Ghost Jobs - Are they real or just a myth?
- Tammie Ballis
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Ghost Jobs: Are They Real or Just a Myth?
If you've spent any time job hunting on platforms like Seek or Indeed, you’ve probably come across the term ‘ghost job.’ But what exactly is a ghost job, and how does it differ from a scam? More importantly, are you actually being affected by them?
What is a Ghost Job?
A ghost job is commonly described as a job posting that appears on job boards but doesn’t actually lead to a real hire. Many job seekers believe that companies post fake jobs to fill HR quotas, build talent pools, or simply keep their hiring pipelines full. However, the reality is quite different.
While it’s true that some companies keep job listings open for ongoing recruitment, it’s a misconception that ghost jobs exist purely for deceptive reasons. In most cases, there are legitimate explanations for why a job remains posted without immediate hiring:
Recruitment Delays: Hiring processes can be lengthy, and positions may remain open while internal approvals are sought.
Unexpected Budget Cuts: Sometimes, a job posting is made, but changes in company budgets delay or cancel the hiring process.
Ongoing Talent Pooling: Certain industries, like healthcare and hospitality, continuously seek new talent, even when there isn’t an immediate vacancy.
Ghost Jobs vs. Job Scams
A ghost job is not the same as a scam. A scam job is intentionally designed to deceive job seekers, often by asking for upfront payments, requesting sensitive personal information, or offering unrealistic salaries for little to no work. Scammers use fake job listings to steal identities, gain access to financial accounts, or trick people into paying for unnecessary training or equipment. If a job ad asks for bank details, requires payment to apply, or promises excessively high wages with minimal effort, it’s likely a scam.
Common Misconceptions About Ghost Jobs
Expression of Interest (EOI) Posts: Some companies post EOIs to gauge market interest or prepare for future hiring. These are not ghost jobs.
Internal Hiring: Some organisations are required to advertise externally before hiring internally. Just because an internal candidate gets the role doesn’t mean the job was fake.
Recruitment Agency Registrations: Agencies often list general job openings to build a database of potential candidates. This practice is legal and widely accepted in the industry.
Are You Being Affected by Ghost Jobs?
If you’ve applied for multiple jobs and haven’t heard back, it’s easy to blame ghost jobs. However, poor recruitment processes are often to blame, rather than fake job ads. Some recruiters fail to communicate with candidates or neglect to update job postings once a role is filled.
Regulations Against Fake Job Ads
Australia has strict laws against false job advertising. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) prohibit misleading job listings. Additionally, the Fair Work Commission audits job ads to prevent false advertising and under-award pay job listings.
How to Avoid Wasting Time on Ineffective Job Applications
While ghost jobs may exist in some form, job seekers can take steps to avoid getting caught in the cycle of applying for positions that go nowhere:
Research the Employer: Check company websites and LinkedIn to confirm hiring activity.
Follow Up: If a listing remains open for months without updates, it may not be actively hiring.
Be Selective: Apply for roles that include detailed job descriptions, clear salary information, and contact details.
Final Thoughts
While ghost jobs may seem like a frustrating part of job hunting, most companies are not deliberately misleading candidates. The real issue often lies in slow recruitment processes and poor communication. Rather than focusing on ghost jobs as the cause of job search struggles, job seekers should refine their application strategies and focus on reputable employers with transparent hiring processes.
