Ghost Jobs, AI, and the Disappearing Career Ladder

1. Ghost Jobs Are Very Real

Recruiters used to “forget” to take old listings down. Now, many post openings they never plan to fill on purpose.

81 % of recruiters admit to posting fake ads MyPerfectResume survey.
The Library of Congress issued a primer on Ghost Job
Why do it? Companies say it boosts morale (workers feel replaceable), looks good to investors, and increases revenue. I personally agree that job postings are indirect advertisements. I have learned about companies I would not naturally know about because I am applying for a role there.

2. Experience Inflation Is Breaking “Entry-Level”

According to Kathy Morris from Zippia, In 2023, 38.4% of entry-level jobs require at least 3 years of experience.

Employers openly say, “We’re unhappy with junior talent, so we just raised the bar.” Result: internships become mandatory -> then wildly competitive.

3. AI Already Took a Few Jobs

Anthropic’s CEO warns that half of entry-level roles could evaporate within five years. Meanwhile, U.S. public spending on re-training sits below 0.1 % of GDP (OECD data). Aka: we’re automating faster than we’re up-skilling.

“Do things AI can’t.”

It's getting more difficult every day. Honestly the best thing to do is become an expert at doing what you do while using AI.

4. Wages vs. Reality: The Math Isn’t looking good

Since 1979, U.S. productivity is up ≈ 80%; inflation-adjusted wages? ≈ 29%. And Gen Z carries the highest average personal debt ~$94,000 while paying:

+31% more for housing
+46% more for health
200% for car insurance

No wonder 72% of Gen Z lives paycheck-to-paycheck (WSJ coverage).

5. So… What Do We Actually Do?

1. Network with intent. Ghost listings waste time; warm intros still beat ATS filters. I do still believe in career fairs, even after my negative post.

2. Document acronyms & workflows. Leave a knowledge trail for the next cohort (this is what I am currently doing at Macy's). It makes you memorable.

3. Ask better questions. Google first, ChatGPT second, human third. Your mentors will notice.
4. Treat free time as R&D. If your internship goes quiet, volunteer for stretch tasks or prototype something with AI. Never pretend to be busy.
5. Share pay-it-forward intel. Got ghosted? Post about it (politely) or tell classmates. Sunlight kills bad practices faster than résumés alone.

Wrapping Up

Life isn't easy, but there are measures we can all take to do better and be better. Keep building, keep talking, be honest and stay true to yourself.