Why You’re Not Hearing Back: The Truth About Ghost Jobs

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I’ve spent hours tailoring my resume to match job listings word for word. I’ve rewritten the same cover letter so many times that I could recite it in my sleep. And I’ve applied to jobs that seemed like a perfect fit—and others I thought might at least get me in the door. But now I know many of them were ghost jobs—positions posted with no real intention of hiring.

Table of Contents

• The Constant Noise of Recruiters
• Ghost Jobs Are Real—and Common
• What You Can Do Right Now
• If You’re Still Searching
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I know this because I was ghosted—no emails, no calls, not even a rejection.

At first, I questioned myself. Maybe my resume needed work. Maybe I wasn’t qualified after all. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t it. Gaps fill my resume, like many military spouses. We move often. Orders send our families across the country or overseas. Jobs we enjoy get left behind because we have no choice. Explaining that to people who have never lived this life is exhausting. The truth is harder to admit: some of these jobs don’t even exist.

The Constant Noise of Recruiters

I get messages every week—sometimes every day. Recruiters I’ve never spoken to, texting me out of the blue. Emails with vague subject lines and job descriptions that have nothing to do with my skills or experience. Calls from people who clearly haven’t read my resume.

I’ve been contacted multiple times by recruiters from John Deere, the largest employer in my area. Once, I even landed an interview. I showed up prepared with a tailored resume down to the last bullet point. I gave thoughtful answers and followed up afterward.

And then… nothing. Not even a “thanks for your time.”

But that didn’t stop them. Weeks later, I started getting new messages—different roles, same silence. It feels like they’re just collecting names, not hiring people. I’m a writer. A photographer. A freelancer with years of experience building my own brand and voice. I’m not looking for a job in sales or logistics or customer service, and yet that’s what they keep pushing.

And still no one ever seems to remember they’ve called me before.

Ghost Jobs Are Real—and Common

Some of these jobs aren’t real. They’re ghost jobs. Listings for positions companies have no intention of filling. Maybe they’re building a resume pool. It’s also likely they want to look like they are growing for investors. Maybe they’re just playing a game, but it isn’t any fun.

Turns out, nearly 40% of companies have admitted to posting job listings for positions they aren’t actively hiring for. About 30% currently have active ghost listings on their websites. Some do it to collect resumes. Others want to appear like they’re growing. A few are trying to manipulate current employees with the illusion of competition.

It’s a strategy. But one that costs job seekers time, energy, and confidence. I know I’m not alone. I talk to friends in other industries—teachers, project managers, healthcare workers. They’re going through the same thing. They’re sending out resumes, customizing every line, and hearing nothing back.

Whatever the reason, it’s exhausting.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re still applying and still getting silence, I hear you. The system is crowded with noise, and some of those listings may never be filled. But here’s what I’ve learned to do with my energy instead:

• Network with people who already know you. A former coworker. A friend of a friend. Someone you collaborated with years ago. We’ve all built relationships—now is the time to use them.
• Make your resume simple and keyword-friendly. Many companies use software to filter resumes. If you don’t match the exact phrasing, you may never be seen.
• Avoid ghost jobs. If a job has been posted for months with no updates, or it shows up again and again, move on.
• Attend in-person events and job fairs. Face-to-face connections still matter. Sometimes that five-minute conversation lands you an opportunity that an online application never would.
• Keep your LinkedIn profile updated. Be active. Comment, post, reach out. Let people know what you do—and what you’re looking for.
• Follow the energy, not just the listing. If it feels cold or vague, it probably is. If it feels human and clear, invest more of yourself.

If You’re Still Searching

Calling the employer can sometimes open doors that online applications can’t. Whenever possible, apply directly through the company’s website instead of relying only on job boards like Indeed or Career.com. If you don’t receive a rejection, follow up and ask why you weren’t selected or how you can improve as a candidate. If you do get a rejection, ask to be considered for future openings. Ghost jobs and ageism exist, but taking these extra steps may help you reach the real opportunities.

*** Update: it’s Thursday, August 21st, and I just got a job.

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