The Shocking Truth Behind 'Ghost Jobs' in Australia - Are You Applying for Fake Roles?

The alarming rise of 'ghost jobs' is leaving many Australian job seekers in limbo, with no responses or feedback after countless applications.

The Struggle is Real for Job Seekers

Evie Jackson, a 28-year-old from Melbourne, shared her frustrating experience of applying to hundreds of jobs over six months without a single callback. Her story highlights a growing trend that's making the job search even more challenging for many Aussies.

What Are Ghost Jobs?

Ghost jobs are job postings that appear legitimate but are actually fake. Companies use them for various reasons, such as:

• Enhancing their public image by appearing to be hiring.
• Collecting market data and storing resumes for future use.

The Shocking Statistics

A report from ResumeBuilder.com revealed that 40% of hiring managers admitted their company had posted a fake job in the past year. Even more concerning, 13% confessed to posting 75 or more fake roles.

How to Spot a Ghost Job

Evie noticed some red flags that might indicate a ghost job:

• The job ad remains posted for more than 30 days.
• You receive repeated email notifications for the same position.

The Legal Implications

Under Australian Consumer Law, misleading job ads can lead to penalties of up to $1.1 million. However, many companies seem willing to take the risk, leaving job seekers like Evie feeling disrespected and disillusioned.

The Human Cost

Evie's experience is far from unique. Her TikTok video resonated with thousands who've faced similar challenges. The lack of communication from employers adds to the frustration, making the job search feel even more isolating.

A Call for Change

Evie's story underscores the need for greater transparency and respect in the hiring process. Until then, job seekers might have to resort to old-school methods—like handing out resumes in person—to stand out in a sea of digital applications.