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'Ghost jobs' are increasingly wasting job-seekers' time


NelsonG

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According to the Labor Department, there were 10.8 million job openings in January. So, why haven't you heard back from that job you applied to yet?

It may be because the job you applied to is a "ghost job." The term has recently been coined to describe job openings left active online for months and seemingly never filled. In some cases, the job opening might not even exist.

A survey from online loan company Clarify Capital asked over one thousand managers involved in the hiring process questions regarding job openings at their companies. The survey found that 60 percent of job postings online are kept active for more than one month. The bulk of those openings were left online for two to three months. One in ten had the online job posting active for more than six months. 

Why are some of these job openings left online for so long? The most common explanation is that some companies truly have standing openings, and that they are always open to hiring the right applicant when they come along. However, a significant number of managers also shared that the openings are kept active because the jobs simply don't exist.

Of those surveyed, 43 percent of managers said they post job openings online in order to give the impression that the company is growing. Another 43 percent said that they posted job openings to keep current employees motivated. And 34 percent took that one step further and said they kept online job posts active in order to placate overworked employees.

So basically, nearly half of the hiring managers surveyed said that their company posted jobs with the intent to bolster their company's image, or provide false hope to their understaffed workforce that help was on the way.

As many workers in a swath of various industries deal with layoffs over the past few months, a new pool of job seekers have entered the market looking for potential employers. This is especially true for the tech sector where companies like Meta, Amazon, and Twitter have recently laid off thousands of employees.

Online news outlets first started reporting on this "ghost jobs" phenomenon last year. A recent article from the Wall Street Journal has thrusted ghost jobs back into the spotlight. 

Career websites typically agree that the best time to look for a job is in January and February, right at the start of the New Year when there is a spike in hiring. However, if you've spent the last few months applying and haven't heard back, it may very well be because you applied to a ghost job.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Personally, I think it's frustrating to apply to a job and never hear back. But after reading this article, it makes sense why some job postings are left online for so long. It's definitely something to keep in mind during the job search process. Speaking of job searching, I actually found my current job through CDL trucking opportunities. It's not for everyone, but if you're interested in driving and don't mind being on the road, it can be a great opportunity. Plus, I had no idea that this was even an option until I stumbled upon it while job hunting. So, you never know what kind of opportunities you might find out there!

Edited by umaimaka
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  • 1 month later...

Wow, the concept of "ghost jobs" is quite intriguing and concerning at the same time. It's frustrating to think that job seekers may invest their time and effort in applying for positions that don't exist. Companies should prioritize transparency and respect for candidates' time. Job seekers must stay vigilant and do thorough research before applying. But don't lose hope because there are real possibilities. I am considering filing for UP Government Jobs, as it is a huge opportunity to achieve significant career results. Keep searching, stay positive, and I hope you find the perfect job soon!

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  • 9 months later...

It's a reminder of the value in targeting reputable and transparent opportunities, such as considering UP Government Jobs, which can offer both stability and career growth. Amidst this, for those looking to supplement their income or tide over while searching for that perfect role, finding ways to make 100 dollars fast could be a practical short-term strategy. Whether it's freelancing, selling items you no longer need, or taking part in paid surveys, there are opportunities out there. Keep your spirits high and continue pushing forward with both your immediate and long-term career goals.

Edited by Utoplen
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