist?
There has been a lot of commentary in recent months about job candidates ghosting employers – failing to show up to complete the interview or hiring process. However, many employers are effectively doing the same thing to candidates, posting jobs that do not or may not actually exist.
Job-seekers need to be aware of this practice. But how can you discern whether a job posting is real or not?
what we're seeing
Often referred to as fake jobs, phantom jobs, or dead-end posts, ghost jobs are online listings that don’t represent a current opening. More than 40% of hiring managers admit to using phantom job listings. What candidates see may be a position that is:
- Already filled but still show as open
- Hedged with descriptors such as “not yet approved” or “early posting”
- Never existed in the first place
why is this happening?
There are several factors at play here. We’re seeing an employer-driven marketplace now. The job market is tighter overall. The economy is still volatile, so companies are unsure about next steps or timing. Employees, even those who would consider a move, are sticking with their current employer for now. So, the overall hiring process is moving at a slower pace.
There is a clear correlation between today’s tight market and the rise in ghost jobs. Specific motivations for these postings include:
- They’re still searching for The One (maybe that’s you).
- The opening was real but it’s on hold due to budget.
- Perhaps busy HR staff simply forgot to delete the listing once it was filled.
- Multiple open listings give the impression the company is actively growing.
- Some HR managers believe that the appearance of active recruiting keeps current employees on their toes.
- Especially in larger companies, the hiring budget approval process can be slow. If HR managers know it will also take some time to find the right candidate for a specific position, they may go ahead and post it to start gathering resumes. Or they may post jobs early to get a jump on next year’s budget.
- They may not have a specific, active opening right now, but they have an ongoing need for specific skill sets (sales and IT are common examples), so they’re always looking for great new people.
- In some companies, certain roles traditionally experience frequent turnover necessitating virtually perennial ads.
- The company is looking to expand their pipeline with candidate profiles for future reference. This gives the talent acquisition team a head start once positions are approved and funded.
tips to detect, protet - and benefit
Frustrating as they can be, ghost jobs represent only a small percentage of total listings. And employer intent isn’t necessarily meant to be deceitful. Still, as a candidate you want to spot red flags and take steps to validate positions before spending time to apply.
red flags
- Listing age. If it’s more than 60 days old (or you can’t even tell when it was posted), it could have gone stale even though it’s still visible.
- Number of applicants. LinkedIn shows you this statistic. A large number might indicate this is just a placeholder listing.
- Job description. Is it generic or detailed? Genuine postings include core roles and responsibilities at the very least.
- You’re ghosted. You applied, but have received no response, even after attempting to follow up.
how to protect yourself
- Research the company before taking time to apply. A spate of recent layoffs or slowing sales may indicate jobs don’t exist.
- Look at the company’s website and check out their social postings. If the job is also listed there, that’s a good sign that the company is actively looking to fill it.
- Research the job – message or call the contact person listed on LinkedIn, or call the company’s HR department directly, to let them know you’d love to learn more about the position.
look for the silver lining
Apply anyway. If this position is just what you’ve longed for, go for it. Explain in your cover letter why you’re the perfect fit, and buff up your resume to give yourself the best chance to stand out.
Even if this isn’t your dream job, notifying companies you are open to moving puts you on their radar as they look ahead to recruiting needs. Making personal contact also allows you to start building a relationship with their HR team.
And don’t zero in on just one position. You may have to accept that this job simply does not exist, or may not exist – at least not now. Meanwhile, don’t rest on your laurels. You need more than an impressive resume to get noticed, so keep networking and asking for referrals. Regardless of the market, you may have to apply and interview for multiple positions before landing an offer.
Working with a trusted recruiting firm familiar with your industry and field provides assurance and helps open current and future doors. In some instances, they may be able to provide more insight about a job you’re interested in, confirming whether it exists and is worth waiting for.