Ghost jobs : the illusion of job offers

Ghost jobs : the illusion of job offers

12 August 2024

Originating with the emergence of dating sites in the United States, "ghost jobs" have become an increasingly recurrent phenomenon, generating a great deal of discussion and reaction. Although this practice was initially limited, it has gained ground in recent years, particularly in the recruitment process, leaving both employers and candidates perplexed. These job offers, although published online, are in reality neither filled nor, in some cases, even exist. So why do companies publish these misleading ads, and what real impact do they have on jobseekers ?

Why use ghost jobs ?

Recruitment strategies
For some companies, publishing ghost jobs is a genuine strategy aimed at creating a talent pool. By anticipating future needs, they prefer to have a pool of potential candidates ready to be recruited as soon as the need arises, even if this is not the case at the moment. This is pure anticipation.

Investor pressure
Companies are also sometimes faced with pressure from outside. In this case, they post these offers to impress investors and show an image of growth and dynamism. This can give the illusion of a company in constant expansion.

Administrative errors
Sometimes you don't have to look very far: ghost jobs can be the result of minor administrative errors. Jobs remain online for several weeks on the various platforms as well as on the site, after having been filled or cancelled.

Market research
Although it is rarer, some companies use ghost jobs as a tool to survey the job market, assess interest in certain positions or skills, and adjust their offers and strategies accordingly.

What about the ethical aspect ?

A survey carried out during May by Resume Builder of 1,641 recruitment managers reveals that 40% of companies, or one in four, have published a false job offer this year. This situation raises ethical questions, particularly when the majority of false job offers come from human resources departments, which are supposed to be working for the well-being of future employees. The publication of false job offers by these same departments contradicts their mission of transparency and ethics towards candidates.

What impact will this have on jobseekers ? 

Frustration and wasted time
For job seekers, applying for a ghost job can be a frustrating experience. Not only does it waste a lot of time, but it also creates false hopes.

Loss of trust
In the long term, these experiences risk eroding candidates' trust not only in certain companies, but also in the recruitment platforms that host these ads.

Psychological aspect
The constant rejection or lack of response eventually takes its toll on the morale of job seekers, exacerbating a feeling of failure and uselessness.

How do you spot a ghost job?

The tell-tale signs :

• Vague descriptions : advertisements that lack precise details of the position and responsibilities in question.
• Lack of contact details : lack of direct contacts for the company.
• Recurrence without change : advertisements repeated frequently without any change and with an old date.

A few things to check :

• Company research : use LinkedIn and other resources to check the authenticity of the position.
• Request for further information : do not hesitate to contact the company directly for further details.