For executive-level job seekers, navigating the job market has always required more finesse than merely scrolling through online postings. Today, with the proliferation of ghost jobs—roles that companies advertise but have no intention of filling—executives need to adopt a more strategic approach. According to hiring platform Greenhouse, as many as one in five jobs advertised online may fall into this category. In an era where even LinkedIn and Greenhouse are working to verify legitimate listings, executives must ask themselves: Is applying to online job postings the most effective way to secure a high-level role?
The Rise of Ghost Job Postings
Ghost jobs exist for various reasons. Companies may post roles to meet compliance regulations, even when they already have an internal candidate in mind. Sometimes, job ads remain online long after a position has been filled. Economic uncertainty can also lead to paused hiring, leaving roles advertised but unfilled. While it’s challenging to determine whether a job is real or a ghost posting, certain red flags—like postings without a clear timestamp or those lingering for months—can signal caution.
For executives seeking positions that pay $200,000 or more annually, wasting time on ghost jobs is not just frustrating—it’s a drain on valuable time that could be spent on more productive activities.
Beyond the Online Job Market
Saundra Botts, an ExecuNet career strategist, emphasizes that executives must look beyond online job boards. “People at the top of the org chart need to insert themselves into early-stage conversations,” she advises. Early-stage conversations occur when organizational stakeholders begin conceptualizing a role. At this point, top talent already known to those stakeholders often gains access to prime opportunities before they are ever posted online.
This proactive approach is critical because many senior roles are filled through networks, referrals, and direct outreach rather than through public job postings. By the time a role appears on a job board, the hiring process may already be well underway, or worse, the posting may simply be a compliance formality.
How to Insert Yourself into Early Conversations
- Leverage Your Network: Reach out to trusted contacts within your industry. Attend high-level networking events and participate in executive forums. ExecuNet’s community, for instance, offers a wealth of opportunities for executives to connect directly with recruiters and hiring managers.
- Engage with Industry Stakeholders: Position yourself as a thought leader by contributing to discussions in your field. Whether it’s through LinkedIn posts, articles, or speaking engagements, being visible to decision-makers can open doors to roles before they are formally created.
- Work with Specialized Recruiters: Building relationships with recruiters who specialize in executive placements can provide early access to unadvertised roles. These recruiters often know about upcoming opportunities before they hit the market.
- Focus on Informational Interviews: Schedule conversations with key players in companies of interest. These aren’t formal interviews but rather opportunities to understand the organization’s challenges and position yourself as a potential solution.
When to Apply Online
Despite the pitfalls of ghost jobs, applying online still has a place in an executive’s job search strategy—but it shouldn’t be the primary tactic. Focus on postings that:
- Are recently published with a clear timestamp.
- Come from reputable sources, ideally verified by platforms like ExecuNet and LinkedIn.
- Align perfectly with your experience and career goals.
Final Thoughts
For executives, job searching isn’t a numbers game—it’s a strategy game. Ghost jobs are a reminder that many of the best opportunities are never publicly posted. By focusing on relationship-building and early-stage involvement, executives can avoid the frustration of ghost listings and instead position themselves for roles that are real, high-impact, and aligned with their career aspirations.
ExecuNet’s career strategists, like Saundra Botts, specialize in helping executives navigate this complex landscape. By adopting a proactive, network-driven approach, executives can stay ahead of the competition and land their next role with confidence.
