Some listings sound perfect—until weeks pass with no reply and no updates. Ghost jobs aren’t just frustrating; they can waste time, build false hope or even compromise your personal info. If you are actively applying and want to avoid dead-end postings, here are 15 smart ways to protect your job search from fake listings.

Check The Posting Date

A job listing that’s been hanging around too long? That’s more of a red flag than an opportunity. Always check the original post date—if it’s been up for over 30 days without updates or activity, proceed with caution. Legitimate openings are often filled quickly or regularly refreshed. This lack of movement could mean the position doesn’t actually exist.

Use Scam Report Tools

Before applying, run the company or job through scam-reporting platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Scamwatch or even Reddit forums. Crowdsourced alerts can expose patterns of deceptive postings. If you find multiple complaints about interviews that go nowhere or sudden fee requests, that’s your cue to move on.

Analyze The Job Description

Some listings read like they were written by AI—bland, recycled, and confusing. If there’s nothing specific about responsibilities or qualifications, take that as a red flag. Real jobs come with real expectations. Vague words like “dynamic” and “motivated” tell you nothing. Ask yourself: Can you picture the role?

Research The Company’s Reputation

A quick company background check can save you time and effort. Use Glassdoor, LinkedIn or recent news articles to see what’s really going on. Poor reviews or zero online presence should raise concerns. Active companies tend to leave a digital trail.

Verify The Job On The Company Website

Real jobs don’t play hide and seek. If the listing doesn’t appear on the company’s official careers page, something’s off. Cross-reference before applying. It’s one of the quickest ways to weed out ghost posts and save yourself time (and hope).

Check For Repetitive Postings

Job listings that keep popping up every few weeks? That’s not a good look. It could mean high turnover, internal disorganization—or worse, a position that never really gets filled. Keep track of postings you’ve seen before. Recycling isn’t always a good thing in job hunting.

Investigate Recent Layoffs

Layoffs don’t always make headlines, but they’re worth checking for. A company that’s recently downsized might still post jobs to appear stable or attract talent “just in case.” Use LinkedIn or news alerts to scan for any cuts before you put energy into applying.

Evaluate The Application Process

Pay attention to what happens after you click apply. Does the process feel clunky, random or a little too “automatic”? Some ghost jobs exist to build talent pipelines, not to actually hire. If you never get confirmation or updates, your resume may be collecting dust.

Assess The Salary And Benefits

When a salary sounds like someone dreamed it up over lunch, you should pause. A legit job reflects market standards. Overly generous offers or vague “competitive pay” claims could mask a nonexistent opening or serve as bait to gather resumes. Trust your gut and research compensation ranges before applying.

Look For Lack Of Contact Information

Legitimate postings almost always include a hiring manager’s name, a recruiting contact or at least a verifiable HR email. If the only point of contact is a faceless web form—or nothing at all—you should be skeptical. Transparency is a hiring standard, not a bonus.

Monitor Response Time

After applying, pay close attention to how quickly the company follows up. Weeks with no reply? That’s often a sign the role isn’t actively being filled. Legit hiring teams typically move fast or at least send an acknowledgment. Silence isn’t just rude—it might mean the job never existed.

Investigate The Hiring Timeline

Every real job has a hiring schedule, even if it’s loose. Ask or look for clues about the timeline in the post. A vague or open-ended process can mean the position is just there for “future consideration.” Don’t wait forever for something that’s not moving.

Check For Internal Candidates

Some roles are already spoken for before they ever hit job boards. Internal hires occur frequently, and companies sometimes post externally just to comply with policy. Look for wording like “we’re exploring options” or “strong internal interest”—those could be your clue that the spot’s already filled.

Beware Of Urgent Application Requests

“If you don’t apply in the next hour, you’ll miss out!” Sound familiar? Fake listings often use urgency to rush you into skipping due diligence. Real hiring teams value thoughtful applications, not panic. Any job pushing artificial deadlines is likely more interested in harvesting data than hiring talent.

Network With Current Employees

Want the real scoop? Talk to someone who already works there. A quick LinkedIn message or email can reveal whether the company is actually hiring or just stockpiling resumes. It’s also a chance to ask how applicants are treated and whether filling the role is a genuine priority.