Ghost jobs alert! Don't Get Spooked by Phantom Opportunities 👻
The definition of a "job opening" may be transforming. Recent insights reveal a concerning trend—what some experts are referring to as "ghost jobs." These are positions that, despite being advertised, may not actually be actively pursued by employers. As job seekers navigate this challenging terrain, it’s vital to separate between genuine opportunities and those that may be mere illusions.
A survey involving over 1,000 managers engaged in the hiring process uncovered startling statistics:
Prolonged Job Postings:
68% of managers had job postings active for more than 30 days.
1 in 10 managers reported having job openings posted for over 6 months.
Delayed Hiring Plans:
1 in 5 managers disclosed that they don't plan to fill open job positions until 2023.
40% of employers don't expect to fill their active job posts for 2-3 months.
Perpetual Openness:
50% of managers keep job postings open because they're "always open to new people."
Scary numbers right?
Career counsellors warn that the longer a job remains posted, the higher the likelihood that it might be a "ghost job." The challenge for job seekers lies in figuring out which are legitimate opportunities and which are just mirages. This raises critical questions:
How can job seekers identify real job openings? Why are employers engaging in this practice?
Joe Mercurio, a project manager at Clarify Capital, offers valuable advice to those looking to avoid falling into the trap of applying for "ghost jobs." He suggests that applicants pay close attention to the posting date, stating, "A job that was posted 48 hours ago is more likely to be actively hiring than a job that was posted 3 months ago." Despite 96% of employers claiming they actively seek to fill roles promptly, the survey indicates a significant discrepancy, with 40% not expecting to fill open positions for 2-3 months.
So, if the intention is not to hire, what are the motivations behind creating ghost jobs?
While approximately half of companies maintain open job postings because they are "always open to new people," an alarming 43% revealed that they aren't actively trying to fill positions. Reasons range from keeping existing employees motivated to creating an illusion of company growth. This insight suggests that many companies may not be genuinely committed to filling the positions they advertise.
Job hunting can be rough. Between endless scrolling and dodging "ghost jobs," it's tough to find a decent gig. But hey, knowing how long a job's been up and why companies post stuff they don't even fill can be your secret weapon. Use that info to choose jobs that actually lead somewhere, not some dead-end listing.
Want to avoid your precious time on fake jobs?
Join the Remote Job Academy today 👇
Stay rebellious,
Michelle
*This week’s article is credited to Clarify Capital, check the article here