Many Online Job Postings Are 'Ghost Jobs'

A troubling trend has emerged in the job market where many online job postings, known as 'ghost jobs', are not intended to be filled. Reports from platforms like Greenhouse indicate that up to 20% of job listings may be fake, a practice used by companies to project growth or keep a pool of potential candidates. Surveys reveal that 40% of hiring managers have admitted to posting ghost jobs, with motivations including easing employee workloads and maintaining a competitive edge. Job seekers are advised to verify job postings directly on company websites and use networking to avoid these deceptive listings. The prevalence of ghost jobs has intensified job market challenges, necessitating new strategies like verified job postings on LinkedIn and Greenhouse. Experts emphasize the importance of human-to-human networking for authentic job opportunities in today's market.