Fast Company
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Ghost jobs have become so common, spotting them is now ‘an essential skill’
Ghost jobs are pervasive, making their identification crucial for job seekers. A survey revealed 86% of job hunters encountered such postings, with over a third spending significant time pursuing them. Even interviews don't guarantee a real opening, as 58% suspected interviewing for ghost roles. Candidates now recognize signs like old, repeatedly reposted, or unresponsive listings. ResumeBuilder.com's survey of 1,011 adults highlights this essential skill. The prevalence of ghost jobs has diminished market trust, even prompting New York to outlaw them. Job seekers are taking precautions, like checking posting dates and employer career sites, and avoiding repeated listings. Some directly contact employers to verify roles. Experts advise assessing listings against company and industry events. They also warn against offers that seem too good, text message interviews, or those requiring upfront payment.