A recent investigation by SFGate has uncovered the dark truth behind “ghost jobs” – a growing trend in the tech industry where job postings are intentionally fake, wasting applicants’ time and emotions. The practice is on the rise, with 81% of recruiters admitting to posting ghost jobs, according to research published in August.
Companies use ghost jobs to create an illusion of expansion or growth, while also torturing employees into working harder by making them feel replaceable. The tactic has been shown to have a positive impact on revenue and productivity, but at a cost: overworked employees who are tricked into believing they’ll be relieved from their workload.
The problem is that ghost jobs are often posted by HR departments or senior management, with senior executives responsible for requesting another quarter of posts. This means that job seekers are left feeling demoralized and compelled to apply out of financial necessity.
Legislation to address the issue may be difficult to pass, but experts warn that it’s essential to ensure fair postings and protect employees from misleading job advertisements. The FTC’s proposed ban on noncompete rules has sparked interest in employment matters, including ghost jobs, which may eventually fall under their purview.
For now, job seekers must remain vigilant and cautious when searching for jobs online, as the practice of posting fake job listings remains perfectly legal.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2024/11/03/ghost_job_epidemic