Unveiling the Mystery: Why Are Jobs Still Marked 'New' on Glassdoor After 6 Months?

Have you ever stumbled upon a job listing on Glassdoor marked 'new' that seemed to have been online for quite some time? Here is the reason behind it.

The True Meaning of 'New' on Glassdoor

What Does 'New' Mean on Glassdoor?

When a job is labeled 'new' on Glassdoor, it refers to the job ad's status within the Glassdoor system. It simply indicates that the job listing has never been posted on Glassdoor before. This can be slightly counterintuitive because it doesn't check whether the job has been advertised elsewhere in the world.

How Does Glassdoor Track Job Listings?

The database that drives the content of the site knows only that the specific job ad has never been present on Glassdoor before. This means that if a company reposts a job ad on Glassdoor, the system will recognize it as a new listing, regardless of whether it has been advertised earlier on other platforms.

The Churn in Job Listings on Glassdoor

Why Might a Job Ad Be Marked 'New' After 6 Months?

Employers can employ tactics to make job ads appear new on Glassdoor even if they have been live for a considerable period. Here are two common scenarios:

Periodic Reposting

Scenario 1: Job Descriptions and Requirements Change

Employers may re-post the exact same job ad on Glassdoor with minute changes or even a complete refresh. These changes, such as updates to the job description, salary details, or other minor altercations, may trigger the system to classify it as a new job listing.

Scenario 2: Checking the URL

Even if the wording of the job ad has not changed, employers can change the URL of the job. Simply updating the URL can make Glassdoor's algorithm believe that it's a new listing.

Regular Posting Monitoring

How Often Do You Post New Jobs?

Some companies may have a policy of regularly posting new job ads, even if they have been advertised earlier. This practice not only keeps the job ad fresh in the job seekers' minds but also ensures that prospects see it as a new opportunity.

Practical Implications for Job Seekers and Employers

Why Should You Care?

For job seekers, it's important to understand that 'new' does not necessarily mean a fresh or better opportunity. You should be wary of job ads that are suspiciously labeled 'new', especially if they have not changed from a previous ad.

For Employers, What's the Motivation?

Employers who find it beneficial to refresh job listings frequently might be doing so to attract more attention or to circumvent potential hiring slowdowns. However, some job seekers might find these deceptive practices frustrating.

Improving Transparency and Fairness on Glassdoor

Addressing the Issue

There is a need for greater transparency and consistency in how Glassdoor updates its job listings. Employers could benefit from clearer guidelines on how to properly repost jobs so that job seekers are not misled.

Suggestions for Glassdoor

Implement stricter guidelines to prevent false 'new' listings. Incorporate a more sophisticated algorithm that checks the content of job listings for significant changes. Allow users to report suspected false 'new' listings for verification.

Conclusion

The 'new' label on Glassdoor is not always as straightforward as it seems. While it might serve the purpose of keeping job listings relevant in the eyes of users, it can also be a point of confusion and frustration. By understanding the true meaning of 'new' and the reasons behind it, job seekers and employers can make more informed decisions and actions.