08-14-2024
Resume Builder's recent survey shows a controversial new trend: fake job postings by employers. These employers post jobs online for open roles, although they are not actively hiring. About 40% of companies posted a fake job listing in 2024, according to the 1,641 hiring managers surveyed. The managers said the fake job postings boosted their revenue, morale, and productivity. Seven in ten of the managers believe posting fake jobs is morally acceptable. Most of these fake jobs are for entry-level and mid-level roles and can be found on a company's website and online job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed.
Dan Schawbel, a workplace researcher, asserts that companies post fake jobs to message employees that their workload will be reduced soon. Schawbel says, "Employees are burned out right now. It's the year of efficiency; they're trying to do more with fewer resources. Employers are not hiring more people, but making it seem like they are." He sees this tactic as a huge problem because it gives employees false hope. Employers may use this ploy to motivate employees by implying they are easily replaceable. Posting fake jobs also conveys business is good to competitors.
These postings are deceptive to job seekers as well. Almost half of job seekers report being ghosted by a prospective employer. Sometimes, applicants never hear back because there is no job. LinkedIn and the other job boards have policies against using their platform to post fake jobs. A bright spot—85% of companies with no job openings will still interview candidates and consider them for future positions.