Tackling Ghost Jobs: New Rules for Honest Hiring Practices

Ghost jobs are ads for positions that do not exist or have already been filled. They mislead applicants and distort the picture of hiring activity in major markets across North America and Europe.

What are ghost jobs and why do they persist?

Researchers say a sizable share of online postings are not meant to lead to real hires. A study covering the United States, Britain, and Germany found up to 22% of listings fall into this category, while a separate UK survey suggested the figure may be even higher. These postings skew the job market and confuse job seekers.

Evidence and policy responses

Official data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show a gap between openings and hires: in August there were 7.2 million openings but only 5.1 million hires. This gap has sparked debate about whether ghost postings inflate apparent demand for workers.

Leaders and lawmakers taking action

In the United States, veteran tech worker Eric Thompson has helped raise awareness. After losing his job at a startup, he spent months applying to hundreds of roles and realized many postings were not genuine. He helped draft The Truth in Job Advertising & Accountability Act, proposing listing expiration dates, auditable hiring records, and penalties for misleading ads. A petition has gathered more than 50,000 signatures. States such as New Jersey and California are exploring limits on ghost postings.

Ontario leads in Canada

Ontario will require companies to disclose whether a posted vacancy is actively being filled starting January 1. In addition, firms with more than 25 employees must respond to applicants they interview within 45 days. They are not required to contact applicants who were not interviewed. Employment lawyer Deborah Hudson notes enforcement could be challenging, given limited government resources, but complaints can trigger investigations.

The broader picture

In the United Kingdom, the United States, and several other places, there is no universal legal requirement to reply to candidates, and there are currently no sweeping measures to curb ghost postings or recruitment ghosting.

Voices from job seekers and recruiters

A jobseeker in the United Kingdom, Ailish Davies from Leicester, describes ghosting as soul-destroying and says hours spent tailoring applications are often wasted. In the United States, career coach Jasmine Escalera notes some firms post roles to build a talent pool or to boost growth numbers, not to hire soon. Her work highlights how the practice can erode morale and trust among job hunters.

Why do some firms post ghost jobs?

Dr Jasmine Escalera's research identifies several motives, including creating a ready pool of candidates, signaling growth when there is little to show, or collecting data for other uses. Whatever the reason, ghost postings can mislead policymakers and distort labor market insights.

For job seekers, networking with hiring managers can help verify real opportunities. Look for red flags such as repeated postings or listings that stay open for long periods, which may indicate the job is not intended to be filled.

Key insight: Real hiring requires real human interactions and clear timelines; accurate data and honest postings are essential for effective policy. BBC News

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