Ghost Jobs: How NJ Job Seekers Can Spot Them Before Wasting Time

If you’ve ever applied for a job and never heard back, you may have unknowingly applied to a ghost job. These are postings that companies list even though they aren’t actively hiring. Sometimes they’re used to collect résumés for future needs, gauge the job market, or simply fulfill a policy requirement.

For job seekers in New Jersey’s competitive market, ghost jobs can be frustrating. Here are some practical tips to help you recognize and avoid them before you invest time in tailoring your résumé and cover letter:

1. Watch for long-standing postings

If a job ad has been sitting online for months with no updates, it’s likely stale. Real openings usually have a sense of urgency and close once filled.

2. Notice repeated reposts

A position that keeps reappearing every few weeks with the same wording is a red flag. It may not be a live opportunity, but rather a placeholder.

3. Look out for vague descriptions

When the description is filled with buzzwords like “rockstar,” “dynamic team player,” or “fast-paced environment”—but lacks clear responsibilities or measurable expectations—it may be a ghost listing.

4. Check the company’s own careers page

If you find the job on Indeed or LinkedIn but it doesn’t appear on the company’s official site, that’s a sign the position may not exist. Always verify directly with the employer.

5. Be cautious of duplicate postings

When you see identical job descriptions posted by multiple recruiters or staffing agencies, the role may not be real—or it could have been filled long ago.

Before applying, do a little research or even a lot. Look for recent employee reviews, check LinkedIn to see if people are joining the company in similar roles, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a recruiter or HR contact to confirm whether the job is active or even real.  Many companies will want to know if they are being used by fake companies to scam people. 

By being aware of ghost jobs, you can focus your energy on opportunities that truly exist—and avoid the frustration of chasing listings that disappoint.

What to Do Instead

Instead of chasing ghost jobs, here’s how to keep your search safe and productive in New Jersey:

• Stick to trusted sources. Check the company’s official careers page or carefully vet their profil on platforms like LinkedIn, scan the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP.org) website or contact the Greater Workforce Development in our county to guide you on finding legitimate opportunities.

• Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board | Somerset County - The GRWDB serves both Hunterdon County, NJ and Somerset County, NJ under a Joint Agreement ratified by both Boards of County Commissioners.  Email: info@TheGRWDB.org  / Phone: 908-203-6044

• Avoid risky interview requests. Be cautious of employers asking you to travel to a remote or unusual location, especially late at night. Legitimate companies conduct interviews during normal business hours and in professional settings—or virtually through secure platforms.

• Network locally. Attend events hosted by organizations like the Somerset County Business Partnership, local chambers, or professional associations. Many jobs are filled through referrals before they’re ever posted.

• Connect with career centers. NJ community colleges and libraries often host job fairs, résumé workshops, and networking events with employers who are actually hiring.

• Trust your instincts. If something about the job—or the process—feels “off,” step back. A real employer will respect your need to confirm details before moving forward.

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