As an ambitious job seeker, you’re constantly on the lookout for that perfect opportunity that aligns with your skill set and career goals. You meticulously curate your resume, customize your cover letter, hit the “apply now” button, and wait eagerly for a response. But then, silence. For weeks on end, you hear nothing. You’ve just encountered a ghost job – an increasingly common phenomenon in the job market.
Ghost jobs, also known as fake jobs, are prevalent in today’s job market. They appear as open positions online, but in reality, they are either already filled or they simply do not exist. Sometimes, employers maintain these job postings even without any immediate intention of filling the position.
A recent study involving over 1,000 hiring managers reveals that this trend is not rare. It shows that 68% of respondents keep their job postings active for more than 30 days, and about 10% have a job listing open for over six months. The main reasons cited for this practice include wanting to attract new talent, ensuring current employees stay motivated, and creating an impression of company growth. Other reasons are to maintain an active pool of candidates or to appease overburdened employees.
So how can job seekers discern between a genuine job opening and a ghost job? Here are some strategies to make your job search more effective:
- Check the Job Posting Date: It typically takes around 44 days for companies to fill an open position. If the job has been advertised for two months or longer, it could possibly be a ghost job. This doesn’t mean you should abstain from applying, especially if the role fits your experience. But before pressing the apply button, do verify the job posting on the company’s official website.
- Examine the Job Description: Genuine job postings usually outline the specific qualifications and responsibilities for the role with precision. A red flag could be a vague job description. Often, ghost jobs skip these details and instead focus on a long list of job perks to lure applicants. If the job listing seems like a generic template, it probably is.
- Research the Company: Keep up with the latest news about the company. If the company recently announced a hiring freeze, the odds of filling new positions may be low. Checking the company’s social media profiles can also provide valuable insight. Employers often post about job openings on their social media platforms. Plus, you might discover connections in your network who work at the company and could provide inside information.
- Contact the Company Directly: If the job posting seems outdated, consider reaching out to the company directly. Conduct a LinkedIn search and connect with the hiring manager. This move could save you time and also open potential opportunities for future roles.
Ghost jobs are a harsh reality of the present job market, but they can be identified by adopting smart strategies. Do not limit your job search to applying online. Network, foster relationships, and craft a solid personal brand. This way, employers may end up seeking you out, and your job search will become much more efficient.
