YOU MIGHT BE APPLYING TO JOBS THAT DON’T EXIST

You find the perfect job online. You spend 45 minutes tailoring your resume. You hit apply. And then... silence.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. While there could be a dozen reasons why you're not hearing back, today I want to talk about one you've probably never considered:

You might be applying to a job that doesn't actually exist.

Yes, really. Ghost jobs. Fake postings. Phantom roles. Whatever you want to call them. They're real, and they're more common than you think.

In fact, a recent US-based survey suggests that up to 30% of posted jobs fall into this category. And from my own recruitment days, I can tell that that number checks out.

So let's talk about what these ghost jobs are, why they exist, and how you can protect yourself from falling into their trap.

So... what are ghost jobs?

Ghost jobs are job ads with no intention to hire behind them. Think of them as shopfronts with nothing on the shelves. Sometimes they're placeholders. Sometimes they're for show. And sometimes they're just... manipulation, plain, and simple.

Why would companies post fake jobs?

I like to give the most generous interpretation possible, mostly for my own sanity. So let's start with the less sinister reasons:

1. Database building + workforce planning

Recruiters need a healthy pipeline of candidates before a role actually opens. I've done this myself. When I first started out, I was encouraged to post more jobs so I could build my database and get comfortable with candidate conversations.

Some companies know they might have a role open later in the year, so they post early to map out available talent. 

2. Perception management

Posting jobs creates the illusion of growth. Constant hiring = healthy company, right? A full job board looks a lot better than radio silence, especially to potential investors, competitors, and... yes, candidates. 

3. Internal optics (aka, the not-so generous take)

Sometimes ghost jobs are used to quiet internal teams. Overworked staff asking for help? "No worries, we've posted the job already!"

Except... there's no budget. No intent. Just smoke and mirrors. And the job seeker? Caught in the crossfire.

So how can you tell if a job is fake?

Honestly? It's tough. But not impossible.

Here are some ways to protect your time and sanity:

• Cross-check on multiple platforms: If it's posted on a niche portal but not the company's own site or official government boards (like MyCareersFuture in Singapore), be skeptical.
• Watch for recycling: If a job keeps popping up every month or 6-8 months straight, it's either low-priority or not real.
• Scan the language: Does the job description feel rushed, vague, or overly generic? Often, junior recruiters (or AI tools) draft ghost postings with little care and it shows.

What should you do instead?

One golden rule: Talk to humans. 

Networking is your best defense against fake jobs. Reach out to people at the company. Message hiring managers. Tap into alumni or peer connections.

Ask questions like: "Is this role active?"  "Has the team been expanding recently?"  "Any insights on the hiring timeline?" 

Even if you still end up applying online, those human touch points help you validate the role and stand out from the sea of silent applicants.

And if networking feels cringey or overwhelming, I've broken it all down in a digital course on The Art & Science of Networking for Job Search. It's packed with actionable tips on how to reach out effectively, even for introverts.

Final Thoughts

Please don't let ghost jobs erode your confidence. If you've been applying and hearing nothing, it might not be you. It might be the role that was never real to begin with. The best job search strategy combines smart online applications with intentional human outreach.

And it's the latter that makes all the difference. Keep showing up. Keep asking questions. And most importantly, don't take the silence personally. 

Until next week!

Shub (Your Career Growth Partner)