The rise of ghost jobs: What is a ghost job and how to spot one?

Have you ever applied for a job and never heard back, only to see the job continue to be advertised? This is a common frustration among those looking for work.

If this is you, experts say you’ve probably applied for a ghost job.

Recently, there has been a rise in the number of ghost jobs. A ghost job is a job advertised that the company does not intend to fill. While measuring the exact number of ghost jobs is difficult, some experts estimate that up to one-third of advertised positions could actually be ghost jobs.

We know ghost jobs exist because there are more jobs advertised than those that actually exist. There are more jobs being advertised today than in 2019 when the unemployment rate was lower.

Whilst it is illegal to advertise a ghost job, it is very difficult to prove that an employer does not plan to fill an advertised position.
But why would employers advertise jobs they have no intention of filling, and how can you spot a ghost job?

How to tell if a job is a ghost job

Length of time the position has been advertised: Usually, if a job has been listed for more than 30 days, it could be a ghost job; companies don’t have the resources to run unlimited recruitment
Lack of response: If you don’t get a response to your application within a couple of months, this is a clear sign that it could be a ghost job.
Lack of detail in the job description: Job ads that provide limited details about the role and what it would entail may also not be legitimate. By contrast, a job description that spells out the job description in quite specific detail is a sign that the advertisement is likely genuine

Why would a company advertise ghost jobs?

At first glance, advertising a job that doesn’t exist doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense and appears to be a waste of resources. However, there are various reasons why companies may advertise ghost jobs.

Companies advertise false positions to give the impression they are thriving. Advertising new positions will lead customers and other companies to believe they are growing.

It also means they have a pool of candidates ready to go if a position arises.

In addition, if staff are feeling overworked, it placates them by giving them the impression that more support is coming.
Employers may also want to see what talent is in the market and compare it to those they already employed. They also use it to determine the skill sets that are out there in the community and how these may align with their needs.

It’s important to remember that it’s rarely worth applying for a ghost job. If you suspect a position could be a ghost job, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and ask the contact person when they intend to fill the job. If they cannot provide you with specific details, it clearly indicates that it could be a ghost job.

Ghost jobs are rarely a concern in the public service because stringent recruitment processes are in place. When you apply for a public service position, you can be confident that your application will be assessed on merit.

It’s just another reason you should consider a career in the public service.

Are you looking for a career in the Public Service? Public Service Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services, including a resume and cover letter writing service.