In the modern world where job insecurity is rapidly increasing the phenomenon known as “Ghost Jobs” has become relatively common. These are job openings which from the face seem open even though the company is not actively recruiting for them. The rationale behind such practices includes some companies checking the market to assess the talent out there, to portray that they are expanding hence creating a good brand image. However, such practices can be irritating to the applicants especially when they spend so much time and energy sending applications for fake vacancies. 

How to Identify Ghost Jobs

To avoid wasting time on ghost jobs, it's essential to look out for certain red flags: Therefore, to ensure we do not give our time to what is known as ghost jobs, then there are some warning signs we have to look for. 

1.Repetitive Postings: If a job ad was published for many months and years and there was no any change in the job description that could be a ghost job. Such are reposted to keep updating the list with fresh candidates or to show the candidates that the company is hiring actively.

2. Lack of Interaction: If you have submitted your application and have not been contacted or the company’s human resource wing appears to be uncommunicative even when you chase up the application, then it might be that the position is not open. 

3. Vague Job Descriptions: These are jobs that either have an ambiguous job specification or one that describes several possible tasks which may be a sign that the job is fake. These postings may be used by companies themselves to keep resumes on file either for future positions with the company or for any future possibilities. 

4. No Actual Job Opening: At other times the jobs that are advertised are to gather resumes and CVs for potential employees although there may not be any available openings shortly. This might be typical in businesses such as Information Technology, where competition for a talented workforce could be very high and at the same time could be very low.

How You Handle ‘Ghost’ Jobs 

If you suspect a job might be a ghost listing, consider the following approaches: 

• Research the Company: Check the companies’ recent hiring trends and the employer’s financial viability and stability. If the company has recently fired or is in the business of firing employees or is in an industry that is shrinking then there are high chances that there will be many ghost jobs. For instance, there are IT and call centers, whose job availability changes based on factors such as automation and outsourcing​. 
• Network: It is, therefore, recommended to forge a connection with people who currently or previously worked for the company. They can give some idea about the fact that this company is actually recruiting or if the particular post is just acting as a fig leaf. 
• Be Cautious: If the application process is way too simplified or the firm in question is demanding identity details together with a registration fee then it is probable that the company is involved in job scams which are becoming more rampant these days. 

Conclusion

It is not always easy to get through the market and search for jobs, especially when the jobs one is seeking do not exist at all in the literal sense of the term. Therefore, if job seekers are to remain alert and do so much research, they will be able to spend much of their time and efforts on real jobs hence the chances of securing an authentic job are high.