“Trevor, I’ve heard that there are a lot of fake jobs being advertised. As I’m rarely getting a response or feedback from employers or recruiters. Is this true?”
This question comes up often.
Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
Fake job advertisements—sometimes called “ghost jobs”—are a real issue.
They waste time.
They create frustration.
And they make an already challenging process even harder for job seekers.
Some may be legitimate postings kept open for extended periods or haven't been withdrawn after a placement has been made (not good either), but many serve other purposes entirely.
On top of the feedback I receive, here's what the research from ResumeBuilder, Revelio Labs, Clarify Capital shows:
40% of companies admitted to posting fake job ads in the past year.
43% of hiring managers keep listings open to “project growth” or “motivate employees.”
Up to 60% of job postings don’t result in hires.
This means nearly half the jobs you see might not be real.
Why do fake jobs even exist? Here’s what I've found:
Market Research – To gauge skills and salary trends.
Business Development for Recruiters – To attract senior professionals who aren’t actively looking to pick up vacancies.
Appearances – To appear as though they’re growing or hiring.
Internal Politics – To reassure staff that help is “coming” (even when it isn’t).
Compliance – To meet transparency requirements, even if they’re filling internally.
IT Proposals – To collect resumes for project bids they might not win.
Scams – To steal personal information or solicit money.
Data Collection – To gather information for non-recruitment purposes.
The impact on job seekers is naturally frustrating and emotionally draining, further driving distrust.
Whilst fake jobs can be hard to spot, there are things that can be done, like:
Use your network – use your connections to uncover genuine opportunities.
Research employers and recruiters – verify roles on LinkedIn, Glassdoor or the company’s website.
Be strategic – focus on listings with clear, realistic descriptions.
Spot red flags – vague roles or requests for personal details can be warning signs.
Be active and follow up – chasing feedback can help you identify serious opportunities.
Limit your data – share only what’s necessary early in the process.
Report suspicious ads – flag them to job boards or platforms.
Fake job listings erode trust in the hiring process, making it harder for everyone.
Transparency, feedback and ethical practices are crucial to addressing this issue.
If you’ve encountered fake job ads or have tips for navigating the market, share your story with other readers in the comments.
Yes, this is frustrating, but there are ways to make a personal difference for you.
♻️ Repost this to spread the word.
Kommentare