That job you applied for might not exist

Fake job ads are on the rise, with 40% of companies admitting to posting non-existent job openings. These "ghost jobs" are created by hiring managers themselves to give the impression of company growth or to signal to employees that they are replaceable. Despite the deceptive nature of these practices, 70% of hiring managers find them morally acceptable and beneficial for business. The motives behind these fake listings vary, from boosting revenue to increasing productivity and morale among workers. However, the repercussions can be damaging, as exposure can harm a company's reputation and recruiting efforts. It can be challenging for job seekers to differentiate between real and fake job ads, especially when companies go as far as conducting interviews for non-existent positions. The prevalence of these deceptive practices sheds light on why many applicants never hear back from recruiters after submitting their resumes.