LinkedIn Ghost Jobs: Why Postings Stay Up After Hiring
Have you ever come across a job posting on LinkedIn that caught your attention, went through the application process, and received a notification that the position is already filled? This experience may have left you feeling confused and wondering, “Why is the job posting still up if the position has been filled?” This phenomenon is commonly known as a “LinkedIn Ghost Job,” and it has been a topic of debate among job seekers and recruiters alike. In this article, we will dive deep into the reasons behind these ghost jobs and what they mean for employers and job seekers.
The Rise of LinkedIn Ghost Jobs
With over 740 million users globally, LinkedIn has become a popular platform for professionals to network and find job opportunities. As per LinkedIn’s report, the platform witnessed a surge of 60 million users between October 2020 to January 2021, highlighting the massive influx of active job seekers on the platform. Along with the increased user base, there has also been a significant rise in the number of job postings. However, not all job postings on LinkedIn result in actual hiring.
The phenomenon of LinkedIn Ghost Jobs is not new but has become more prevalent in recent times, and the current job market is a major contributing factor. Due to the economic uncertainties caused by the pandemic, many companies are downsizing, freezing hiring, or delaying new hires. This has led to the job postings staying up on LinkedIn even after the positions have been filled.
Why do Employers Keep Ghost Jobs on LinkedIn?
1. Time Constraints
Hiring managers and recruiters are always working under strict deadlines to fill job positions, and sometimes taking down a job posting is not a top priority. In such cases, employers tend to leave the posting up until the new hire has joined and settled into the role.
2. Resume Collection for Future Openings
LinkedIn offers an option for employers to keep a job posting active for future reference. This means that recruiters can still find and save resumes of suitable candidates even after the job posting has been filled. This helps them in building a pool of potential hires for future openings, saving time and resources in the long run.
3. Receiving High-Quality Resumes
Despite the position being filled, employers are still receiving resumes from qualified candidates. This is mostly due to LinkedIn’s algorithm that suggests job postings to users based on their skills and interests. As a result, the employer may receive resumes even after the position has been filled, leading them to keep the posting active to capitalize on the influx of high-quality resumes.
The Impact on Job Seekers
Sending job applications and not hearing back from the employer is a frustrating experience for job seekers. In the case of LinkedIn Ghost Jobs, this can lead to a feeling of hopelessness and rejection. However, it is important to note that these ghost jobs do not always reflect the employer’s intention to deceive or mislead job seekers. In most cases, it is simply a result of technicalities and time constraints.
Nonetheless, the impact of LinkedIn Ghost Jobs on the job seeker’s morale cannot be ignored. Job seekers may feel that their time and effort have been wasted, and this can be demotivating. To avoid such situations, it is advisable to pay attention to the date the job posting was posted and how long it has been up on the platform before applying.
The Need for Transparency
The occurrence of LinkedIn Ghost Jobs highlights the need for more transparency in the hiring process. Employers can mitigate the frustration and confusion of job seekers by providing clear timelines and updates on the status of job postings. They can also consider taking down a job posting as soon as a suitable candidate has been hired to avoid receiving any further applications.
In addition, job seekers should also strive to maintain a proactive approach in their job search. This involves regular research and following up with employers regarding the status of their application, rather than solely relying on the job posting.
In Conclusion
LinkedIn Ghost Jobs are a result of the current job market dynamics and the technical aspects of the platform. Employers and job seekers should aim towards establishing clear communication and transparency in the hiring process to avoid any misunderstandings. As a job seeker, it is important to stay informed and proactive in your job search, while employers must prioritize timely removal of job postings to provide a better experience for all parties involved.
Have you encountered any LinkedIn Ghost Jobs? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
