The ghostly gambit: A recruiter’s regret

After reading news from Resume Builder that up to 40% of companies have posted fake job listings — aka ghost posts — in the past year, with 30% of these companies currently promoting vacancies that do not exist, I’m concerned for the future of the industry. Consider this a cautionary tale.

Alex, a fresh-faced recruiter, joined a prestigious firm with dreams of making a positive impact. His enthusiasm was quickly tested when his manager, Sarah, introduced him to the murky world of ghost job postings.

At first, Alex reluctantly played along, creating enticing listings for non-existent positions. He justified it as market research, a harmless industry practice. But as applications flooded in, the weight of his deception grew heavy.

The turning point came when Alex met an applicant in a coffee shop. The hope in her eyes as she inquired about her application was too much to bear. That night, guilt-ridden and sleepless, Alex decided to take a stand.

However, the damage was done. Word spread about the company’s deceptive practices, tarnishing its once-stellar reputation. Top talent began avoiding their listings, and negative reviews piled up online.

Alex left the company having learned a costly lesson: integrity is paramount in recruiting. The short-term gains from ghost postings pale in comparison to the long-term damage to trust and credibility. To fellow recruiters, Alex’s tale serves as a stark warning. Behind every application is a real person with genuine aspirations. Honesty and transparency, though sometimes challenging, are the true cornerstones of successful recruitment. In the end, it’s far better to be known for creating opportunities than for conjuring ghosts.

Candidates: Stay tuned for tips for next week’s post on how to spot ghost postings!