The Rise of Ghost Jobs and How to Avoid them
Ever spend hours perfecting your resume, writing a cover letter, and hitting “Apply” with hope, only to hear nothing? You might’ve been chasing a ghost job.
Companies post roles they don’t plan to fill, leaving applicants in limbo. Why do they do it, and how can you avoid falling for it? Let’s pull back the curtain on these phantom postings.
The Problem of Ghost Jobs
Many positions are not real. Known as "ghost jobs," these listings stay active with no intent to hire. Some roles were filled long ago, while others were never meant to be filled.
Despite many applicants, a significant portion of job listings do not lead to hires. Revelio Labs found that in 2023, less than half of posted jobs resulted in a hire.
Clarify Capital’s survey of 1,000 hiring managers showed that 70% of job listings remain open for over 30 days, with 10% unfilled for more than six months.
These numbers reflect a troubling trend: many companies post jobs for reasons unrelated to hiring.
Why Companies Post Ghost Jobs
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Companies list ghost jobs for several reasons. Some use them to create an illusion of growth, while others collect resumes for future hires. Recruiters use postings to maintain a steady flow of candidates.
For some businesses, these listings serve as internal tools. Overworked employees may feel reassured by the promise of additional hires, even if those hires never come.
In the U.S., Resume Genius found 1.7 million potential ghost job openings on LinkedIn alone. In the UK, StandOut CV reported that over a third of job listings in 2023 had been live for more than 30 days.
How to Avoid Wasting Time on Ghost Jobs
Job seekers can take steps to avoid fake listings:
- Check the posting date – Listings live for over 30 days are less likely to be active.
- Research problem companies – Online lists and forums flag businesses with a history of ghost jobs.
- Be wary of vague listings – Descriptions lacking detail or that seem too good to be true can be a red flag.
- Prioritize high-quality applications – Focus on legitimate opportunities with tailored applications.
Being selective helps redirect efforts toward real opportunities.
The Rise of Niche Job Boards
As ghost jobs increase, workers shift from broad platforms to niche job boards. These sites offer fewer but higher-quality listings that lead to actual hires.
For example, ParlayJobs offers a dedicated space for industry professionals. Job seekers can find vetted opportunities in their field.
This trend grows across sectors, as professionals seek more efficient connections with real employers.
How ParlayJobs Prevents Ghost Listings
At ParlayJobs, we work to eliminate ghost jobs and improve the job search experience:
- Human review process – Every listing is reviewed by a human before posting.
- 30-day listing limit – Job postings expire after 30 days to prevent outdated listings.
- Curated job alerts – Our weekly newsletter delivers fresh, verified job opportunities to your inbox.
While no platform can completely eliminate ghost jobs, these safeguards reduce their presence for a more reliable job search.
The rise of ghost jobs creates frustration and inefficiency. Many job seekers now prioritize quality over quantity, benefiting both employers and candidates.
For professionals in sports betting and gaming, ParlayJobs offers rigorous screening and industry-specific opportunities to avoid ghost jobs.