Are You Wasting Time Applying to Jobs That Don’t Exist? How to Spot Fake Job Postings and Protect Your Search 🕵️‍♂️

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a growing problem in the job market: fake job postings. A recent survey by Resume Builder found that nearly 40% of companies posted fake job listings this year. So why, in a year marked by hiring freezes and mass layoffs, do companies continue to list roles they don’t plan to fill? And how can you, as a job seeker, identify which jobs are real and which are just digital ‘ghosts’?

We'll look at the surprising reasons behind fake job listings, including 'pipeline building,' where companies stockpile résumés for future roles, and how some use these postings to inflate their public image, signaling to investors or clients that they’re thriving. Other companies may post ghost jobs to gauge the talent pool, check market salaries, or even secure their budget, regardless of any real hiring intent. Some reasons are relatively harmless, while others feel outright deceptive.

More importantly, we’ll break down actionable steps you can take to avoid wasting time on these listings. Chris will share how to conduct a '360° company check,' spot red flags like vague job descriptions, outdated posting dates, or too-good-to-be-true roles, and even leverage your network to verify job openings.

Whether you're just starting your job search or have been at it for months, learning how to avoid fake job postings can keep your momentum up and help you focus on the real opportunities. Tune in for a complete guide to navigating ghost jobs so you can save time, avoid scams, and land a genuine role faster!

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