Why Companies Are Advertising Openings That Do Not Exist?

Job hunting can be tough enough without companies throwing up fake listings. This survey exposes a surprising trend: nearly 40% of companies admit to advertising jobs they don't intend to fill.

Hivan Mena
June 28, 2024
2 min read

Fake Jobs: Why Are Companies Advertising Openings That Don’t Exist?

Have you ever spent hours crafting the perfect resume and cover letter, only to discover the job you applied for seems…vanished? You’re not alone. A recent survey by career site Resume Builder found a shocking statistic: nearly 40% of companies admit to posting fake job listings in 2024. That’s right, jobs advertised that never actually existed. 1

But why would a company do such a thing? Here are a few reasons why you might encounter these “ghost jobs”:

Keeping Morale Up (Maybe):

Imagine being swamped with work and seeing a new job listing for your department. It might feel like a lifeline, a sign that management recognizes your struggle and is actively seeking help.
Unfortunately, in some cases, these listings are simply a tactic to boost overworked workers’ morale, with no real intention of filling the position.

The Placeholder Position:

Sometimes, companies post jobs they don’t plan to fill immediately, but might need in the future. These listings can act as a placeholder, allowing them to collect resumes and build a talent pool for when the need arises. The problem? These jobs often linger for months or even years, leaving applicants hanging.

The Internal Shuffle:

Have you ever applied for a job, only to discover later they already had someone internal in mind? Companies might use fake listings to fulfill a legality requirement of demonstrating they searched externally before promoting from within. It’s a frustrating tactic for outside applicants.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

Job Posting Age: If the listing you find is several months old, especially with no updates or re-posting, it could be a red flag. Legitimate openings typically have a shorter shelf life.

Missing From Official Channels:

Does the job appear on the company’s careers page or only on third-party job boards?
If it’s absent from their official site, it might be a sign something’s fishy.

Finding the Real Deal:

While fake jobs are a drag, don’t give up on your job search! Here are some tips:

Focus on recently posted jobs.
Apply directly through company websites.
Network with people in your field.

By staying vigilant and using these strategies, you can increase your chances of landing that real, life-changing job you deserve.

Email us [email protected], we can help you identify if the job opening is fake.