Looking for a job can be stressful, especially when you send out lots of résumés and hear nothing back. One reason for this is that some job ads are fake. Over 80% of recruiters say they post ads for jobs that don’t exist or have already been filled. This makes job hunting even harder. But don’t worry, we’ll explain why this happens and how you can avoid wasting time on fake job ads.
Why Do Companies Post Fake Job Ads?
Many companies post fake job ads, also called “ghost listings,” for different reasons. Sometimes they just want to collect résumés from skilled people to build a list for future job openings. This is especially true for recruiting agencies that need people for specific roles, according to Natalie Boren, a recruitment expert from Career Group Companies.
Another reason is that companies may have already chosen who they want to hire. This could be an internal employee or someone who needs a visa. In some cases, they’re required by law to post the job, even if they’ve already decided on the candidate, says Edward Kaye from PCI Pharma Services.
Some companies even post jobs to make it look like they are growing, especially during tough economic times. They do this to impress investors or their board of directors, even if they don’t actually plan to hire anyone.
How to Spot a Fake Job Ad
- Vague Job Description: If the job ad doesn’t provide enough details or sounds very general, be careful. Compare it with other job ads from the same company. If the writing style or format doesn’t match, that could be a warning sign.
- Old Job Listings: Check the date when the job was posted. If it’s been up for months, it could be fake. Some companies keep posting the same ad, even if they’re not hiring. Always try to apply for fresh listings.
- Not on the Company Website: If you see a job ad on a site like LinkedIn but can’t find it on the company’s own website, it might be fake. Always check the company’s official job page to confirm if the role is real.
Should You Still Apply?
Even if you think a job listing is fake, experts recommend applying anyway. Sometimes, companies post jobs that may not be open right now, but they could reach out to you later if a similar position becomes available. In some cases, hiring managers might find your résumé and contact you for a different role within the company.
Final Tips for Job Seekers
Finding a job can be tough, especially with so many ghost job ads out there. But by paying attention to details like job descriptions, dates, and where the ad is posted, you can avoid fake listings. Stay positive, keep applying, and don’t get discouraged!
