Fake Job Postings: A Deceptive Practice on the Rise

Fake Job Postings: A Deceptive Practice on the Rise

3 minute read

"...If you're on the job hunt, it's crucial to be aware of this deceptive practice."

A recent survey by Resume Builder revealed a disheartening truth: 39% of hiring managers admitted their companies posted fake job listings in the past year. This means you might be spending time and energy applying for positions that never actually existed.

The survey goes further, detailing the shocking frequency of these fake postings. Among those who admitted to the practice, here's the breakdown:

13% went even higher, admitting to 75 or more fake postings

11% & 10% posted 50 & 25 listings respectively

19% each posted 5 or 10 listings

26% posted 1-3 fake listings

These fake jobs spanned all levels, from entry-level to executive positions. But why would companies resort to such tactics? The survey uncovers several concerning reasons:

Employee Tracking: Some employers are using the fake job posts to see if any of their current employees are looking for other job opportunities to check company loyalty.

Resume Stockpiling: Nearly 60% use these postings to collect resumes and build a database for potential future hires.

False Image Creation: Two-thirds aim to project an image of being open to new talent, even when they aren't actively hiring.

Keeping Employees on Edge: Similarly, 62% admitted to using them to make employees feel replaceable.

Employee Manipulation: Over 60% confessed to using fake jobs to make employees believe their workload would be lessened by new hires.

Perhaps the most concerning aspect is that 85% of those posting fake jobs interviewed candidates for them. This wastes valuable time and energy for both companies and job seekers.

Finding a New Job with Transparency

If you're on the job hunt, it's crucial to be aware of this deceptive practice. Here are some tips to navigate the search:

Watch out for recurring job posts: If the same job listing appears constantly, it might be a sign it's not a real opening.

Be wary of generic job descriptions: If the description is vague and doesn't mention specific responsibilities, it could be a red flag.

Research the company: Look for news articles or employee reviews that might shed light on their hiring practices.

Exploring Opportunities Discreetly with HeyDevs

For those who are passively searching, or currently employed but open to new possibilities, platforms like HeyDevs can be a valuable tool. HeyDevs is an active sourcing platform designed for confidential job exploration.

Here's how HeyDevs helps:

Focus on the Future: Explore new opportunities without causing drama or jeopardizing your current position.

Confidentiality Matters: HeyDevs hides your profile from your current company, ensuring professional discretion.

Skills-based Hiring: HeyDevs Smart Filter system prioritizes skills-based hiring, making it the best job platform for highly specialized talent that doesn’t want to reveal their current employer. 

By leveraging platforms like HeyDevs, you can take control of your job search with transparency and confidentiality. Don't let fake job postings discourage you. With the right tools and approach, you can find the perfect opportunity that aligns with your career goals.

About HeyDevs

HeyDevs is a revolutionary new platform that empowers developers to take control of their careers, connect with other developers and find job opportunities that align with their goals and interests, without ever needing to apply for a single job! With HeyDevs, companies compete for you, not the other way around.

For developers, HeyDevs offers invaluable resources including our specialized swipe-to-work function, anonymous profile, CV builder, and customizable search criteria, with the ability to connect and chat with prospective employers completely on-site. 

For businesses, HeyDevs offers tools to maximize the recruitment process, saving time and money, with a talent pipeline that streamlines a majority of the hiring process directly on the platform, eliminating the need for recruiters or headhunters so the hiring process can be handled with HeyDevs as the only medium between employer and candidate, all powered by smart matching to ensure the most relevant matches are provided first. HeyDevs is a truly unbiased hiring platform, delivering a diverse pool of talent that hides information such as avatar, age, and gender, focusing solely on experience and skill, paving the way for a more inclusive workplace.


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