Job postings disappear for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons are that the position was filled, the hiring needs changed, or the posting expired. Understanding why job postings come down can help job seekers make sense of the disappearing jobs phenomenon.
The position was filled
The most straightforward reason a job ad disappears is that the role was filled. Companies typically take down postings once they have hired someone for the open position. If you see a job one day and it’s gone the next, chances are high that the company found the candidate they were looking for and removed the posting.
Some signs that a job was filled include:
- The posting was up for an extended time, allowing candidates to apply.
- You see a “This position has been filled” note in place of the original posting.
- The job is no longer appearing in searches on job boards.
While disappointing if you were interested in the role, this is part of the normal ebb and flow of the job market. Openings appear, candidates apply, and ideally companies make offers. Don’t take it personally if an application you submitted ends up getting filled by another candidate.
Hiring needs changed
Another common reason jobs disappear is because the company’s hiring needs changed. Reasons their needs may change include:
- The budget for the role fell through.
- A hiring freeze was implemented.
- A reorganization made the role no longer necessary.
- The responsibilities were divided among existing employees.
- An internal candidate was identified to fill the position.
These situations arise often in companies, forcing them to pull job postings even if they genuinely needed to fill the role initially. Don’t view it as a reflection on you or your qualifications if an application seems to disappear into a black hole.
The posting expired
Postings also frequently disappear because the listing expired. Companies often post jobs for a limited time, such as 30 days. Once that time elapses, they take down the ad rather than continue attracting applicants.
Some signs a posting may have expired:
- There was an application deadline listed.
- The ad had been up for an extended time already.
- You received an automated email that the listing expired.
Expired ads don’t mean the company isn’t hiring for that role. In fact, it’s common for them to repost a new version of the job once the previous listing reaches its end date. Check the company’s website regularly to see if they list the opening again.
Frustrating but common
Disappearing job ads can leave applicants feeling confused and frustrated. One minute an ideal opening is there, and the next it has vanished!
While aggravating, this happens very frequently during job searches. The best plan is to get used to postings coming down and focus your efforts where they can make the biggest impact. Ways to keep your search productive when ads disappear include:
- Checking a company’s site for new versions of the posting.
- Broadening your search criteria to find similar roles.
- Maintaining a diverse pipeline of jobs to apply to.
- Tapping into your network for new opportunities.
Stay persistent and don’t let disappearing ads derail your search. With focus and effort, you can absolutely land the right fit despite jobs coming down.
When to follow up
Is there ever a case where you should follow up about a vanished job posting? In some scenarios, it can be worth inquiring about the status of the role.
Cases where following up may provide clarity:
- You had been in the interview process or received positive feedback.
- The ad disappeared soon after you applied.
- The role is a great match for your experience.
If you meet the qualifications well and had been progressing, it’s reasonable to ask about the posting. A polite email checking on the status demonstrates your continued interest.
Just be sure your inquiry is professional and neutral in tone. You want to avoid seeming accusatory or entitled to an explanation. Simply share that you noticed the job came down and are interested if the company is still hiring for the role.
Scenarios when not to follow up
In many cases, trying to get details about a closed job posting is pointless or annoying to the employer. Situations when it’s best not to follow up include:
- You did not actually apply for the role.
- You applied but did not have the listed qualifications.
- The ad stated it expired or was filled.
- You never heard back after applying.
If you don’t have a clear, positive history with the hiring team, you likely won’t get a helpful response about a shuttered posting. Chasing down old ads that you had no momentum with wastes time better spent on active opportunities.
Tips for following up
If you do decide to inquire about a posting that disappeared, do so strategically. Here are tips for effectively following up about a closed job:
- Email the contact on the original ad if available.
- Keep the inquiry brief and professional.
- Mention you are still interested in opportunities like this one.
- Thank them for any consideration and time.
- Ask about applying once jobs open back up.
- Avoid sounding entitled to have the ad reposted.
With a courteous, businesslike follow-up, you may get useful intel on if the company is still hiring for that kind of role. If not, you still build goodwill through your polite inquiry.
When jobs disappear, move forward
While disappearing job postings are frustrating, they are an inevitable part of the search process. Don’t dwell on closed opportunities. The healthiest approach is to move forward seeking new openings that align with your goals.
Keep in mind that roles become available all the time. Just because you missed out on one matched job does not mean another perfect fit isn’t just around the corner. Persistence and an expansive search will lead you to the right posting eventually!
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about disappearing job postings:
Is it a red flag if a job ad disappears?
Not necessarily. Oftentimes it simply means the role was filled, paused, or expired normally. Dramatic changes in the company or bad press about the employer would be bigger red flags.
Should I call about a posting that came down?
Calling is unlikely to yield useful information. A brief email inquiry to the hiring contact is better if you want to follow up professionally.
How can I find out why a job vanished?
Most companies won’t share specific details unless you were a strong candidate already interviewing. The reasons highlighted in this article are the most common.
Is it worth applying to old job ads that are still up?
No, those are almost always outdated and irrelevant. Focus on current postings published on the company’s site or job boards.
What should I do if the perfect job disappears?
Widen your search for similar roles. Setup job alerts so you catch the next great posting right when it goes live. Consider reaching out to your network about unlisted openings.
Key takeaways
Here are the key points to remember about vanishing job postings:
- Listings typically disappear because the job was filled, needs changed, or it expired.
- Don’t take it personally if a posting you applied to comes down.
- Only follow up if you were a strong candidate already interviewing.
- Focus your efforts on current, open job listings that are a fit.
- Stay persistent in your search for the right opportunity.
Conclusion
While disappearing job ads can certainly be frustrating, try not to get discouraged when postings you were interested in vanish. This happens very often in the hiring process. Keep upbeat and widen your search for similar openings. With the right skills and persistence, you can absolutely land the perfect role, even if a posting you applied to comes down. Let closed ads motivate you rather than deter you from finding a great job match!
Reason | Signs | Should I Follow Up? |
---|---|---|
Filled |
|
No |
Needs Changed |
|
Maybe if you were a strong candidate |
Expired |
|
Yes, to ask about reposts |