Career catfishing? It’s no different from what happens on dating apps—you get pranked, ghosted, and misled. You may think you’ve found the perfect candidate, only to discover their credentials are exaggerated or fake.
Nowadays, career catfishing is on the rise, especially among Gen Z job seekers, though Millennials and older generations are not immune. This trend reflects shifting work expectations, with many younger professionals prioritizing fulfillment and career growth over long-term commitments.
So, what is career catfishing? It’s accepting a job offer and failing to show up on the first day without notifying the employer. This deceptive practice wastes recruiters’ time, impacts hiring decisions, and lowers employee retention rates.
According to INQUIRER.net, Gen Z employees are more likely to leave organizations when they don’t feel a sense of purpose. As a result, they frequently job-hop, making it harder for recruiters to secure reliable hires.
So, how can hiring managers spot fake job profiles, verify candidate identities, and prevent ghost jobs from being posted? Here are five strategies to combat career catfishing.
1. Conduct a Thorough Background Investigation
A standard resume scan is not enough. Go beyond a candidate’s job profile description and verify personal information, education, and work history. Cross-check their online presence across job listing websites and career platforms.
Moreover, look for inconsistencies in skills, experience, and previous employment. Extending the investigation to social media profiles can also provide insights into a candidate’s professionalism, interests, and engagement in relevant industry topics.
2. Implement Skills Assessment Tests
Job seekers may dislike skill assessments, but they are a crucial step in weeding out career catfishing. A well-designed test ensures that applicants possess the necessary qualifications rather than relying on exaggerated resumes.
For instance, if you are hiring for a digital marketing role, include evaluations on SEO, social media management, content creation, and project management. These assessments will filter out unqualified candidates while reinforcing credibility in the hiring process.
3. Ask Behavioral Interview Questions
Conduct behavioral interviews focusing on real-life scenarios to distinguish real talent from fabricated credentials. Ask candidates how they handle tight deadlines, collaborate on projects, or navigate industry challenges.
For example, if a candidate claims expertise in digital marketing, ask them about their opinion on emerging trends or strategies they would use in a specific campaign. This method allows recruiters to assess critical thinking and industry knowledge, reducing the risk of career catfishing.
4. Craft Transparent and Precise Job Descriptions
Sometimes, unclear job descriptions lead candidates to embellish their resumes in an attempt to match the role. To avoid this, ensure that job postings are factual and aligned with actual responsibilities.
Clearly define job expectations, qualifications, and corporate culture. Avoid misleading claims that may lure candidates into roles they are unqualified for. Additionally, disclose a salary range to prevent applicants from ghosting once compensation details are revealed.
5. Use Trusted Job Listing Websites Like Bossjob
A streamlined hiring process begins with selecting the right platform. Posting jobs on reputable job listing websites minimizes exposure to fraudulent applicants and career catfishing attempts.According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), freelance revenues surged by 208% from 2019 to 2020, with this trend continuing into 2023. As digital job platforms
expand, it’s vital to leverage secure career sites that verify applicants and ensure higher hiring success rates.
Career Catfishing? Take Action Now!
Career catfishing is not just a passing trend—it’s a growing challenge for recruiters. By implementing AI-driven hiring tools, conducting rigorous background checks, and refining job postings, recruiters can significantly reduce the risk of bad hires.
Bossjob, a chat-first career platform, streamlines hiring by connecting recruiters with verified professionals, ensuring a smoother recruitment process.
Finally, take the first step in securing committed candidates who can contribute to your organization’s success in today’s evolving job market.
