If you’ve ever felt frustrated by job listings that seem too good to be true or lead nowhere at all, you’re not alone. The truth is, the job market is full of fake postings and ghost jobs that can waste your time or even put you at risk. To help you navigate this confusing landscape, nine experienced experts have shared their advice on red flags to watch out for, so you can differentiate between legitimate opportunities and scams designed to exploit job seekers. Look for salary transparency In my experience, the biggest red flag has nothing to do with the job description or the company website. The real issue shows up when a listing has zero mention of salary—or worse, it dodges the topic altogether. If a job post says something vague like “competitive pay” or “salary dependent on experience” without giving even a basic range, I immediately question whether the company is serious about hiring. A real position has a budget. If a company cannot commit to a number, it probably is not committed to filling the role anytime soon. I have seen roles stay open for six-plus months because companies “want to see what talent is out there” without offering a concrete salary. That being said, the real test happens during the first conversation. If an employer dances around pay or refuses to give a range even when asked, something is off. Avoiding salary discussions leads to drawn-out hiring cycles, wasted interviews, and applicants walking away after weeks of back and forth. Personally, if a company will not disclose a number after the second conversation, I consider that a dead end. The best job listings give at least a range—$65K to $75K, $20 to $25/hour, or even “starting at $80K.” Anything is better than a mystery. Patrick Beltran, marketing director, Ardoz Digital Identify unusual application methods From what I’ve seen, one key indicator that job seekers can use to identify fake or “ghost job” listings is unusual application methods or interview processes. Being able to identify these uncommon practices can serve as red flags, potentially saving candidates time and protecting them from scams. Be cautious of job postings that ask you to apply through non-standard channels. Legit companies typically use official company portals or professional job platforms for applications (for example, LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc). Red flags for application methods include: Requests to apply via personal email addresses (like @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, etc.) Applications through messaging apps or social media platforms Unusual file upload requirements Real companies generally follow standard interview protocols. Be on the lookout for: Interviews conducted entirely via text messaging Unusually short interviews Sudden interview invitations without prior application Requests to download specific messaging apps like Telegram for interviews Some additional warning signs during the interviews could be: Immediate job offers without thorough vetting Overly agreeable interviewers who quickly present offers that sound too good to be true By being vigilant about these unusual practices, job seekers can better protect themselves from potential scams and focus their efforts on real job opportunities. Remember, most reputable companies will conduct initial interactions through professional channels and use standard video conferencing tools for remote interviews. Lisa Frank, marketing specialist, AM Industrial Group Beware of pressure to act quickly One big red flag I’ve noticed with fake or ghost job listings is when there’s an intense sense of urgency. If a recruiter tells you to apply or accept an offer immediately, without giving you time to think or ask questions, that’s a major warning sign. Legitimate companies understand that making career decisions takes time, and they don’t push candidates into rushed commitments. This urgency is often a tactic to catch people off guard, leaving them less time to notice inconsistencies or research the company. For example, I’ve seen postings where they say, “You must confirm today, or the offer will be gone!” That’s just not how real hiring works. When you feel pressured like this, take a step back and ask yourself why they’re in such a hurry. A trustworthy employer will respect your need to evaluate the opportunity and respond on your timeline, not theirs. Always prioritize your due diligence, even if it means walking away. Ani Ghazaryan, head of content marketing, neptune.ai Watch for overpromising job listings A major red flag that job seekers often overlook is job listings that overpromise but under define. If a role boasts unlimited income potential, vague benefits, or rapid career growth but lacks concrete details about daily responsibilities, team structure, or performance expectations, that’s a strong indicator that the listing may be misleading or even nonexistent. Remember that in hiring, clarity is key