How to spot ghost job posting

Ghost job postings—openings listed by companies that are not actively hiring—are often created to gather resumes, assess the market, or keep the job visible for other reasons. Here’s how you can spot them:

1. Old or Constantly Reposted Listings: If a job has been posted for several months or is frequently reposted without changes, it may be a ghost posting. Companies sometimes do this to keep a pipeline of candidates or to make it seem they’re growing, even if they aren’t actively hiring.
2. No Clear Progression in the Hiring Process: If you apply and never hear back despite being well-qualified, or if they don't seem to move you forward after an initial screening, it could be a sign of a ghost posting. Some companies may screen candidates but halt the process before interviews.
3. High-Level Positions with Vague Requirements: If the role is for a senior or highly specific position but lacks clear qualifications or required skills, it might be a placeholder job, especially if the description feels generic or non-specific.
4. Lack of Communication from the Recruiter: If you reach out to ask questions about the role and receive evasive or non-specific answers, it might be a sign that they don’t have an immediate intent to hire for that position.
5. Role Remains Open for Extended Periods Despite High Demand: Positions in fields with high turnover or strong demand (like tech, healthcare, etc.) are unlikely to remain open long if the employer is genuinely hiring. If the listing remains, it may be a ghost job used to gauge candidate interest or test the salary market.
6. Unclear Hiring Timeline: Legitimate job postings usually indicate an estimated start date or hiring timeline. If recruiters cannot provide a timeframe or mention that the job will start “sometime in the future,” it could be a sign they’re not actively hiring.
7. Unrealistic Job Requirements for the Level: Sometimes, companies create “aspirational” job postings with a laundry list of high-level skills and qualifications. These postings are often used to gather resumes for a potential future need or to explore the candidate pool, even if they have no immediate hiring need.
8. No Interviews, or Indefinite Hiring Freeze: If the employer acknowledges your application but says they’re in a hiring freeze or can’t provide a clear next step, the job may be on hold indefinitely.
9. Little Company Information: If the job post has little information about the team, department, or hiring manager, it might be vague because it isn’t an active role. Genuine job openings often provide context about the work environment and team.
10. Position Always "Hiring" at Large Companies: Some companies list evergreen roles that seem permanently open, like customer service or entry-level roles, which can sometimes be ghost listings meant to capture resumes for when future vacancies arise.

How to Handle Ghost Listings:

• Research the company to see if they’re hiring for multiple roles and verify if others have faced the same situation with them.
• If you're contacted about a job that seems suspicious, ask for details about the team, expected start date, and next steps.
• Focus on opportunities where the recruiter is responsive and transparent about the hiring timeline and process.