How to tell if a job is still open before you apply
Avoid applying to listings that were filled long ago: check the source, the date and a few warning signs.
3 min read · Updated October 29, 2026
Go to the source
Job aggregators copy listings and don't always remove them when the company does. The company's own careers page, or the job board it uses (Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby and others), is the record of what's open.
Signs a listing may be stale
None of these proves a role is closed, but together they're worth a check:
- It was posted months ago and never updated.
- The same listing reappears with a new date every few weeks.
- The company's careers page doesn't list it.
- The application link goes to a general careers page instead of the role.
When in doubt, ask
If you know someone at the company, ask whether the role is still being filled. It's a short question that can save hours.
Questions
How long do job postings stay up?
It varies widely. Many stay up long after a role is filled, which is why checking the company's own careers page is the reliable test.
What does “reposted” mean on a job listing?
The same listing was put up again with a new date. Repeated reposts can mean a role is hard to fill, or that it isn't actively being hired for.