Why Recruiters Post ‘Ghost Jobs’ That Don’t Exist

As if looking for a job wasn’t hard enough, many recruiters post ads for positions that don’t exist or are already filled, also known as “ghost jobs”.

MyPerfectResume, a platform that helps people build resumes, surveyed 753 recruiters across the country, and more than 80% said their employer had posted ghost jobs. Another 17% said that a full three quarters of their job postings weren’t real. So where does this leave job seekers?

What’s the Point of Ghost Jobs

Writing and posting job descriptions requires effort. So why do companies go through these motions when they have no intention of actually hiring for those jobs?

Nearly 2 in 5 recruiters said they wanted to maintain a presence on job boards, and 36% said they were testing the effectiveness of their job descriptions, which could be reworked in case recruiters weren’t getting the kind of candidates they desired. For about a quarter (26%), the goal was to connect with talent for future positions, evaluate the state of the job market, and see how easily they could replace current employees. Around one in four also said they were trying to combat the perception that they were under a hiring freeze.

What Job Applicants Can Do

Ghost jobs can hurt the morale of job seekers, who spend 11 hours a week on average looking for work, according to a CareerBuilder poll.

Nobody likes wasting their time, but don’t give up. As tough as the job search can feel, there are things you can do to avoid burnout.

Practice self-care by spending time with friends, exercising, and doing things that you find relaxing. It’s hard to effectively write cover letters and go on interviews when you’re stressed out. Be selective about where you put your energy. Don’t apply to jobs you know wouldn’t be the right fit. Focus on sharpening your resume and cover letter, and make sure you’re interested in and qualified for the jobs you apply for. And if you don’t hear back after submitting an application? Don’t worry, it may not be you – the job could have never been open in the first place. Reaching out to recruiters can still help you build your network, and could potentially lead to opportunities down the line.

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