Navigating Murky Waters: Is Job Post Effectiveness Sinking?

A few years ago, my family and I ventured to Cabo San Lucas, a slice of paradise marred only by relentless condo salespeople at the airport baggage claim. Once past them, it was smooth sailing – well, almost.

We embarked on an 8-hour fishing expedition in the Sea of Cortez, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and sparkling waters, touted as one of the world’s premier deep-sea fishing spots. Yet, despite the idyllic setting, we returned empty-handed. Nearby boats reeled in prize catches while ours seemed stuck in a fish-free zone. Was it bad luck, poor timing, or simply choosing the wrong charter?

The parallels with recruiting hit home recently at a workshop on pay transparency laws sweeping across various U.S. states and cities. These regulations mandate disclosing compensation ranges, benefits, and more in job postings – a noble effort to level the wage disparity playing field but a logistical headache for employers. Compliance varies, enforcement is patchy, and the rules are complex, especially for the remote and hybrid workforce.

“Are these laws deterring companies from posting jobs?” I posed this question at the workshop, but time ran out before answers surfaced.

Legal hurdles aside, the rise of fake job postings adds another layer of murkiness. These nefarious ads aren’t just misleading; they’re tools for identity theft, scaring off potential candidates wary of falling victim.

Just yesterday, scrolling through my LinkedIn feed, I was struck by an opportunity algorithmically pegged as ideal for me. Amidst a sea of suitable roles, LinkedIn suggested three physician positions – a flattering, albeit bewildering, proposal considering my lack of medical credentials.

Perhaps their AI honed in on the keyword “MD” buried somewhere in my profile. Still, let’s be clear: I’m more adept at recruiting executives than wielding a scalpel.

In today’s job market, casting the right net matters more than ever. Job postings, while essential, face mounting challenges – from legal mazes to digital shams – that may be diminishing their lure. As we navigate these waters, one thing is certain: recruiting isn’t just about throwing a line; it’s about knowing where and how to fish.

Concerns about job post integrity are further compounded by the prevalence of “ghost jobs,” as highlighted in a recent article by Laura Hilgers. These are postings for non-existent or already filled positions, a practice alarmingly common in the industry. According to surveys, many recruiters admit to using ghost jobs to maintain a presence on job boards, test job descriptions, or build future talent pools. While some argue these postings serve legitimate purposes like compliance or ongoing talent scouting, skepticism abounds regarding their true effectiveness and ethical implications. Such practices not only mislead job seekers but also risk damaging a company’s reputation and trustworthiness in the eyes of potential hires.

Is job post effectiveness waning? In these turbulent seas, the answer remains as elusive as that first catch in Cabo.

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