Imagine spending hours crafting the perfect job application, only to realise the role never truly existed. A recent analysis from Greenhouse’s hiring platform revealed that nearly one in five job postings — between 18% and 22% — are actually “ghost jobs.”

Ghost jobs are roles that companies advertise online but do not intend to fill. In some industries, such as construction and the arts, the numbers climb even higher, with one in three job listings turning out to be fake.

This trend can be especially frustrating for digital nomads and freelancers seeking international opportunities. Applying to ghost jobs wastes valuable time, leads to lost income, and can even result in burnout. Understanding why companies post fake job listings and how to identify them can help you focus on real, paying opportunities.

Looking for a community that helps you navigate the job market and secure real opportunities? Join The Grey Area and connect with fellow freelancers and digital nomads today.

Why do companies post fake jobs?

The motivations behind ghost jobs vary, but they all add unnecessary friction to your job search. Some of the most common reasons companies post fake listings include:

• Projecting a facade of growth – Companies want to appear as if they’re expanding, even when they’re not hiring.
• Keeping an open pipeline – Some companies post jobs to collect CVs and keep a pool of potential candidates for future needs.
• Boosting employer branding – A company with many job openings may seem more attractive to job seekers and investors.
• Pressuring existing employees – By posting job listings, companies can create the illusion that employees are easily replaceable, which may discourage salary negotiations or resignations.

A 2024 survey from Resume Builder found that 39% of hiring managers admitted their company had posted fake job listings. Among them, 26% posted one to three fake listings, while 13% admitted to posting 75 or more.

Also read: How to land digital nomad jobs with no experience

Separating fact from fiction

There are many misconceptions about job postings, especially in the remote and freelance space. Let’s separate some common myths from the facts:

• Myth: Every job listing you find online is an active opportunity.
• Fact: Many companies post jobs they have no intention of filling in the near future.
• Myth: If a job is listed on a major job board, it must be real.
• Fact: Even on reputable platforms, companies can post ghost jobs for branding, pipeline-building, or other strategic reasons.
• Myth: If a job stays open for months, it’s because they haven't found the right candidate.
• Fact: Some companies leave job postings up indefinitely with no real hiring plans.

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How to identify legitimate job and gig openings

With so many misleading job postings, how can you protect yourself? Here are some red flags and best practices to ensure you’re applying to real opportunities:

1. Check hiring activity trends – Look at the company’s LinkedIn page or website to see if they’ve been actively hiring and onboarding new employees.
2. Verify the job listing – If a role has been open for months with no updates, it may be a ghost job.
3. Look for specific details – Legitimate listings have clear job descriptions, salary details, and required qualifications. Vague descriptions can be a red flag.
4. Use direct outreach – If possible, contact someone at the company to confirm that the job is actively being filled.
5. Avoid listings that require upfront fees – No legitimate employer will ask you to pay for applications, training, or background checks before hiring.
6. Check reviews and forums – Websites like Glassdoor and community forums often have insights from past applicants. You can also join a supportive community of freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads like The Grey Area to discuss job listings, share notes, and gain insights.

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Stay ahead of the ghost job trap

Your job search should lead to real opportunities, not wasted time. By staying vigilant and using the strategies outlined above, you can focus on finding legitimate gigs that help you grow your career. Having the right tools and network can help you confidently navigate the job market and avoid ghost job traps.

Join The Grey Area, our thriving community of freelancers and remote workers, to gain valuable insights, share experiences, and connect with like-minded professionals.

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