🔧 The Enigma of “Ghost” Jobs in the IT Market: A Frustrating Reality for Technology Professionals

In our market, which always seems to be booming and full of opportunities, many of us face a puzzling situation: the “ghost job” listings. Those job postings that, in theory, look promising but result in complete silence. No feedback, no follow-up, no end. This is an increasingly common frustration for those working in technology.

What are "Ghost Jobs"?

“Ghost jobs” are those opportunities advertised by companies, but that, in practice, seem not to actually exist. You spend time applying, going through interviews, or even completing technical tests, only to be left in the lurch. Common ways this happens include:

• Filled positions: The company has already hired someone but keeps the job open due to sheer oversight or bureaucracy.
• Endless processes: Even after several stages of the selection process, you never receive a definitive answer, whether positive or negative.
• Resume banks: Sometimes, companies are just accumulating resumes for future openings but have no intention of hiring immediately.

The Impact on Careers and Motivation

This lack of feedback profoundly affects the confidence and motivation of IT professionals. We spend hours perfecting our resumes, preparing portfolios, and participating in complex technical interviews, only to be ignored. Besides the lost time, the emotional impact of uncertainty breeds discouragement and frustration, especially for those starting their careers.

Over time, this situation can lead professionals to question their skills, which is extremely detrimental for those who are constantly learning and developing.

Why Does This Happen?

There are several common reasons for the proliferation of “ghost jobs” in IT:

• Changing priorities: In tech companies, especially startups, priorities can shift rapidly. A position that was urgent last week may simply lose relevance with new strategic decisions.
• Inefficient processes: Often, companies lack a well-organized recruitment system, resulting in poor communication with candidates.
• Excess candidates: The IT market attracts many qualified professionals. This means that, for some positions, the company can become overwhelmed by the number of resumes and unable to manage the volume.
• Continuous recruitment: Some companies keep positions open continuously to create a talent pipeline. In this case, even if hiring is not immediate, they continue to collect resumes.

How to Protect Yourself from "Ghost Jobs"?

Although there is no magic formula to completely avoid these situations, there are some strategies that can help minimize the impact:

• Research the company: Before applying, look for information about the company's reputation in the market and read reviews on sites like Glassdoor. Companies that frequently leave candidates without a response tend to be known for this.
• Set realistic expectations: It’s important to understand that not all applications will receive feedback. Diversifying your applications and not putting all your hopes into a single job can prevent greater frustrations.
• Be proactive: If you haven’t heard back for weeks, reach out to the recruiter to inquire about the status of your application. While this doesn’t guarantee a response, it shows your proactivity and may draw attention to your profile.
• Strengthen your networking: Often, the best opportunities come through direct contacts. Participating in events, communities, and groups in the IT field can open doors that go beyond advertised positions.

Ghost jobs are a result of failures in recruitment management and the volatility of the IT market. To cope with this reality, it’s essential for professionals to adapt, maintain resilience, and explore alternative strategies to connect with companies.

I myself, while seeking backend positions, have gone through this: I’ve sent resumes, adjusted profiles, and often wasn’t even called for interviews. It’s frustrating, but the secret is not to give up, continue developing yourself, and seek other ways to find real opportunities in your career.