"Ghost Jobs" - A new trend?!

In today's job market, getting ghosted by HR and encountering fake job postings on platforms like LinkedIn has become distressingly common. Fake jobs not only complicate the job search for a genuine job seeker like me, but also shatter the dreams of job applicants.

This article aims to raise awareness among job seekers about "Ghost Jobs," helping them recognize and avoid these deceptive listings.

What are "Ghost Jobs" or "Phantom Jobs"?

"Ghost Jobs" refer to job postings for non-existent positions. These can include listings for roles that have already been filled or jobs that were never intended to be filled in the first place. But why would organizations post such misleading job ads?

The Purposes Behind Ghost Jobs:

1. Data Harvesting: Collecting personal information from desperate applicants.
2. Cheaper Marketing: Increasing visibility and engagement without a genuine job opening.
3. Negligence: The job poster simply forgot to remove the posting.

How to Avoid Falling for Ghost Jobs

1. Consider the Date Posted:

Check the posting date. If a job has been listed for over 30+ days for the positions that need to be filled immediately, the possiblities are unlikely to be open for an extended period. There might still be companies genuinely looking for the right candidate., always remember the time frame and the urgency of the position that needs to be filled.

2. Cross-check with the Company Website:

Verify the job's authenticity by checking the company's official website. While direct contact details for the hiring person might not be available, the job listing should still be present on the company's career page.

3. Analyze the Contact Information:

A legitimate job posting often includes a corporate email address. Be cautious if the email address seems unprofessional or doesn't match the company's domain.

4. Beware of the "Easy Apply" Button:

On platforms like LinkedIn, using the "Easy Apply" feature might automatically make you follow the company. Some organizations exploit this to boost their social media followers by creating fake job postings. Always review the application settings before submitting.

Advice for Hiring Bodies and HR Professionals

The reputation of any organization is significantly influenced by how it treats its employees and job candidates. Posting ghost jobs can damage your reputation and should be avoided. Job boards like LinkedIn Talent Solutions GlassDoor RD and other companies should implement periodic checks to ensure job postings are up-to-date and genuine.

Conclusion

By understanding the concept of ghost jobs and knowing how to spot them, job seekers can protect themselves from the disappointment and frustration of applying to non-existent positions. Always verify the details of a job posting, and remain cautious when something seems too good to be true.

Happy Job Hunting!