Ghost Jobs Haunting You? Here’s How to Exorcise Them

There’s no doubt about it: the job market right now is rough. You probably see a lot of people on your LinkedIn feed with the #OpenToWork tag on their profile picture. No shame, just observation.

You’re scrolling job boards, fine-tuning your resume, creating cover letters, and getting your hopes up, but unfortunately, never hearing back. What gives? Most likely, you were haunted by a ghost job.

It’s become increasingly common, and you are definitely not alone if you’re feeling these job listings aren’t real. Yes, it’s frustrating, but we’ve got some tips on how to help you exorcise them from getting caught up in your job hunt. 

What is a Ghost Job?

Sounds like another buzzword, but it’s real. A ghost job is a job listing that either:

• Doesn’t actually exist
• Has already been filled 
• Isn’t actively being hired for

Sometimes companies leave these listings up to:

• Build a talent pipeline for “just in case”
• Appear like they’re actively growing
• Gauge market interest or get approval to open the role later

No matter their reason, it’s misleading and it wastes your time to apply for fake jobs.

How to Spot a Ghost Job Before It Sucks Up Your Energy

Here are the red flags to notice that might clue you in if it’s a ghost job:

• It’s been posted forever: If the job is 60+ days old with no updates or reposts, then it’s probably a ghost job
• No response at all: If you apply and never hear anything, not even a rejection, then it might not be real
• They’re always hiring for it: Some companies post the same job over and over, even when they don’t need it
• Vague job description: If the job description sounds weird or has no specific company details, then you should be skeptical

How to Adjust Your Job Search to Avoid Ghost Listings

Now that you know how to spot a ghost job listing, let’s go over how to avoid wasting your energy on them.

1. Stick to Verified Platforms

Use reputable platforms you already know of like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and company websites directly. If it’s unclear, check if that job is posted on multiple platforms to make sure it doesn’t just exist on some shady site.

2. Check for Recent Activity

New postings, fresh company updates, or an active hiring manager on LinkedIn are good signs. If the post is really old or doesn’t give enough information, then it’s time to move on.

3. Network Instead of Just Applying

Referrals will still get priority, and more so if there’s a company incentive for the referrer. If you see a job you’re interested in, see if you can reach out to someone in the company with a quick message like, “Hi there! I saw a job listed for [role], you do know if it’s still active?” instead of cold applying with fingers crossed. You might even get some useful knowledge about the company from your new contact!

4. Keep a Job Tracker

Keep a simple Google Sheet and note down where you’ve applied, the date, and if you received any communication. This will make it easier for you to keep track of the number of jobs you’ve contacted, but also figure out any sneaky ghost job patterns.

5. Limit Your Time Per Application

You don’t need to spend hours writing a “perfect” cover letter for every job. Unless it’s some sort of dream position, learn how to limit your time and protect your mental health and energy.

When to Get Their Attention

If you think the job you’re applying for is actually real but communication has been quiet, try following up a week after applying with a short, polite email. Another way to attempt engagement is reaching out to the company on LinkedIn or on their socials for potentially faster updates. 

Be sure to adjust your resume to add relevant keywords in their job posting in case they use software like ATS (Applicant Tracking System). 

The Money Move

You definitely deserve better than getting fooled by ghost jobs since your time, energy, and career are valuable. This job market sucks, but keep your search intentional.

Prioritize real, active roles, look for the potential red flags, and remember, not hearing back is not a reflection of your self-worth!

Stay motivated and keep showing up. The right opportunity for you is out there; you just need to avoid some ghosts along the way.