Ghost Job Listings: A Growing Issue in the Job Market

Author: Joe Marzo

In today's digital job market, the phenomenon of "ghost jobs" is becoming increasingly prevalent, causing significant frustration for job seekers. These listings are essentially job postings that appear to be open but, in reality, do not exist or are not intended to be filled. This trend has several implications for both job seekers and the broader job market.

The Rise of Ghost Jobs

Ghost jobs have become a noticeable issue, particularly since the pandemic. A 2022 survey found that 68% of managers had job postings active for over 30 days, with 20% of those not intending to fill them until the following year. Additionally, nearly 73% of job seekers

encountered these deceptive listings.

These postings often remain online for months, with some never being removed even after the position is filled. In 2023, the average number of days it took to fill a position hit a record high of 44 days, and many jobs remained open for three months or more.

Reasons Behind Ghost Jobs

Several factors contribute to the proliferation of ghost jobs:

1. Talent Hoarding: Companies keep listings active to build a pool of potential candidates for future openings. This tactic allows employers to quickly ramp up hiring when needed without actively seeking to fill the positions immediately.

2. Market Visibility: Some companies use ghost listings to maintain a visible presence in the job market. By appearing to have numerous openings, they can attract more resumes and create an impression of growth and dynamism.

3. Data Harvesting: In some cases, ghost jobs are used to collect personal information from applicants, which can then be sold to marketers or used for other purposes.

4. Scams: Ghost jobs can also be outright scams, designed to extract personal information or money from unsuspecting job seekers.

Impact on Job Seekers and the Economy

The rise of ghost jobs significantly affects job seekers, who invest time and effort into applying for positions that do not exist. This not only causes frustration but also extends the job search process unnecessarily. Furthermore, these listings distort labor market data, making it difficult to accurately assess job market health. The Federal Reserve, which relies on job openings data to make economic decisions, may find it challenging to get a clear picture of the job market due to these misleading postings.

Benefits for Online Job Platforms

Ghost jobs also benefit online job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and others. These platforms thrive on the volume of job listings they can display to users and potential corporate clients.

1. Increased Listings: By allowing ghost jobs to remain on their sites, these platforms can boast a higher number of job listings. This creates the impression of a more active and extensive job market, attracting more users and keeping job seekers engaged on their platforms longer.

2. Attracting Corporate Clients: A high volume of job listings can attract more corporate clients to post their job openings on these platforms. Companies are more likely to invest in job boards that appear to have a large and active user base, as this suggests a greater chance of finding the right candidates.

3. Advertising Revenue: More job seekers and listings mean higher traffic, which can translate into increased advertising revenue for the platforms. These platforms can charge premium rates for job postings, sponsored jobs, and other advertising opportunities.

4. Data Collection: The influx of job seekers submitting their resumes and personal information allows these platforms to collect valuable data. This data can be analyzed to improve services, target advertising, and even sold to third-party marketers.

How to Identify and Avoid Ghost Jobs

Job seekers can take several steps to avoid falling victim to ghost jobs:

1. Check Posting Dates: Jobs that have been posted for an extended period, especially those reappearing frequently, may be ghost jobs.

2. Look for Specific Details: Genuine job postings usually have detailed responsibilities and qualifications. Vague or overly broad requirements can be a red flag.

3. Follow Up: Pay attention to how the company handles follow-ups. Lack of response or non-committal answers can indicate a ghost job.

4. Research the Company: Cross-referencing the job listing with the company's website and checking for any recent hiring announcements can help verify the authenticity of the job.

In conclusion, while ghost jobs are a growing challenge in online recruitment, job seekers can protect themselves by being vigilant and thorough in their job search process. Employers, on the other hand, should strive for transparency and ethical practices in their recruitment efforts to maintain trust and integrity in the job market.

References

• Observer

• Marketplace

• Market Realist

• Connecticut Public

• ExpressVPN Blog