Tips for Identifying Ghost Job Postings

Over the past few months, my LinkedIn feed has been full of people open for work; I know how challenging the job market is. At the same time, my TikTok feed has been full of victims who have received job offers, only to find it was a scam after either giving them personal data or worse, having money stolen from them. For those of you in the job market, I want to offer a few tips: -- If someone reaches out to you directly about a job, do everything you can to verify that they are employed by the company or search firm they claim to be. Check their LinkedIn profile to make sure they have verified their workplace (Verifications are located directly under the summary section). Make sure the email address they provided has the correct company domain; check the domain spelling carefully. --If someone reaches out to you about an entry/mid-level role that typically has many qualified applicants, be suspicious. In this job market, those are not roles where recruiters need to actively recruit; they can find great candidates simply by posting the role. -- When applying for jobs directly, try to do so from a trusted source (e.g., the company's career site, LinkedIn.) Be wary of small career sites. If you find a job posted that looks interesting, check on the company's career site to see if the role is posted there. If it's not, walk away. -- NEVER give personal data (e.g., date of birth, driver's license/passport/social security number, etc.) over the phone or through a non-secured email exchange. --NEVER EVER transfer money or use your own funds to purchase anything needed for the role. They often "wire money" or send you a check to deposit in your Zelle account that ultimately bounces after you have transferred funds back to them. A legitimate company will ship required equipment to you directly. If you are asked to go buy it, walk away. -- If the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you get the sense that something is off, don't be afraid to visit the company website, find a email address for general inquiries & ask them to verify that the role is legitimate and that XX recruiter is working on it. Job scams enrage me because criminals are preying on incredibly vulnerable people who can't afford to lose money. I know the emotional toll job hunting can take on a person. To think you have finally made it to the other side only to realize it was all a con is gut wrenching. I don't usually ask this, but please share this on your feed and add additional tips that I haven't mentioned. Recruiters are a community; we have to look out for job seekers, treat them with respect, and help them find real work.

One of my clients was so pumped when a recruiter reached out on LinkedIn. She said: The head recruiter at this massive company (I won't disclose) is going to call you! 5 minutes later (yes 5 minutes) - the phone rang. But instead of an interview? He launched into a sales pitch. 👉 Told her she needed a new resume 👉 Insisted she work with a “trusted” Fiverr writer 👉 Tried to convince her to pay for help before she'd even applied That wasn’t a recruiter. That was a scam. And sadly, it’s not uncommon. Between ghost job postings and manipulative hiring tactics, job seekers are up against more than just competition. One study found that 3 in 10 companies admit to posting roles they have no intention of filling. Why? → To collect resumes for later → To look like they’re growing → To pressure current employees → To see how low candidates will go on salary It’s a broken system, and job seekers deserve better. Here’s what you can do in a market full of fake jobs and sketchy pitches: 1️⃣ Vet recruiters just like companies vet you. If it sounds off, it probably is. 2️⃣ Watch for job postings that never get filled. If it’s been up for 6 months, it’s not urgent. 3️⃣ Ask direct questions. "What’s your timeline for hiring?" or "Is this a new role or a backfill?" Your time, energy, and effort matter. You deserve real opportunities, transparent timelines, and ethical hiring. 🔁 PLEASE share this to protect someone in your network. 👇 And if this has ever happened to you, drop it below. You’re not alone. Resume Assassin Resume Sidekick #resume #linkedinscam #jobsearch #gethired

🚨 PSA to LinkedIn Friends and Job Seekers! Fraudulent job postings and/or fraudulent recruiting activity are at an all-time high and it's important to stay hypervigilant when it comes to your job search. Over the past few weeks, I have become aware of multiple instances where individuals believed they were interacting with me from Devoted Health for potential job opportunities. However, they were instead being targeted by scammers using a fake domain - sara.fopiano@devotedcareers.com. This domain is being actively used to deceive and scam potential job candidates in the name of our organization. If you are reading this and have been affected by this scam, please stop all communications with these individuals!! Here are some ways to make sure you are applying to real job postings and talking to real recruiters! *Always apply to roles through major job sites (e.g. Indeed, LinkedIn) and/or the company's official career site. Be sure to cross reference positions you find on job sites with the company's career site. *Take time to do your research before talking and/or interacting with a potential employer. *At Devoted, we will NEVER ask you to download software to conduct an interview. Most employers will not ask you to do so during the interview process. *Pay attention to the details -- scammers typically use a lot of spelling/grammatical errors, pressure to act immediately, and are reluctant to answer questions. *These fraudulent schemes often seek monetary contributions or payments from job seekers (such as for “start up costs” or “equipment”), or seek to collect sensitive personal information. Companies and recruiters will never ask you for financial commitment or contribution at any stage of the interview process. *Trust your gut! If something seems off, do not engage with communication. Stay safe out there! #jobsearchadvice #jobsearchtips Alexa Dalzell

Stop Applying: 5 Job Post Red Flags That Scream SCAM Scam job listings are becoming more sophisticated. They look legit. They sound exciting. But they can cost you time, data, or even financial security. Here are 5 red flags to watch out for (with examples): 🚩 1. “No experience needed” + “Earn $5,000/week” If it sounds too good to be true… it is. 📉 Real companies don’t offer high pay for zero skills. 🚩 2. Vague job descriptions Look out for posts that don’t mention specific tasks, tools, or expectations. 📉 Example: “We’re looking for motivated individuals to join our growing team.” Doing what, exactly? If they can’t explain it, don’t apply. 🚩 3. Interviews over messaging apps Legit employers don’t conduct full interviews on Telegram or WhatsApp. 📉 If the “hiring manager” avoids video or email, it’s a red flag. 🚩 4. Asking for money or personal info early on You should never have to pay to apply, train, or “unlock” a role. 📉 Also beware of requests for banking info, SSNs, or IDs early in the process. 🚩 5. Sketchy email domains or broken websites 📉 If the job post links to a site with typos, no company info, or uses a free Gmail/Yahoo address, proceed with caution. 🚩 6. Offers made without a real interview If you get a job offer after a quick chat or email exchange, with no proper interview, that’s a huge red flag. 📉 Real companies don’t skip due diligence. Scammers want you to act fast without thinking. 🚩 7. Overuse of buzzwords without substance Phrases like “Work from anywhere!” or “Unlimited earnings!” with no mention of actual job duties often point to MLMs or scams. 📉 Real employers talk about the work, not just the hype. 🚩 8. Pressure to respond immediately Scammers will try to rush your decision, "Apply now!" or "Only a few positions left!" 📉 Any legit job will give you time to review, ask questions, and think it through. 🚩 9. Fake logos or impersonated company names Some scams clone real brands. Always check the company's actual website and job board to confirm the listing. 📉 If something feels “off” about the language or email domain, trust your gut. ✅ What to do instead: Stick with trusted platforms that vet their listings. DailyRemote is one of the few that consistently shares real remote jobs across industries, updated daily, no fluff, no scams. Your time and trust are valuable. Don’t waste either on fake opportunities. Stay sharp. Stay skeptical. And apply smart.

I have been seeing a lot recently about scam job postings so I wanted to spread awareness about some of the most common red flags to help you stay alert! ‼️ 🚩 Be cautious of wire transfers. Positions are traditionally paid by direct deposit. 🚩 Asking for your name and email, when they are emailing you and referring to you by name. They have that personal information from your application if you had already applied. Always be cautious if someone is asking for personal information from you. 🚩 Asking for your WhatsApp information. This is NOT common in US-based roles with US-based workers. 🚩 If someone reaches out to you about a role, but are unable to produce a job description, pay attention. 🚩 Obvious spelling or grammatical errors. While little mistakes are easy to make, beware of very obvious errors. 🚩 Being asked to send money for equipment needed for the job BEFORE you’re hired and told that you’ll be reimbursed on your first check. 🚩 Unsolicited job offers. If you are getting unsolicited offers for roles you did not apply for, this is a major red flag for scams. 🚩 Emails are coming from an unofficial domain - this should not be @gmail, @hotmail, etc. Official communication should come from the company domain. These are some big ones that we see, but it’s important to stay vigilant and ask more questions! Here are some ways to protect yourself: 💻 Look up the recruiter / hiring manager 💻 Look up the company (review sites like glassdoor, trustpilot, etc) and on Linkedin and their own website 💻 Never share any personal information with anyone who has reached out to you 💻 Never download any attachments coming to you from an email if you don’t know the sender Share with others to raise awareness! #instructionaldesign #instructionaldesigner #jobscam

The importance of being vigilant when searching for a job cannot be overstated. With the rise of online job postings, it's crucial to recognize potential red flags that could indicate a scam or an undesirable work environment. *Unprofessional Activity on #LinkedIn When reviewing job postings, it's essential to pay attention to the company's online presence. A poorly maintained or unprofessional LinkedIn profile can raise concerns about the employer's professionalism and attention to detail. This could be a sign of a company that is not serious about its online presence or may not prioritize the quality of its job postings. *Inconsistencies in #Job Experience When reviewing job postings, it's crucial to verify the accuracy of the job descriptions and requirements. Inconsistencies in job titles, responsibilities, or tenure can raise doubts about the employer's credibility and ability to manage job postings effectively. *#Outdated #Work Experience An outdated LinkedIn profile can also be a red flag. If a company's profile is not updated regularly, it may indicate a lack of growth or commitment to professional development. This could be a sign of a company that is not invested in its employees career *Poorly Written Job Postings When searching for jobs online, it's crucial to be cautious of job postings with poorly written job descriptions or typos. This can indicate a company that is not serious about its job postings or may be trying to mislead potential applicants. Look out for vague job descriptions, contradictory language, or excessive use of buzzwords like "rockstar" or "wizard". *#RedFlags in Job Descriptions Some common red flags in job descriptions include phrases like "work under pressure," "fast-paced environment," or "multitasker." These phrases can indicate a company that is demanding and may not prioritize work-life balance. Additionally, job postings that use clichés like "family culture" or "rockstar" can be a sign of a company that is trying to create unrealistic expectations. *#FakeJob Postings Fake job postings are a significant concern in the job market. These postings often use stock language, photos, or unrealistic promises to entice applicants. Look out for job postings that ask for personal information, payment for job applications, or unrealistic job requirements. Be cautious of job postings that seem too good to be true or lack details about the job or company. *Red Flags in Job Postings Some common red flags in job postings include job requirements that do not make sense, lack of details about the job or company, or excessive use of buzzwords. These red flags can indicate a company that is not serious about its job postings or may be trying to mislead potential applicants. Additionally, job postings that use stock language or photos can be a sign of a company that is trying to create unrealistic expectations.

🚨 PSA to those currently seeking new employment🚨 PLEASE do your due diligence on the jobs you are applying to. It's come to my attention more and more that there are fraudulent jobs being posted on job search sites like Indeed, among others. Jobs that don't really exist, being run by individuals that don't work for the companies they are posting the jobs for. Often times these are jobs that are likely to generate a large number of applications. Remote capable, entry or junior level, etc. Those individuals are then reaching out to applicants with fake interview requests that include direct deposit forms... 😡 As if it wasn't stressful enough already to be hunting for a new job... Here are some things to keep in mind to avoid getting scammed by a fake job. 1. ALWAYS cross check the job posting with the company's careers page. If the role isn't posted on the company's careers page, trust me, it won't be posted on a external job board. 2. It's not enough just to cross-check titles. You should also cross-check the job descriptions to ensure they are the same. 3. I've NEVER heard of a company sending a direct deposit form to a candidate who is interviewing for a role. If this happens, it is a scam. 4. Companies will NEVER ask you to sign up for the signal app in order to communicate during the interview process (yes this is another example I have heard recently). 5. If you receive an outreach message, it's always a good practice to check here on LinkedIn if that person actually works for the company. Recruiters, in particular, typically have well built out LinkedIn profiles. If you receive outreach from someone with a sketchy profile, I would exercise caution. #Hiring #Talent #JobSeekers

We know that the job market is super competitive right now. 85% of professionals are considering looking for a new job this year so it’s more important than ever to stay diligent while you’re job hunting and juggling a lot of moving pieces. I shared what you should to look out for in job opportunities with Vicky Nguyen at NBCUniversal and here are some more tips on how to stay safe during your search: Check for verifications. LinkedIn has integrated verification directly into job posts. When members see verifications on job posts, that means there is verified information about the company and job poster (including for example if the poster is affiliated with an official company page, has verified their association with a particular workplace, or has verified their identity through CLEAR or one of LinkedIn’s other identity verification partners. Don’t ignore your gut. If you’re getting asked for personal information like your social security number, bank information or being asked to pay for things yourself, it’s probably a scam. Receiving an offer after just one interview is also a red flag. Legitimate companies have thorough processes so if it feels too good to be true, it probably is. And if you ever see anything suspicious – report it! It’s super easy to report anything unusual on LinkedIn - just click the three dots at the top right corner of the LinkedIn Job posting and select the option for suspicious, spam or fake activity so our teams can take a look. https://lnkd.in/dcU2gFkx

⚠️ Wowza. Are Half the Jobs on LinkedIn Fake? It’s time to talk about the elephant in the job search. Studies suggest up to 60% of job postings on LinkedIn may be misleading—or entirely fake. That includes “ghost jobs,” bait-and-switch listings, and scammers pretending to be recruiters to harvest personal data. We’re not just battling a tough job market—we’re battling phantoms in the feed. 🚨 The Reality Check If you’ve ever applied to the “perfect job” and heard nothing back, here’s why: The role was never real Companies post jobs just to inflate growth metrics Some collect résumés “just in case”—but never intend to hire Worst of all? Scammers use fake listings to steal identities and money 🕵️♀️ How to Outsmart the Noise Don't just apply. Investigate. Here's your new playbook: ✅ Cross-check listings with the company’s official careers page ✅ Be wary of vague descriptions or absurd requirements ✅ Watch out for recruiters with sketchy email addresses or awkward grammar ✅ Never share sensitive info early in the process 💬 Job Seekers Deserve Better LinkedIn is still an incredible tool—for networking, learning, and building your personal brand. But let’s not confuse activity with authenticity. It's time for: 🔒 Verified job posts 🤖 Smarter filters that flag suspicious listings 👀 Accountability for companies and recruiters Because right now, applicants are doing all the work—and absorbing all the risk. 💬 Drop a Comment Below 👇 Have you run into fake job listings on LinkedIn? Ever ghosted by a role that turned out not to exist? Let’s pull back the curtain, share experiences, and build a safer job search for everyone.