Fake job postings are increasingly common online, with a growing number of companies admitting to publishing deceptive job listings that appear genuine but do not correspond to actual job openings.
According to a survey conducted by career site Resume Builder in May, 40% of companies acknowledged posting fake job ads this year. Of those, three in 10 currently have such listings either on their websites or on job boards. Unlike typical job scams aimed at obtaining personal information, these “ghost jobs” are often created by hiring managers themselves.
While 70% of hiring managers consider this practice morally acceptable and beneficial for business, it complicates job seekers’ efforts and can undermine their trust in companies. Stacie Haller, chief career advisor at Resume Builder, expressed concern over the trend, noting its potential impact on perceptions both internally and externally.
The motivations behind these fake ads vary. Some companies aim to deceive current employees into believing the business is expanding and actively hiring, possibly to alleviate workloads or signal that positions are replaceable. Additionally, nearly 60% of companies admitted to collecting resumes for future use without immediate hiring intentions.
Despite ethical concerns, many hiring managers believe these tactics yield positive outcomes, including revenue boosts, improved morale (reported by 65% of respondents), and increased productivity (reported by 77%).
However, maintaining the facade can be challenging. Approximately two-thirds of companies reported instances where employees, investors, or applicants discovered the deception. Such exposures can severely damage a company’s reputation and recruitment efforts.
Identifying fake job ads can be difficult, especially when companies go as far as conducting interviews for non-existent positions. Signs such as prolonged job postings or overly broad salary ranges may indicate a lack of genuine intent to hire.
