Ghost jobs have become so common, spotting them is now ‘an essential skill’

Ghost jobs, positions that don't exist, have become so prevalent that the ability to recognize them is now considered a crucial skill for job seekers. A recent survey conducted by ResumeBuilder.com found that 86% of job hunters have encountered postings that were not linked to an active opening. More than a third of respondents (36%) admitted to spending at least four hours pursuing openings they now suspect were fake.

Even when a candidate does manage to get an interview, it doesn't guarantee the job is real - 58% of those surveyed said they had interviewed for a position they later believed to be a ghost job.

Several signs have emerged as telltale indicators of ghost jobs. These include job listings that remain active for an unusually long time (38% of respondents) or appear outdated (34%). Repeatedly posted positions (34%) and suspicious employer behavior, such as no response or lack of a clear hiring timeline, are also warning signs. ResumeBuilder.com surveyed 1,011 adults who had searched for a job within the past two years and emphasized that "knowing how to spot a ghost job is now an essential job search skill."

The rise of ghost jobs has undermined trust in the job market, prompting New York state lawmakers to pass legislation in June making them illegal. In response, candidates are adopting additional measures to verify job listings before applying. These include checking when the position was posted (34%), seeing if the opening is also advertised on the employer's career site (32%), and avoiding positions that have been repeatedly reposted (27%).

Some job seekers even go as far as contacting employers or recruiting agencies before applying to confirm the job's legitimacy (15%).

Experts recommend considering whether the listing aligns with real-world events at the company or within the broader sector, such as a specific project or regulatory timeline. Job seekers are advised to steer clear of any job postings that seem too good to be true, text messages offering job interviews, or listings that require payment upfront.