The Phantom Job Search, Part II: How to Tell if a Job Posting is Real or a Ghost

In Part I of this series, we explored the eerie experience of ghosting and ghost jobs—and how to keep your confidence intact when the job search starts to feel haunted.

But what if you could spot a ghost before it drains your energy?

In this follow-up post, we’ll break down how to evaluate whether a job posting is real, active, and worth your time—or just a digital mirage. Because your energy is valuable, your skills are in demand, and your job search deserves better than chasing shadows.

Let’s sharpen your instincts—and your strategy.

1. Check the Posting Date and Platform

Red flags:

• The job has been up for 30+ days without any updates

• It's posted only on a company’s careers page (and not LinkedIn or Indeed)

• It’s been reposted multiple times with slightly different titles or vague descriptions

What to do:

• Look for roles posted or updated in the last 7–14 days on multiple platforms

• Use tools like LinkedIn’s “# applicants” feature or “days posted” filter to focus your search

2. Use LinkedIn to Investigate the Hiring Activity

Red flags:

• No mention of hiring or growth on the company’s LinkedIn in recent months

• The hiring manager or recruiter hasn’t engaged with your application or LinkedIn outreach

• You see multiple former employees with that same title, but no recent new hires

What to do:

• Look at the company's People tab on LinkedIn to spot patterns in hiring or attrition

• Message someone on the team (or in HR) with a polite inquiry:
  “Hi [Name], I saw the [Job Title] role posted and was curious if the position is actively being filled. Happy to apply if so—and grateful for any insight!”

3. Look for Clarity and Specificity in the Job Description

Red flags:

• The description is vague, jargon-heavy, or sounds like a generic template

• It lacks details about responsibilities, team structure, or success metrics

• It lists conflicting or unrealistic qualifications (e.g., 10+ years of experience for an entry-level role)

What to do:

• Favor postings that clearly outline what success looks like in the role

• Bonus points if they mention the team size, key projects, or leadership style—that signals real thought and readiness to hire

4. Check the Company’s Career Page and News

Red flags:

• Dozens of open roles but no signs of recent hiring

• Layoffs or restructuring mentioned in recent press

• No new blog posts, product updates, or team news in the last 6+ months

What to do:

• Research the company’s recent activity—if it feels like a ghost town, the role might be too

• Use tools like Crunchbase or news alerts to track their momentum

5. Trust Your Gut (and Your Strengths)

If something feels off—it probably is. As a job seeker, you’re not just looking for any job. You’re looking for a role that fits your values, strengths, and goals. Don’t waste your energy chasing shadows.

Instead, focus on roles where:

• You can spot signs of recent, real activity

• The role aligns with what you do best

• You can see yourself bringing value (and growing in return)

Ready to focus your energy where it actually counts?

Sorting real opportunities from the ghosts takes more than guesswork—it takes strategy, self-awareness, and support. If you're ready to job search with more intention (and far less frustration), I’d love to help.

Reach out and let’s get started!