That job you applied for might not exist. Here's what's behind a boom in "ghost jobs."

https://www.cbsnews.com ^ | June 27, 2024 | Edited By Aimee Picchi

[RomanSoldier19]

Fake job ads are proliferating online, with more companies admitting to posting realistic-looking job openings that don't actually exist.

Forty-percent of companies said they have posted a fake job listing this year, according to a survey in May of 650 hiring managers from career site Resume Builder. Three in 10 companies currently have fake listings on their sites or on job boards, according to the survey.

[Ronaldus Magnus III]

“”No one has a staff of idle, qualified people just sitting around waiting for A to get a contract.

It used to be that big companies, like Honeywell and General Dynamics, could let qualified people sit on overhead until they were needed. But not anymore. If they don’t have a billable job for the employees, the employees are gone before the next pay period starts.””

Boeing Aerospace is a great example. NASA used to issue Cost Plus contracts. No matter what the dollar amount of the original contract/bid, the company could just send a bill for the cost overruns, and the government would write the check. For larger projects, Boeing probably ‘spread the wealth around’ to many Boeing staff. Now that NASA only issues fixed-price contracts, the company needs to remain within the contract limits. Any cost overruns are the contractor’s responsibility. The Boeing StarLiner space capsule, currently attached to the Space Station, is a great example. It is a fixed-price contract, Boeing is waaaaay over budget, and all cost overruns are Boeing’s responsibility. The only way Boeing was going to even break even, let alone make a profit, was to sell more StarLiner flights. With the specific StarLiner issues, and Boeing’s overall issues, I doubt any public OR private entities are going to hire and trust Boeing to perform.

[SaveFerris]

I was tired of it by 2009

I was tired of it when I worked for Big 6 in the 1990s - it’s just about all they did, to their employees, to their customers - it was like a gal I dated in the 1980s - whatever she told me wasn’t the truth and wasn’t ever her intention to make happen or even try to make happen - however that 80s experience taught me much about being in the midst of a few at Big 6

It’s how I can simply hear John Kirby or Barack Obama speak and know that it’s all lies (most of the time)

For those wondering how AA (not the company I was at) was involved with Enron, I can assure you that it was no surprise to me at all - including them replacing a Senior Manager who wouldn’t go along with the scam so he got switched out

[SaveFerris]

I’m often lectured by people who retired by 2004 or those who were fortunate enough to have their jobs continue after 2008

They all think it’s the old days - the rude awakening will be ... rude indeed

My luck if I moved to the Philippines is the Chinese would probably try to invade .......

[EC Washington]

Some companies are doing this to find out which of the current employees are looking for a job. I was at a conference in Columbus two weeks ago and this was a major subject.

[sonova]

I and some friends ran into this. Companies want to look busy or growing. I applied for one, Industrial Controls (Automation Engineer). I checked all the boxes. The hiring manager called and asked if I was also a welder and a machinist. There is no such person! Bogus job listing.

Another similar one, Controls Engineer, but you had to be able to carry 75 pounds up a ladder.

I quit looking.

[SaveFerris]

Yeah it’s amazing

One company, the boss decided what if we could get one guy to do three software jobs?

I tried explaining to them that guy could make at least $75/hr consulting 15 years ago AND would not be doing that job for $23/hr plus benefits

IF such a guy even existed

But the boss thought he really came up with something brilliant

🙄🙄🙄🙄

They all get this stupid look on their face too, when they say something like that

A guy like that supposed software engineer wouldn’t have worked with my drama queen boss either

I was stuck, unfortunately

[xoxox]

An extrapolatable premise. In fact, one would be foolish not to recognize in it the template of power.

[SaveFerris]

The uncertainty always made it difficult to work

I was much happier consulting, in general, when I was a W-2 contractor

The one good thing I’d say about Big 6 in those days - cost was almost never a problem - we made things happen - whatever it took - that was actually pretty good - I could jump on an airplane, grab a rental car, hotel in any city - everything was always taken care of - of course I was spending a fair amount of money on my corporate Diner’s Club card (for that time period)

[xoxox]

All things must pass.

[HIDEK6]

My estimate is that less that 50% of advertised jobs are ever filled. There is no intention of filling them. They are just wage and salary surveys.

I think you are correct.

[minnesota_bound]

Back in 2003 the company I was at annouced the place was closing. I found an ad in the paper (remember those) and the place was nearby but they did not exist. A co-worker told me companies do this to see if there is interest.

[brianl703]

Most consulting companies like IBM have a bench and they’ll keep people around for a couple of months if they’re unbillable.

[ShawnShawntheLeprecaun]

Can you believe they are just now discussing this? Most job adds are gathering info only. Hello!
As someone seeking employment for 2 years now I’ve learned they are not serious. When they are you had best be Latin or bilingual. Noteeth and stupid seem to work.
If you walk in they tell you to apply online. Only 2 out of hundred returned my email with a decline and that I needed to be bilingual. I still get email ads to this day from one of them for jobs. Incredible.