The job market can be competitive, and credentials alone (say a new college degree) may not secure your dream job immediately. On average, a job seeker will apply to about 20 to 25 jobs before landing an interview and the typical job seeker will go through several interviews before receiving an offer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average job search in the United States lasted around 20 weeks in 2020. While patience, consistency, and a positive mindset can aid you in this process, there’s a new phenomenon that could make an already difficult process even more frustrating – ghost jobs.
Ghost job postings are a less talked about factor contributing to the challenges faced by job seekers, especially among Gen Z. These are job advertisements that appear to be legitimate, but they may already have a pre-selected candidate, or the position may not exist at all.
This practice can significantly skew the perception of job availability, creating a false sense of opportunities in the job market. For Gen Z job seekers who are new to the job market, ghost postings can lead to increased frustration and discouragement, as applications might go unnoticed, and result in a prolonged job-hunting period.
What are Ghost Jobs
Ghost job postings are a unique trend in the job market. They appear as real job vacancies on a company's career page or on job boards, but there's a catch - the job doesn't exist, or the company has already selected a candidate for the role. These postings can be very deceiving, as they look just like any other job listing, complete with detailed descriptions of duties, qualifications needed, and benefits offered.
Examples of ghost job postings are hard to definitively identify due to their deceptive nature. However, some signs might include a vague job description, lack of contact information, or an unusually quick application process. It's also worth noting that a role that stays open for a very long time, despite being advertised as urgent, might be a ghost posting.
Reasons Behind Posting Ghost Jobs
There are several reasons why employers might post ghost jobs, each with its unique implications for the job market.
- To Gauge Market Interest: Employers often use ghost jobs as a barometer to assess the current market interest in a specific role or industry. It helps them determine the availability of talent, their qualifications, and the competitiveness of their compensation packages.
- To be Perceived as a Company That's Growing: Ghost job postings can create an image of growth, expansion, and dynamism for a company. It gives the impression that the company is thriving and continuously seeking new talents, enhancing its reputation among job seekers and competitors.
- To Create a 'Warm' Talent Pool: By posting ghost jobs, employers can attract a talent pool of potential candidates who are interested in the company and its roles. This pool can be tapped into when a genuine job vacancy arises, saving time and resources in the recruitment process.
- To Seek Out Unicorns: Ghost jobs allow companies to search for 'unicorns' – candidates that perfectly match the job description and exceed expectations. These ideal candidates might not be actively seeking new jobs, but a compelling job advertisement might prompt them to apply.
- To Demonstrate the Company is Actively Looking to Fill a Role: If a company's existing workforce is overburdened, ghost job postings can serve as a signal that help is on the way. It can boost employee morale by demonstrating the company's commitment to maintaining a balanced workload.
- For Internal Hiring Requirements: At times, companies post jobs publicly due to internal hiring requirements or to comply with employment laws, even when they already have a candidate in mind for the role. It ensures transparency and fairness in the hiring process, even if it might not always result in external applications being considered.
While these reasons present potential advantages for companies, they can be misleading and frustrating for job seekers who invest time and energy into applying for these positions. Understanding the potential reasons behind ghost jobs can help job seekers navigate this complex facet of the job market.
Impact of Ghost Job Postings on Gen Z Job Seekers
The consequences of ghost jobs are particularly pronounced for Gen Z job seekers, who are just beginning to navigate the intricate pathways of the job market. The ambiguity surrounding these postings can lead to confusion, decreased confidence, and a general sense of disillusionment towards the job application process. Ghost postings often require applicants to invest significant time and effort into crafting tailored resumes and cover letters, thus leading to a considerable expenditure of resources on false leads.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers reported a sharp decline in the job offer rate for the graduating class of 2021, down by 8.4% from the previous year. This decline coincided with an increase in the number of job postings, suggesting that a portion of these increased postings could be ghost jobs.
Ghost jobs have significantly complicated the job hunting process for Gen Z. They have not only increased the difficulty of finding genuine opportunities but also created an emotional toll on job seekers. As such, it's crucial for job seekers to be aware of this phenomenon, and for employers to consider the impact of their recruitment practices on potential candidates.
Possible Solutions and Recommendations for Job Seekers
The challenge that ghost jobs pose to Gen Z job seekers necessitates a strategic approach to job hunting, as well as an appeal for greater transparency in recruitment practices. Here are some possible solutions and recommendations:
- Research Thoroughly: One of the most effective ways to distinguish genuine job postings from ghost ones is thorough research. Job seekers should investigate the employer's legitimacy, verify the job's existence through multiple sources, and scrutinize job descriptions for clarity and specificity.
- Leverage Networking: Networking remains an essential aspect of job hunting. Gen Z job seekers should actively build and leverage their professional connections, which could provide reliable information about job vacancies and potential ghost postings.
- Utilize Reputable Job Boards: It is advisable to rely on reputable job boards that have stringent measures in place to verify job postings. These platforms tend to weed out fraudulent job posts more effectively.
While ghost postings present a significant hurdle for Gen Z job seekers, strategic job hunting and conscientious recruitment practices can help to navigate and reduce this challenge.