Overview

• Greenhouse found that 18-22% of online job postings in 2024 were 'ghost jobs,' meaning they were either fake or never resulted in a hire.
• Companies may post ghost jobs to project growth, keep employees feeling replaceable, or attract ideal candidates even without immediate hiring plans.
• Industries like construction, art, and legal services showed higher rates of ghost job postings, with up to 38% of listings classified as such.
• Platforms like LinkedIn and Greenhouse now offer verification tools to help job seekers identify legitimate opportunities.
• Experts advise job seekers to rely more on networking and direct communication with recruiters to navigate the increasingly challenging job market.