The Rise of Fake 'Ghost Jobs' and the Nightmare of Job-Hunting

Companies are posting fake 'ghost jobs' on job search boards, according to a survey of over 1,000 hiring managers. The practice of leaving up ads for expired or filled positions is used by 50% of companies to give the illusion of growth and manipulate employee morale, while 37% do so to gather resumes for future turnover. Another 43% post fake ghost jobs to keep employees motivated or to create the impression that the company is growing. The job search process has become more challenging due to factors such as technology, the rise of AI, and staffing shortages. These practices, along with an increasingly impersonal and demoralizing hiring process, have led to a record high of 44 days for applicants to reach a decision maker. Experts recommend leveraging networking and social media platforms to navigate this difficult job market.