Age is not the same as availability
Some employers keep evergreen vacancies open because they hire repeatedly. Others leave an old job page accessible after recruiting stops. The original publication date does not, by itself, tell you whether the position is open. Start with the employer's careers page and the associated application flow.
Check more than HTTP 200
A page returning HTTP 200 means a document was delivered. It does not prove an employer is accepting applications. Look for an active application form, a matching entry on the employer's careers index, and the same requisition or position details across those sources.
Recognize conflicting evidence
A 'job closed' notice or a form that no longer accepts submissions is a strong warning even if the job-description page still loads. An old date and a functioning application can also coexist. When two signals disagree, the employer's current application system or a direct confirmation should carry more weight than a generic scraper timestamp.
Record what was verified
When you check a listing, note the time and the evidence observed. Be precise: 'Source page checked' is not identical to 'Employer confirmed recruiting'. Candidates can then make an informed decision without treating an unverified assumption as a fact.
- Job appears on the current employer careers index
- Application flow is still accepting submissions
- No closure notice contradicts the posting
This article provides general information, not individual legal, tax, immigration or employment advice. Confirm the applicable rules with an actual employer and qualified local advisers.