How to spot a fake job posting ad | From Dorms to Desks Podcast | ep53

On this week’s episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast, our cohosts talk about how some students, recent graduates, and other job applicants tirelessly apply for jobs with little success. If you’re experiencing that, you’re not alone. Some believe that more than a third of all jobs posted online are actually not real vacancies, a phenomenon often referred to as “ghost” or “fake” jobs. One survey claimed that 81 percent of recruiters admit to posting these fake advertisements, but the methodology of that survey was anything but scientific and, therefore, should not be trusted. But whether a third of jobs posted are fake or whether the number is, as we believe at College Recruiter, much, much lower, the problem is that any number is too high of a number. For the candidate who falls for the scam, it can lead to wasted time, emotional toll, and job search burnout for eager applicants.

So, why do employers engage in this deceptive practice? Companies post fake job listings for a variety of reasons. Some aim to scout for a talent pool for future openings, even when no immediate vacancy exists, or to gather resumes to keep on file. Others use them to project an image of growth and dynamism, or to make current employees believe their workload will be alleviated, or even to make them feel replaceable. In some cases, a job might appear online due to regulatory or contractual requirements, even if an internal candidate has already been selected. Beyond ghost jobs, there are various forms of employment fraud, from recruitment agent fraud where recruiters misrepresent wages, to scams involving fake job offers from individuals posing as company employees. Other common scams include work-from-home money laundering schemes, mystery shopper scams, and requests for payment for nonexistent job placements.

The good news is, you can become adept at spotting these red flags. Be highly suspicious if a job sounds too good to be true, offering exceptionally high pay for minimal work or no experience. Pay close attention to unprofessional or suspicious communication. This includes emails from generic addresses like Gmail or Yahoo instead of a company domain, or messages riddled with poor grammar and spelling errors. A major red flag is any request for sensitive personal or financial information upfront, such as your Social Security number, banking details, or credit card information, especially before you’re hired. Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay a fee for background checks, training, equipment, or placement services. Be cautious if there’s no verifiable company information, such as a poorly designed website lacking company history or the job not appearing on their official careers page. Also, vague job descriptions that lack clarity on responsibilities or reporting structure are often a sign of a scam. Be wary if you’re offered the job without a proper interview or assessment of your skills, or if the process is conducted solely via text or email with no video or phone calls. Finally, consider how long the job posting has been active; ghost jobs often remain online for weeks or months.

To protect yourself, it’s crucial to research the company extensively. Visit their official website, check their LinkedIn profile for actual employees, and look for employer reviews on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed. Always verify the recruiter’s identity by cross-referencing their LinkedIn profile or calling the company directly using a number from their official website. Ask detailed questions about the role, its creation, and future prospects. If the recruiter avoids answering, it’s a significant warning sign. Filter job searches to include only recent postings, ideally within the last week, to focus on active roles. When something feels off, trust your instincts. It’s better to walk away than waste time on a fraudulent opportunity.

If you unfortunately encounter a job scam, take immediate action to protect yourself and others. Report the scam to the job board where you found it, such as LinkedIn or Indeed. Also, if you’re in the United States, notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local labor department. If you provided any sensitive details, change your passwords and monitor your financial accounts. If you sent money, immediately contact the company you used for the transaction to report the fraud and attempt to reverse it. By staying informed and cautious, you can navigate the job market safely and effectively.