Study Reveals 1 in 5 Online Job Postings Are Fake or Never Filled

The prevalence of 'ghost jobs' is frustrating job seekers and eroding trust in the online hiring process, according to new data from Greenhouse.

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.