Frequently Asked Questions
Why do job platforms allow ghost jobs to stay online? ↓
Job boards generate revenue based on corporate subscriptions, traffic metrics, and sponsored placement fees. Because leaving listings open drives user traffic and engagement, platforms have little financial incentive to aggressively police stale positions unless they violate clear safety terms.
How old is too old when looking at an online job ad? ↓
As a rule of thumb, any corporate position posted more than 30 to 45 days ago without an explicit 'actively hiring' update tag should be treated with skepticism. Most genuine, funded vacancies are filled or closed within a month.
Can an evergreen job listing ever lead to a real job offer? ↓
Yes, but the timeline is highly unpredictable. If you apply to an evergreen pipeline pool, your resume sits on file until a real vacancy opens up due to growth or turnover. It is fine to apply, but do not stop your active search while waiting for a response.
What should I do if I think I applied to a fake data harvesting job? ↓
Monitor your phone lines and email for an uptick in targeted spam or phishing links. If you provided sensitive financial data or account passwords, contact your institution immediately to flag your profiles for unauthorized access.