Did You Apply For a Job That Doesn't Exist? Ghost Jobs Explained
Something isn't adding up. Companies are having massive layoffs, yet there are a huge number of job listings that never get filled. Meanwhile, qualified people are applying to these jobs in droves, but few are getting hired. Why?
There's one likely explanation that fits: many of these jobs don't exist yet. The term for this phenomenon is ghost jobs, and not only is it a common practice, it's actually considered pretty normal these days.
Organizations list ghost jobs for a couple of different reasons. Usually, it's to preemptively fill the talent pool in anticipation of a future need. If they decide they need to hire several new AI engineers (or whatever it may be), they have a list of qualified candidates.
Another reason is to see what the market rate is for a particular position or type of role. This is common when new technologies come into vogue and there's a wide spread with the expected compensation. By having a recruiter field applicants, organizations can get an idea of what it will cost them if they move forward.
Warning Signs of a Ghost Job
There are several things about ghost job listings that just look and feel different. Once you learn the signs, you'll start to see them everywhere!
Vague Tech Stack
The listing will ask for generic skills like "API development", "Azure", "AWS", "AI engineering", "GraphQL", but won't mention specific services or technologies or how they're put together.
Ths indicates lack of seriousness, a lack of research, and strongly suggests that none of the technologies is currently being used. If you're discussing a position that lists a vague tech stack, ask specifically, "What are you trying to build?" If you get back a vague list of requirements, it's almost certainly a ghost job.
Unrealistic "Multi‑Hatted" Expectations
The listing may suggest having to wear multiple hats even though the company is established and not a startup. At larger companies, roles are "siloed," meaning they're very well defined and people in those roles "own" particular technologies and are known for having specific skills.
Think about it. Why would a large or mid-sized company post a specific role title but then ask for a generalist in the description?
No Clear Story or Mission
The job listing lacks a story. It's not tied to any purpose or mission. There's no specific "why."
Skewed Compensation
The advertised compensation is either too low or too high for the position and requirements. They're testing the waters to see who will bite. This goes along with the vague nature of ghost job descriptions. If you can't define the role, it's hard to figure out the compensation.
Compensation Expectation Requests
The organization or recruiter insists on knowing your compensation expectations. It's normal for a recruiter to ask for your desired salary. But if you say you're flexible or willing to consider anything, and they still insist on a number, it's a sign they're not serious.
Rigid Education Requirements
The requirements insist on a bachelor's degree but do not count experience as an alternative. This is a sign the post was written by HR and not an actual hiring manager with a real need.
In the IT world, it is standard to accept experience in lieu of education. The nature of traditional university education is that it's always outdated, and even someone fresh out of college is likely to already be behind in terms of skills and knowledge. Hence one of the biggest red flags for a ghost job in the IT world is insistence on a degree.
One‑Way Rejection
You apply and have the right qualifications, but the only communication you get is a rejection with no feedback and no explanation.
Opaque Recruiter Interaction
The recruiter (if there even is one) seems to be hiding something and dodges direct questions. They act uninterested even after hearing how well you're qualified. Recruiters are usually get a cut, so finding a qualified candidate is like finding money on the ground. If they don't get excited, something is off.
Same Ambiguous Job Titles Show Up Everywhere
Organizations posting ghost job listing doesn't really know what they're looking for, so they tend to copy other listings that they see. The result is that a variety of organizations in different verticals seem to be hiring for the same generic job at the same time!
Recent Layoffs
The company has recently undergone layoffs, but keeps posting jobs for the same or similar positions.
Should You Apply for a Ghost Job Anyway?
Maybe. If you’re seeking work, just the act of passing your resume around and getting your name and skills out there might help you land a real job. There's also the possibility of a ghost job materializing. I would prioritize organizations that are honest about what they’re doing. I have seen job listings that specifically admit they’re just filling their candidate pool and don’t have an actual open position.
On the other hand, if you see a job listing that has the red flags of a ghost job, look at the organization’s other job listings and try to find one for a well‑known role that is likely to exist. Compare the two listings. If the suspected ghost job reads very differently, then that’s another clue it might not be real.