Why ‘Ghost Jobs’ Persist on Job Boards: Understanding the Frustration
Employers are increasingly posting job openings that were never intended to be filled, creating a frustrating obstacle for job seekers in an already challenging labour market. As the aftermath of the Great Resignation reshapes the job landscape, workers find themselves facing layoffs and budget cuts, eroding their leverage and narrowing their job prospects.
While job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed continue to display seemingly open positions, many of these listings remain stagnant, marked with the ominous label “Posted 30+ days ago.” These vacancies, often assumed by job seekers to be actively hiring, are in reality ‘ghost jobs’ – positions that were either already filled or never intended to be filled at all.
The prevalence of ghost jobs reflects a broader trend of employers using job listings as a tool for talent acquisition and company image management. Despite advancements in digital technology, the ratio of hires per job posting has plummeted, leaving a significant portion of vacancies unfilled. Hiring managers, facing resource constraints and an overwhelming number of applicants, opt to keep listings open indefinitely to maintain the appearance of growth or to build a reservoir of potential candidates in case of turnover.
However, the proliferation of ghost jobs has serious implications for job seekers, consuming valuable time and energy in the application process. Filling out applications, tailored to each position, can be a time-consuming endeavor, only to yield little to no response from employers. As a result, job seekers are left discouraged and burnt out, grappling with the uncertainty of whether their efforts will ever yield results.
Despite the challenges posed by ghost jobs, some candidates persevere, sending out numerous applications in the hopes of securing a response. Others, like Samantha, a senior graphic designer, adopt a more targeted approach, focusing on niche roles that align with their skills and experience.
In the long run, however, the prevalence of ghost jobs may backfire on employers, damaging their reputation and deterring potential candidates from applying to future opportunities. Instead of bolstering their image, companies that perpetuate ghost jobs risk being haunted by the negative repercussions of their hiring practices.
Comment Template