Job hunting like "hunting ghosts"? Uncovering the dark truths of the workplace: Beware of those "ghost job openings" you can see but never land!

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Foreword: Is job hunting about "seeking employment" or "seeking peace of mind"?

In today's fiercely competitive job market, many job seekers find themselves searching high and low for their ideal position, only to have their resumes disappear without a trace, like stones sinking into the sea. Have you ever wondered why a company's job opening remains posted for months, even years, yet your talented friends never even get an interview opportunity?According to the latest BBC report, this might not be because you're not good enough, but because you've encountered the legendary "ghost jobs" in the workplace. Today, we'll lift the veil on this mystery and see what tricks companies are playing.

What Are "Ghost Job Postings"? The Data Will Make Your Heart Race

So-called "ghost job postings" refer to positions that companies publicly list on recruitment platforms but have no intention of filling, or that have already been filled. According to a UK study, a staggering 34% of job postings are completely non-existent!This isn't just an issue abroad; on major job platforms in Taiwan, this kind of "bait-and-switch" practice is all too common. It leaves many job seekers feeling helpless and frustrated—spending hours meticulously polishing their resumes and preparing cover letters, only to end up talking to thin air. It's nothing but wasted effort.

Why Do Companies "Puff Up Their Cheeks to Look Fat"? The Four Key Motivations Behind It

Why would a company waste resources on job ads when it clearly isn't short-staffed? Behind this lies a number of hidden motives:

• Establish a talent pool to prepare for unforeseen circumstances:

Companies want to be able to "pick and choose" when they need people, so they simply keep job openings posted indefinitely to collect resumes. For companies, this is "laying the groundwork," but for job seekers, it's "wasting their prime years."

• Show investors a "vibrant outlook":

To give the impression that the company is undergoing rapid expansion, businesses deliberately post numerous job openings to "put on a show," creating the illusion that the company is "at its peak" in order to boost investor confidence.

• Motivate (or intimidate) internal employees:

Sometimes, companies post job openings to put pressure on existing employees. The message is: "Don't think we can't do without you—there's a long line of people waiting outside!" While this approach achieves a certain "warning" effect, it often creates an atmosphere of constant suspicion and anxiety in the workplace.

• Brand Exposure and SEO:

Through continuous recruitment postings, companies can boost their brand's online visibility—effectively serving as a form of "free advertising."

Job Seekers' "Heartache Known to None": The Negative Impact of Phantom Job Openings

This approach is undoubtedly detrimental to the labor market, offering no benefits whatsoever.

1. Undermining Job-Seeking Confidence: When job seekers send out hundreds of resumes without receiving a single response, they easily fall into self-doubt and even develop a sense of frustration over being "unappreciated for their talents."
2. Wasting social resources: Job seekers spend considerable time researching companies and crafting resumes, only to end up with nothing to show for it. This represents a significant waste in the overall allocation of labor resources for society.
3. Trust Crisis: Such dishonest behavior will drive the trust between employers and employees to an all-time low. Over time, it will also damage the company's image, ultimately backfiring on the organization itself.

How to Spot Phantom Job Postings: Your Guide to Becoming a Job-Hunting Expert

To avoid being taken advantage of, consider the following points before submitting your resume:

• Observe how long a job posting has been up: If a position has been posted for over six months without being taken down, it's most likely a "permanent vacancy." It's advisable to approach it with skepticism.
• Cross-check official websites and job platforms: If a company lists numerous vacancies on job boards but its "Join Us" page remains empty, it may simply be casting a wide net.
• Pay attention to the specificity of job descriptions: Content that is overly vague or ambiguous—such as "highly enthusiastic and flexible" without detailing specific responsibilities—is often merely a ploy to "collect data."
• Leverage online reviews: Check platforms like Interview Fun and Glassdoor to see if anyone has shared experiences of the position being "view-only" without actual hiring.

Author's Commentary: Integrity is the only way for a company to thrive in the long run.

In today's technologically advanced world, while data collection is easy, "human hearts" come at a high cost. Companies that focus solely on "painting rosy pictures" to lure talent into their talent pools while disregarding job seekers' dignity and time will ultimately earn themselves a bad reputation. We hope governments or platforms will implement stricter review mechanisms to prevent these "ghost companies" from continuing to run rampant in the workplace.While job hunting requires a level head, when encountering companies that play tricks, job seekers should learn to protect themselves—don't let your passion turn into nothing but a fleeting illusion.

Keywords: #GhostJobs #WorkplaceRealities #JobHuntingTips #BBCNews #WorkplaceObservations #TaiwanJobMarket”