Avoiding Ghost Jobs (Pt. 1): 7 Key Signs to Spot Before Applying
by Ronald Replan
Navigating the job market effectively means being able to spot 'ghost jobs' – positions that appear open but aren't actively being filled.
Understanding these signs before you apply can save you time and focus your efforts on genuine opportunities.
Let’s break down these signs and explore why they are indicative of ghost jobs.
1. Lack of Presence on Company Site
What It Looks Like: A job posted on Indeed or LinkedIn, but missing from the 'Careers' section of the company's own website.
Why It’s a Sign: Companies typically update their own websites immediately for new openings. If a job isn't there but is on external sites, it might be an outdated listing or not a current priority.
2. Generic Descriptions
What It Looks Like: A job description that reads "Looking for a dynamic team player to join our fast-paced company" without specific role responsibilities or qualifications.
Why It’s a Sign: Specific roles have specific requirements. Generic descriptions can mean the company isn’t actively seeking candidates but is keeping the post as a placeholder.
3. Very Short Application Deadlines
What It Looks Like: A job posting that closes applications within a week of posting
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Why It’s a Sign: Companies serious about hiring give time for a wide pool of candidates to apply. Extremely short deadlines can mean the listing is a formality, perhaps for internal auditing or policy compliance.
4. Rapid Closure and Reopening
What It Looks Like: A marketing manager role that appears closed one week and then is re-posted the next week, repeatedly.
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Why It’s a Sign: This pattern can indicate budget approvals or internal re-evaluations are affecting the hiring decision, leading to uncertainty about the role being filled.
5. No Insider Information
What It Looks Like: You message a current employee on LinkedIn about the new role advertised, but they haven't heard about any such opening in their department.
Why It’s a Sign: Genuine job openings are usually known internally, at least within the department. A lack of knowledge among staff can be a clue that the job isn't actively being pursued.
6. Lack of Engagement on Inquiry
What It Looks Like: You email the HR to ask more about the role and receive a generic "We are reviewing applications" without further engagement.
Why It’s a Sign: Active hiring processes typically involve more communicative and detailed interactions. Generic, non-informative responses could suggest a lack of immediate intent to hire.
7. Constantly Open Applications
What It Looks Like: The same software engineer role has been listed on the company's job board for over a year.
Why It’s a Sign: Continuous, unending listings might be used for gathering resumes for potential future needs rather than for immediate vacancies.
While spotting a single red flag might not be a cause for alarm, encountering multiple red flags should prompt further investigation.
To gain a clearer picture, consider these seven practical tips:
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Follow the Company on LinkedIn: This simple action can keep you informed about their updates. Companies often announce new hires on LinkedIn, offering a transparent view of their active recruitment.
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Look for Regular Posting of Multiple Positions: When a company consistently advertises a variety of roles over a period, it often signals genuine expansion.
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Monitor Employee Posts: Pay attention to current employees’ LinkedIn activity. Posts about job openings or recruitment efforts can be a reliable indicator of genuine hiring.
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Compare Job Descriptions: Review other job listings from the same company. If they all share a similar level of detail (or lack thereof), the posting could be genuine.
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Look at Online Discussions: Websites like Glassdoor or Indeed feature reviews from current and former employees. Reading through these can give you a sense of the company's culture and how genuine their hiring processes are.
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Direct Contact: If possible, reach out to the hiring manager or the job poster. A direct inquiry can sometimes clarify the situation more effectively than speculation. Additionally, if you have connections within the company, request an informational interview. These can provide candid insights into whether the company is truly expanding its team.
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Engage in Direct Networking: Attend industry events, webinars, or LinkedIn Live sessions where employees from the company are present. Networking directly can provide insights and even direct referrals, making your job search more effective.
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Being aware of these aspects can significantly aid in discerning between potential ghost jobs and real opportunities, helping you focus your job search where it counts.
In our next discussion, we'll explore the signs to watch for after you've submitted your job application.
