Ghost Jobs: The Growing Problem of Fake Job Listings
Monday, 2025/12/22210 words3 minutes481 reads
The term 'ghost jobs' refers to job vacancies advertised by employers that don't actually exist. This practice has become a significant issue in the job market across several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany.
Recent studies have shed light on the extent of this problem. A study by Greenhouse, a recruitment software provider, found that up to 22% of online job listings in these countries were posted with no real intent to hire. In the UK, another study suggested an even higher figure of 34% of advertised jobs being non-existent.
The impact of ghost jobs on job seekers can be substantial. Many spend considerable time and effort applying for these non-existent positions, leading to frustration and decreased morale. Eric Thompson, a tech worker in the US, experienced this firsthand and has since started a campaign to address the issue.
Efforts to combat ghost jobs are emerging. In Ontario, Canada, new regulations require companies to disclose whether an advertised position is actively being filled. In the US, there are calls for similar legislation to ban fake job advertisements.
For job seekers, experts advise networking with hiring managers and being cautious of red flags, such as repeatedly posted job listings or positions that remain open for unusually long periods.
