Looking for a video editor job is already tough.
But what if we told you that a huge number of the jobs you’re applying to aren’t even real? Welcome to the frustrating world of ghost jobs—listings for positions that companies have no immediate intention of filling. These fake job postings can make your job search longer, more stressful, and downright discouraging. Let’s break down why ghost jobs exist and, more importantly, how to spot them so you can focus your energy where it matters.
What Are Ghost Jobs?
Ghost jobs are job postings that companies keep up even when they aren’t actively hiring. These listings can appear on job boards for months (or even years), leading eager applicants to spend time perfecting resumes and cover letters for positions that don’t actually exist.
According to a survey of 649 hiring managers, nearly 40% admitted to posting ghost jobs this year. And if that wasn’t frustrating enough, 62% of those hiring managers said their companies used ghost jobs to make employees feel replaceable. Yeah, it’s as bad as it sounds.
Why Do Companies Post Ghost Jobs?
There are a few key reasons why businesses keep job postings active when they don’t actually plan to hire:
- They want to hire… eventually. Some companies keep job postings up for positions they expect to fill in the future, even if they don’t have the budget or approval to hire now.
- They’re hedging their bets. Sometimes, a company fills a role but keeps the listing live in case the new hire doesn’t work out.
- They’re always open to talent. Some businesses, especially startups, are always on the lookout for top candidates, even if they don’t have an immediate opening.
- They’re making the company look good. A job posting can make a business seem like it’s growing, even if it’s struggling.
- They’re misleading their employees. Some companies post jobs to create the illusion that they’re bringing in extra help, only to never actually hire anyone.
The Problem With Ghost Jobs
It’s not just annoying—it’s harmful. Ghost jobs inflate job market numbers, making it seem like there are more opportunities than actually exist. For job seekers, this means wasted time, false hope, and burnout. Companies that post ghost jobs also risk damaging their reputation if candidates start catching on to their shady hiring tactics.
How to Spot Ghost Jobs
While it’s not always obvious which listings are real and which ones are ghosts, here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Vague or generic descriptions. If a job listing reads like a template and doesn’t clearly outline responsibilities or qualifications, it could be a ghost.
- The same job keeps popping up. If you see the same job posting over and over for months (or years), it’s probably not an active opening.
- No response from recruiters. If you apply and never hear back—or worse, get ghosted after an interview—it could be a sign that the company wasn’t really hiring in the first place.
- The listing is constantly live. Some companies post the same job year-round, even if they only hire for it occasionally.
- Inconsistent company details. If the email address in the job listing doesn’t match the company’s website, or if the company has little to no online presence, it could be a scam.
How to Avoid Wasting Time on Ghost Jobs
While you can’t avoid every ghost job, you can take back control of your job search by focusing on these key strategies:
- Leverage networking. Your best bet for landing a real job is through connections. Reach out to current employees and ask about hiring timelines.
- Research the company. Look for press releases, hiring trends, and employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor to see if the company is actually growing.
- Ask direct questions. When you get to the interview stage, ask when they expect to fill the role. If they dodge the question, it’s a red flag.
- Focus on companies actively hiring. Instead of applying to random job postings, target companies you know are expanding or recently secured funding.
- Be selective. Don’t waste time applying to every listing you see. Look for well-written, detailed job descriptions that outline clear expectations and responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
The job search is hard enough without wasting time on positions that don’t actually exist. While ghost jobs aren’t going away anytime soon, you can outsmart them by being strategic in your approach. At FasterGig, we help job seekers connect with legitimate opportunities, so you can focus on getting hired instead of chasing ghosts.