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A growing number of companies in Czechia are posting job ads for roles that either don’t exist or have already been filled—a trend known as “ghost jobs.” Originating in the U.S., the practice is now raising concerns among labor market experts and job seekers alike.
What is a ghost job?
A ghost job is an advertised position that a company has no real intention of filling. The job may have been filled long ago, never existed, or is not actively being recruited for. Despite this, the advertisement remains live on job portals or company websites, misleading job seekers and potentially inflating a company’s perceived growth.
A ghost job is a listing for a position a company has no current intention of filling. It may have already been filled, never existed, or is only open hypothetically. Despite this, the ad stays active, misleading applicants and giving a false impression of company growth.
“There are ads that stay active for suspiciously long periods or reappear frequently, even though the company isn’t actually hiring,” Michal Španěl, an analyst at job portal JenPráce.cz, told Czech media outlet Hospodářské noviny.
Michal Španěl, analyst at job portal JenPráce.cz.“Jobseekers feel cheated and disappointed when they find out it’s a fictitious role. It damages the employer’s credibility."
Why do companies post them?
Companies often post ghost jobs as a way to collect résumés for future hiring needs. By leaving ads up on their websites or job portals, they build a talent pool without the pressure to hire immediately. This tactic allows them to be prepared when a position eventually opens, saving time in the recruitment process later.
Employers often use ghost jobs to collect résumés for future hiring needs—building a talent pool in advance. Others use them to signal company expansion, assess the talent market, or even motivate current employees through implied competition.
Some HR professionals argue that while the listings may not be immediately active, they reflect ongoing recruitment interest.
Is the trend growing in Czechia?
Though no official data exists, Czech job platforms like Práce.cz and JenPráce.cz report a noticeable increase in ghost job patterns. In some cases, companies leave listings up simply to stay visible or competitive.
“We’ve contacted firms whose job ads were live, only to be told they’re not actively hiring,” said Filip Mikschik, founder of StartupJobs. “It’s more common on company websites, where posting is free.”
How to spot a 'ghost job'
- Check the posting date: Listings active for months may no longer be real.
- Look for vague details: Generic descriptions can signal a fake role.
- Watch for repeats: Frequent reposts may mean the job isn’t actually open.
- Notice communication gaps: No reply after applying? It might be real.
- Verify on the company site: If it’s not listed there, it could be outdated or fake.
JenPráce.cz, Práce.cz
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The broader impact
But while the strategy might seem harmless or even practical, experts warn it can do more harm than good. “It’s a risky recruitment style,” Mikschik added. “You might lose valuable candidates who feel misled or frustrated, and over time, fewer relevant people will apply.”
As the Czech job market tightens and transparency becomes more important to candidates, employers are being urged to rethink this approach. What may seem like a clever hiring tactic could ultimately damage trust—and a company’s reputation.
