A growing number of job listings are misleading applicants across the country. Recent labor market data gathered by My Perfect Resume reveal that nearly one in three posted jobs never result in a hire. This means thousands of candidates are unknowingly applying for roles that do not actually exist.
In June 2025, U.S. companies reported 7.4 million job openings. However, only 5.2 million hires were made that month, leaving over 2.2 million postings that led nowhere. These so-called “ghost jobs” are becoming a permanent fixture in the job market.
The problem is most severe in white-collar fields. Government roles best the list with a 60% ghost rate. Education, healthcare, and finance aren’t far behind. These sectors often post jobs due to internal policies, hiring freezes, or to signal growth, even when no actual hiring is taking place.
“Millions of openings suggest opportunity, but many are illusions,” says Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectResume.
By contrast, sectors like construction and hospitality show tighter alignment between job postings and actual hires. If you’re looking for work, these industries may offer a clearer path.
To protect your time, focus on recent listings, avoid vague descriptions, and apply directly on company websites. Check for hiring activity on LinkedIn and lean into networking. Personal referrals are often your best shot at landing a legitimate role.
Your lack of callbacks might not reflect your qualifications. You may just be chasing jobs that were never real in the first place.
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