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'Ghost jobs': The trend that's haunting job seekers

Notice a job posting that's been up for a really long time? It might be what's called a "ghost job."

MINNEAPOLIS — If you're on the hunt for a new job, you know that it can take a long time. But have you noticed a posting that's been up for months? Did you apply and never hear back? It might be a "ghost job."

"Ghost jobs are jobs that companies are not actively looking to fill at that time," said Jamie Rebischke, Vice President of Talent for Dahl Consulting. "Most of the time, there's not really any ill will. It may simply be a forgotten job posting on a job board."

Rebischke says she hasn't seen "ghost jobs" in her role and doesn't believe it's a common practice.

Clarify Capital surveyed 1,000 managers and found that 50% of those who kept job postings up did it because they're "always open to new people." Meanwhile, 43% said they did it to keep current employees motivated or to give the impression the company is growing. 

Rebischke says there is a more likely reason a job posting has been up for months: employers are being more selective.

"What we had kind of post-pandemic, where it was madness and [employers] were moving very quickly, that has shifted significantly," Rebischke said. 

If you're suspicious that a posting might be a 'ghost job,' Rebischke recommends reaching out to that company's human resources department to check. 

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