In today’s competitive job market, few things are more disheartening than stumbling upon a “ghost job.” It’s incredibly frustrating to put your precious time and energy into an application only to realize the company never had any intention of actually hiring for the role.
But how can you tell the difference between a genuine opportunity and a ghost job?
In this comprehensive guide, I share:
- What ghost jobs are and their prevalence, especially in the tech industry
- How to spot potential ghost job postings so you don’t waste your time and effort applying to fake roles
- 5 common misconceptions about ghost jobs in tech
By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge you need to identify and identify ghost jobs, allowing you to focus your job search efforts on real opportunities.
What Are Ghost Job Postings?
For starters, let’s get a clear definition of what “ghost jobs” really are.
SF Gate describes “ghost jobs” as “ads for positions that aren’t actually open” or “jobs that are listed but aren’t real.”
Built In’s Jeff Rummage says that “ghost jobs are online listings for roles that are not actually available.”
Ultimately, ghost jobs are opportunities that appear to be open to candidates but aren’t really opportunities you can land, at least not right now. When you’re looking for a new role, they can waste your time and energy and lead to considerable frustration.
How Common Are Ghost Jobs?
Reports vary considerably when it comes to the number of ghost job postings in the tech industry, since employers aren’t exactly sharing which jobs they actually intend to fill.
A survey by Resume Builder found that 40% of companies had posted a fake job posting in the past year, and 30% had fake listings at the time of responding.
According to CIO, “Up to one third of all published job openings are posted by companies for ulterior motives with no plan to hire.” Notably, “This applies more to specialist positions such as hard-to-fill roles in IT.”
So, what does this mean for tech professionals? It’s hard to put a precise number on it, but it’s evident that ghost jobs are out there!
As a job seeker, you must be aware of this harsh reality and conduct your due diligence when applying for jobs.
Why Do Tech Companies Post Ghost Jobs?
But why do tech firms post roles they never intend to fill? Let’s dive into some of the most common reasons:
There’s already an internal candidate in mind.
One of the main reasons tech companies post roles they never intend to fill is that they already have an internal candidate in mind.
They may simply be posting the role to move an applicant through the hiring process, or they might want to see how the internal candidate stacks up against external talent.
They want to develop a talent pool.
Sometimes, companies post ghost jobs to develop a database of applicants they can draw upon later. While they may not be hiring at the moment, they might want to see what the current market looks like and have candidates at the ready should roles become available down the line.
Even if they’re not immediately hiring for the posted role, that doesn’t mean you’re not being considered for future opportunities with the company.
The job posting is outdated.
If you found the role somewhere other than the company’s careers page (such as on a job board or search engine like LinkedIn, Built In, or Blind), it might be that the posting hasn’t been updated to reflect the current status of hiring. Always check the company’s official Careers Page for the most up-to-date information.
They want to instill fear in current employees.
Unfortunately, some tech companies use ghost jobs to instill fear in current talent and remind them they’re not irreplaceable. As Dance Moms’ Abby Lee Miller infamously says, “Everyone is replaceable!” It’s a harmful tactic, but it happens.
They want to look successful.
A number of my executive clients have shared that their companies post ghost jobs to protect their brand image and give the illusion of growth to competitors and funders. The listings are a way for the company to appear more successful or stable than it might actually be.
Remember that mistakes happen.
Lastly, the posting of ghost jobs can be an accident. I recently spoke with a recruiter who shared that a hiring manager had accidentally posted a bunch of roles online instead of closing the positions for which they had selected candidates. Mistakes happen, even in the world of tech hiring!
While ghost jobs are frustrating, understanding why they exist can help you navigate the job market more effectively. Always conduct your due diligence, and please don’t be afraid to reach out to recruiters for clarification on job postings.
How To Spot Ghost Jobs In Tech
Ghost jobs can be difficult to spot, as they are often marketed similarly to roles the company truly intends to fill. Here are 5 ways to spot potential ghost jobs:
- Reach out directly to the recruiter. Inquire as to whether the role is still active and their estimated timeline for filling the position. You can use LinkedIn to discover who the right person may be and send a personalized message to connect.
- Leverage an internal connection. If you have an internal contact at the company, ask them if they have any information about the role and whether they can connect you with the hiring manager.
- Check the company’s official Careers Page (for example: https://www.disneycareers.com/). Ensure the role is still actively listed. If it’s not, think twice before spending your time applying through a third-party job board or search engine.
- Look for repetitive job postings. If you notice the company is repeatedly posting the same job every few months, it may be an evergreen or ghost job.
- Pay attention to the response time. When companies are actively hiring, they typically respond quickly to candidates. If you apply and don’t hear back for weeks (or longer!), the position may not actually be available.
Truthfully, spotting ghost jobs can be challenging, as tech firms often want them to look like legitimate roles at their company. That said, deploying these strategies will hopefully save you time and frustration during your job search.
5 Misconceptions About Ghost Jobs In The Tech Industry
As a career coach deeply tapped into the current state of the tech job market, I want to debunk some common misconceptions about ghost jobs in the industry:
1. No response means it’s a ghost job.
One of the most common misconceptions I hear from job seekers is that if they didn’t hear back after applying for a role, it must have been a ghost job.
Reality: This isn’t always the case. Often, recruiters hear from hundreds (or even thousands) of applicants for a single opening. While receiving a “thanks, but no thanks” email would be nice, you won’t always get one, even for legitimate roles.
2. Reposted jobs are ghost jobs.
Another frequent misconception is that if a role is posted multiple times, it’s likely a ghost job.
Reality: There are many reasons a role may be reposted, such as the company wanting to see what other talent may exist or changes to the initial requirements listed in the job description.
3. Longstanding job postings are fake.
Candidates often believe if a role is posted for a significant period, it’s a ghost job.
Reality: It could be that the interview process was lengthy, hiring was paused, or a whole host of other factors were at play. Additionally, some companies keep job postings open for extended periods to build a talent pipeline or keep a finger on the pulse of the job market.
4. Broad salary ranges indicate ghost jobs.
Some professionals think that an excessively broad salary range means a role is a ghost job.
Reality: Since the introduction of salary transparency laws across multiple states, many employers use broad salary ranges to get around legal requirements to include compensation information in job postings.
5. Companies with recent layoffs only post ghost jobs.
Some job seekers are hesitant to apply for roles at companies that have just conducted layoffs, because they assume any posted positions are ghost jobs.
Reality: The reality is that many companies will simultaneously conduct layoffs and hire new talent, often in different roles and departments.
Important: Don’t be afraid to check in regularly with recruiters and remain in contact to be sure you know when future roles that align with your interests and career goals become available. Persistence and communication can often lead to new opportunities, even in a tough job market.
Final Thoughts
If you follow my tech job search blog and Forbes column, you already know that I advocate for focusing on what’s in your control, such as making your application stand out and preparing effectively when you land interviews for legitimate roles. You’ve got this!
