Rajesh Singh

Tech entrepreneur, full-time dad, and proud owner of a monkey mind that multitasks like it’s on espresso. Building cool stuff, chasing big ideas, and occasionally, small humans.

Have you ever applied to a job that seemed perfect—only to hear nothing back, ever? You’re not alone. In today's hiring landscape, "ghost jobs"—positions that are listed but not actually open—are becoming increasingly common, and they're quietly eroding candidate confidence.

What Are Ghost Jobs?

Ghost jobs are listings that remain posted online even when companies have no real intention of hiring for them. Sometimes roles are filled internally, frozen due to budget issues, or left up for future hiring pools. In other cases, they may be used to give the illusion of company growth or to collect résumés "just in case."

Where This Practice Originated

The practice of ghost job posting dates back to the rise of online job boards in the early 2000s. As digital listings became easier to publish and update, some employers began treating job boards like marketing tools—measuring traffic and gathering résumés instead of genuinely filling roles. Over time, this blurred the line between recruitment and lead generation, leaving many listings in a gray area.

The proliferation of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and automated hiring tools further detached companies from the emotional and ethical dimensions of hiring, reducing job applications to metrics rather than meaningful interactions.

Why Companies Post Ghost Jobs

The reasons are often strategic—though not always ethical. Companies may leave jobs posted to:

• Build a talent pipeline for future hiring needs
• Gauge the available talent pool or test market competitiveness
• Create the illusion of growth and stability to impress stakeholders or competitors
• Maintain an "always hiring" brand perception

Some HR professionals also admit that job postings can remain live simply because no one takes them down after the role is filled. While sometimes unintentional, the consequences for job seekers remain damaging.

Why It’s a Problem

For job seekers, ghost jobs create a frustrating cycle of hope and disappointment. Each application feels like a shot in the dark, and the silence that follows can chip away at a candidate’s motivation and self-worth. Over time, this lack of transparency breeds distrust—not just in specific companies but in the hiring system itself.

The Human Cost

What often gets overlooked is the emotional and psychological toll this process takes. According to research published by the Pew Research Center, prolonged job searching—especially when accompanied by rejection or silence—can contribute to anxiety, depression, and a decline in self-esteem. It’s not just about finding a job. It’s about feeling seen, valued, and respected in the process.

Ghost jobs don’t just waste time. They diminish hope. They make people question their worth and abilities. A 2022 survey by Indeed found that 52% of job seekers reported feeling burnt out, with a significant portion attributing it to a lack of communication from employers.

Behind every résumé is a person trying their best. A parent returning to the workforce. A student hoping for their first chance. A professional looking for purpose. When these efforts are met with silence, it doesn’t just bruise egos—it breaks spirits.

By the Numbers: The Toll of Ghost Jobs

• According to a 2023 ResumeBuilder.com survey, 68% of hiring managers admitted to leaving job postings active even when they had no intention of filling the role.
• LinkedIn data from 2022 noted that job seekers apply to an average of 21 jobs per month, often with little to no response.
• A study published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior found that prolonged unemployment correlates strongly with increased levels of psychological distress.
• The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that job search-related stress can lead to long-term health issues, especially when combined with uncertainty and rejection.

Reclaiming Confidence

If you’re experiencing this, know that it’s not your fault. The system is imperfect, and ghost jobs are a reflection of that—not of your value or potential. Taking breaks from the search, talking to peers, or even speaking with a mental health professional can be healthy steps. Confidence isn’t built on outcomes alone—it grows when we remind ourselves of our worth, regardless of external validation.

Let’s talk about this more. Let’s demand better. Because hiring shouldn’t be a haunted experience.

Happy Hiring!