Ghost Hiring: Understanding the Practice, Reasons, and Ethical Implications

Ghost job postings, or “phantom jobs,” have been a subtle yet persistent phenomenon in the job market for many years. Initially, these postings were often the result of simple oversights: recruiters who had posted positions but then failed to remove them after the roles were filled. However, as the job market and hiring practices evolved, ghost job postings became more deliberate and widespread.

The Pandemic Catalyst

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the global job market, accelerating the prevalence of ghost job postings. During the early days of the pandemic, companies faced unprecedented uncertainties, leading to massive layoffs and hiring freezes. As the economy began to recover, businesses struggled to rehire and rebuild their workforces. In response, many companies posted ghost jobs — listings for positions they did not intend to fill. This tactic allowed them to create a pool of potential candidates to draw from when they were ready to hire again​ (Marketplace)​​ (Market Realist)​.

The Current Landscape

Today, ghost job postings are more prevalent than ever. These listings can often be found on major job boards and company career pages, remaining open for months without any real intention of…