Ghost Jobs Plague Canada as Applications Hit 400+ Per Role

Canada's job market has descended into what frustrated seekers are calling an "application black hole," with qualified candidates reporting hundreds of applications yielding zero responses. A recent Reddit thread exploded with over 350 comments in 24 hours after an MSc graduate shared applying to 400+ jobs since January with only one interview and no offers. The phenomenon of "ghost jobs"—postings that appear legitimate but generate no genuine hiring—has become so pervasive that roles previously attracting 50 applicants now receive over 500, with many overqualified candidates willing to accept pay cuts.

The crisis stems from a perfect storm of post-pandemic market corrections, aggressive cost-cutting by employers, and the widespread practice of posting jobs for compliance or internal promotion purposes without genuine external hiring intent. Companies are maintaining artificially high standards for "entry-level" positions, routinely demanding 3-5 years of experience for junior roles, effectively gatekeeping new graduates out of their chosen fields. Even experienced professionals report facing unprecedented competition as economic uncertainty drives defensive hiring practices across most sectors.

For job seekers, this translates to a brutal numbers game where traditional application strategies are failing catastrophically. The psychological toll is mounting, with candidates describing the process as demoralizing and unsustainable, particularly as salary offers—when they do materialize—consistently fall below market expectations and living wage requirements. Toronto-based seekers report marketing coordinator positions being offered at $48,000, barely covering basic living expenses in major urban centers.

Retail giant Loblaw provides one of the few bright spots, announcing a $1.75 billion investment to create 9,700 new jobs across Canada through store expansions and supply chain improvements. The company's commitment represents the largest single job creation announcement in months, offering hope in sectors including retail management, logistics, and construction. However, the Bank of Canada's continued monitoring of job data for potential rate cuts signals that policymakers recognize the employment situation as a key economic concern requiring intervention.