Fake Jobs are Ruining The Labor Market. Here’s How to Spot Them.

Summary

In this video, the issue of 'ghost jobs'—fake job listings posted by companies with no intention of hiring—is exposed. These listings are used for various purposes, including creating a false image of company growth, collecting resumes, and making employees feel easily replaceable. Ghost jobs are estimated to make up a significant portion of job postings, leading to widespread frustration among job seekers. Despite the harm, no major laws have been passed to stop the practice, though New Jersey has introduced a bill to combat it. Viewers are advised to watch out for red flags when applying to jobs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ghost jobs are fake job listings created by companies with no intention of hiring for those positions.
• 😀 Job seekers are applying to hundreds or thousands of jobs without hearing back, contributing to frustration and confusion in the job market.
• 😀 Ghost jobs are not scams aimed at stealing personal information, but instead, they are used for manipulative purposes by companies.
• 😀 Companies create ghost jobs to give the impression of growth and success, even if they are struggling financially.
• 😀 These fake listings can mislead job seekers into thinking there are more opportunities available than there really are.
• 😀 Ghost jobs are also used by companies to collect resumes for future hiring needs, without any immediate plans to fill the positions.
• 😀 Some companies post ghost jobs to make their current employees feel replaceable and to discourage them from asking for raises or organizing.
• 😀 Ghost jobs are a form of workplace manipulation, designed to create a sense of insecurity among employees.
• 😀 A New Jersey bill has been introduced to ban ghost job postings, with a proposed fine of $5,000 for violators, but it is unlikely to pass soon.
• 😀 Job seekers can spot ghost jobs by looking for identical job listings, vague job descriptions, or listings on third-party platforms but not on the company's website.
• 😀 A Reddit user has compiled a list of companies suspected of posting ghost jobs, which can help job seekers avoid applying to fake positions.

Q & A

What are 'ghost jobs'?

Ghost jobs are fake job listings posted by real companies with no intention of actually filling the positions. These are deliberate postings made either by an employee or through software used by the company to recruit.

Why do companies post ghost jobs?

Companies post ghost jobs to create an image that they are growing and hiring, which helps maintain investor confidence, attract job seekers, and sometimes manipulate the market. They may also collect resumes for future use or make employees feel replaceable.

What is the main reason companies post ghost jobs?

The main reason is to create an image of growth, even if the company isn't doing well. Posting fake jobs makes it appear that the company is hiring and expanding, which can attract investors and maintain a positive public image.

How do ghost jobs impact job seekers?

Job seekers waste time applying for these non-existent positions, which creates false hope and frustration. They may believe they are being considered for a job, only to never hear back or receive a rejection.

What are the potential legal implications of ghost jobs?

While ghost jobs are a form of market manipulation, they currently do not lead to companies being charged with securities fraud. However, New Jersey has introduced a bill to fine companies that post ghost jobs $5,000 if it passes into law.

What is the most dystopian reason companies post ghost jobs?

The most dystopian reason is to make current employees feel replaceable. By posting fake job listings, companies imply that if an employee doesn't perform, there is always someone else ready to take their place, thus discouraging employees from asking for raises or organizing.

How can job seekers spot ghost jobs?

Job seekers can spot ghost jobs by looking for red flags such as multiple identical job listings, jobs posted on job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed but not on the company's website, or job descriptions that are vague or sound too perfect.

What is the significance of the study mentioned in the script regarding ghost jobs?

The study found that one in five job listings are ghost jobs, though the real number may be even higher based on feedback from job seekers. This study helps highlight the prevalence of fake job postings and the need for awareness.

What is the reaction of job seekers regarding ghost jobs?

Many job seekers are frustrated and feel deceived by the widespread existence of ghost jobs. Some even believe that most job listings may be fake, based on their personal experiences and online forums discussing these issues.

What tools or resources are available for job seekers to identify ghost jobs?

A Reddit user created a spreadsheet that tracks companies known for posting ghost jobs. While the list isn't independently verified, it can serve as a helpful tool for job seekers to check if a company they applied to is guilty of posting fake jobs.