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Key Takeaways:
Nearly 1 in 3 employers had job postings active for more than 30 days, about half the rate compared to 2022 (68%).
Despite 3 in 5 employers seeking to fill a position, 1 in 4 don't plan to fill it for 3 months or longer.
About 1 in 5 employers use AI to automate postings for inactive roles.
Over 90% of job seekers believe ghost jobs inflate perceptions of a healthy job market.
3 in 10 job seekers have used ChatGPT to apply for a job.
Job seekers who used ChatGPT were 5x more likely to hear back from an employer than those who did not.
The Employer Perspective: Why Do Companies Post Ghost Jobs?
Nearly 1 in 3 employers had job postings active for more than 30 days, about half the rate compared to 2022 (68%).
Industries with the most open positions that are not being actively pursued for immediate filling:
Tech
Education
Manufacturing
Healthcare
Retail
Nearly 1 in 5 employers use AI to automate job postings for roles that are currently inactive.
Nearly 1 in 4 companies have laid people off in the past 3 months.
3 in 5 employers are seeking to fill a job position, but 1 in 4 don't plan to fill it for 3 months or longer.
54% do not plan to fill this position within the next 2 months.
Over 1 in 4 are unsure when they are going to fill this position.
Nearly 1 in 8 employers have left a job open for more than 4 months.
2 in 5 employers believe keeping a position open long-term helps attract higher-quality candidates.
1 in 5 employers intentionally leave roles unfilled to reduce costs while appearing active in hiring.
1 in 5 companies feel pressured by stakeholders or investors to maintain an image of growth through job postings.
The Job Seeker Perspective: The Real-World Impact of Ghost Jobs
3 in 10 job seekers, including 2 in 5 Gen Zers, have used ChatGPT to apply for a job.
Job seekers who used ChatGPT were 5x more likely to hear back from an employer than those who did not.
3 in 4 job seekers have suspected companies posting ghost jobs.
97% of job seekers think companies should disclose if a job posting is for pipeline building or future roles.
Over 90% of job seekers believe ghost jobs inflate perceptions of a healthy job market.
Methodology
We surveyed 1,000 American employers and 200 job seekers to uncover the ongoing phenomenon of "ghost jobs" in 2025. Among employers, the average age was 43; 42% were female, 57% were male, and 1% were non-binary. Among job seekers, the average age was 38; 46% were female, 52% were male, and 2% were non-binary. Generationally, 18% of job seekers were baby boomers and Gen X, 58% were millennials, and 24% were Gen Z.
About Clarify Capital
Clarify Capital helps business owners secure the financing they need to thrive in today's competitive marketplace, including no-doc business loans and fast business loans. Our tailored financial solutions support entrepreneurial dreams, turning visions into reality.
Fair Use Statement
Feel free to share these findings for noncommercial purposes, but please provide a link back to this page.
Emma Parker
Senior Funding Manager
Emma holds a B.S. in finance from NYU and has been working in the business financing industry for over a decade. She is passionate about helping small business owners grow by finding the right funding option that makes sense for them. More about the Clarify team →
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