Many job listings are not what they seem. Some roles stay posted even after companies have already hired someone. Others exist only to collect resumes or test market interest. These are known as ghost jobs. Openings that appear real but lead nowhere.
A recent survey by Clarify Capital found that 68% of hiring managers admit to posting job openings that are not intended to be filled. In fact, 40% say they keep job ads up to make the company appear like it is growing, even when there are no active hiring plans.
Another analysis by Harvard Business Review shows that applicants spend an average of 30 minutes per job application, meaning a candidate who applies to 50 ghost jobs may lose more than 25 hours chasing roles that were never available.
Ghost listings are often hard to identify. They look recent, they are written well, and they appear legitimate. But the lack of follow-through creates a cycle of disappointment and wasted effort.
A New Problem From the Other Side
Job seekers are also responding in new ways. Some accept offers but fail to show up. Others participate in interviews only to gather information or use the offer to negotiate elsewhere. This behavior is called career catfishing.
A February 2025 report from inFeedo AI found roughly 25% of candidates turn down an offer even after verbally committing.
The rise of this trend is forcing employers to move faster and tighten their vetting process. It also contributes to longer waiting periods and lower communication overall, which slows down the process for serious candidates.
The Candidates Who Move Ahead Think Differently
According to LinkedIn’s 2025 hiring trends, job seekers who apply within the first 48 hours of a post are 4 times more likely to be considered for an interview. That speed requires accurate information and a clear understanding of which roles are still open.
Candidates who focus on active hiring signals such as recruiter engagement or recently updated listings cut their application timelines in half. They apply less, but get better results.
A job search should feel like progress, not guesswork. When the information is current and the listing is real, each application moves you closer to a result. You save time, energy, and confidence.
Strong candidates streamline their focus. They look for clarity in the job title, updated application windows, and roles where a recruiter is still actively managing the post. They move forward with confidence, knowing their time is being spent where it matters.
The job search process has changed. There are new risks, new behaviors, and new tactics on both sides of the hiring table. But the right roles still exist, and the right strategy still works.
You deserve to apply for real jobs with real outcomes. The difference starts with better information, better timing, and a better approach.
Get Ahead of Ghost Jobs with Lightspeed Jobs
Lightspeed Jobs gives you a live feed of verified remote roles across platforms, so you only see jobs that are real, active, and ready to hire. It filters out ghost listings, surfaces early openings, and highlights key hiring signals, so you can act faster and apply smarter.
Each role comes with a clean summary and instant clarity on the must-know details. You spend less time reading and more time applying to roles that match your skills and timing.