Ghost job listings surge globally, eroding trust in hiring: LiveCareer
GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO — A new LiveCareer survey of over 900 human resource professionals has revealed that nearly half regularly post “ghost jobs”—openings advertised with no real intent to hire.
The practice, which frustrates job seekers and complicates the hiring landscape, is now a common feature of recruitment strategies across industries.
Ghost jobs: A growing global recruitment trend
According to the survey, 45% of HR professionals admit they “regularly” post ghost jobs, while 48% say they do so “occasionally” for needs like seasonal hiring or talent pipeline building. Only 2% report never posting ghost jobs.
These listings often remain active for extended periods. Forty-three percent (43%) of respondents said ghost job postings last one to four weeks, 37% reported durations of one to three months, and 5% admitted some listings can remain visible indefinitely.
The reasons behind these postings vary. Some HR teams want to maintain a presence on job boards, assess job description effectiveness, or build a talent pool for future needs.
Others use ghost jobs to make their company appear more dynamic or to keep current employees motivated by suggesting they could be replaced.
Why candidates get ghosted
Ghosting isn’t limited to job postings. The survey found that 69% of HR professionals frequently close job searches and stop responding to candidates without notice. Only 3% said they always follow up with applicants, even after a role is closed.
When asked why they ghost candidates, 37% said the company lost interest but didn’t want to reject them formally, 28% cited roles being put on hold, 27% said hiring managers changed priorities, and 6% admitted they were waiting for a better candidate before making a decision.
This lack of follow-up leaves job seekers uncertain and frustrated by the silence.
The impact of ghost jobs on job seekers
Forty-seven percent of HR professionals said their company has received multiple complaints about ghost job postings, and 49% report hearing complaints occasionally. Only 4% said they were unaware of any complaints from candidates.
“Ghost jobs waste time, drain motivation, and chip away at confidence, especially when they happen again and again,” noted a LinkedIn article on the trend. The survey confirms that ghost jobs are not only common but are also drawing increasing criticism from job seekers.
“Hiring teams face intense pressure to deliver top talent and I understand how that might start to influence hiring strategies in a negative way,” Jasmine Escalera, career expert at LiveCareer, added.
“But the widespread use of ghost jobs risks eroding candidate trust and disrupting the hiring ecosystem. To restore credibility, employers must commit to greater transparency and clearer communication throughout the recruiting process.”
How to spot and avoid ghost jobs
While the rise of ghost jobs may be discouraging, experts advise job seekers to stay proactive—vetting employers, following up when things go quiet, and keeping their resumes and interview skills sharp.
“Ghost jobs are not a reflection of a candidate’s value; by staying strategic and observant, job seekers will be better prepared when real opportunities arise,” the LiveCareer report concludes.
