The Dark Side of Deceptive Job Ads: Why Misleading Promises Are Hurting Companies
At Alexander Lyons Solutions, we’ve seen a disturbing trend growing across industries—companies using misleading job descriptions to lure talent. It’s a tactic that’s not only dishonest but ultimately damaging to both employees and the companies themselves.
The Job Ad “Catfish”
We’ve all heard stories about people being “catfished” in online dating, but what about being catfished by a job? More and more, job descriptions promise things like remote working, flexibility, and freedom from KPIs—only for new hires to discover that these claims were nothing more than bait. Once in the role, the truth quickly becomes clear: the job is anything but what was advertised.
For example:
- Remote Working: Advertised as a remote role, but you’re suddenly required to be in the office four days a week.
- Flexible Working Hours: Promised flexibility, but every task must be completed their way, with little room for independent thought.
- No KPIs: Assured there would be no metrics, but you’re soon expected to track every call, email, and even your time away from the desk…
It’s a recipe for disappointment and frustration.
The Consequences for Employees
For employees, this bait-and-switch approach can be devastating. Imagine the excitement of finding your dream role—one that aligns with your values and lifestyle—only to discover once you’ve started that the job doesn’t live up to its promises. You’ve left other opportunities behind, adjusted your life to fit the new role, and invested emotionally in a company that has misled you from the start.
This doesn’t just lead to dissatisfaction; it causes deeper issues:
- Loss of trust: Employees who feel lied to will quickly lose faith in the leadership and the company as a whole.
- Reduced productivity: When people feel deceived, their motivation takes a nosedive. Why give 100% when the company hasn’t been upfront from the beginning?
- Higher turnover: People don’t stick around in jobs that make them feel undervalued or misled. This results in frequent turnover, which costs the company time and money.
The Business Impact
When companies mislead in their job adverts, they’re not only hurting their employees—they’re hurting their own reputation and bottom line.
- Reputational Damage: Word spreads quickly in the job market. Candidates talk, and companies that routinely deceive potential hires will find it harder and harder to attract top talent. Glassdoor reviews, LinkedIn posts, and employee word-of-mouth can all contribute to a company’s bad reputation.
- Poor Employee Retention: Employees who feel tricked are unlikely to stay. High turnover is not just a logistical headache; it’s expensive. The cost of replacing an employee, from recruitment to training, is significant—and the cycle repeats when companies continue to mislead new hires.
- Loss of Talent: In today’s competitive market, talented individuals have choices. If a company isn’t transparent from the start, they’re likely to miss out on hiring the best candidates—people who could have made a real impact on the business.
A Call for Authenticity
At Alexander Lyons Solutions, we advocate for honesty and transparency in the hiring process. Clear, honest job descriptions help set the right expectations for candidates, leading to a better fit for both the employee and the company.
By being upfront about what the role involves, what the company culture is really like, and what candidates can expect from day one, businesses can build a workforce that’s engaged, motivated, and aligned with their values.
Building Trust from Day One
Businesses need to understand that building trust starts with the job advert. When companies are truthful from the outset, they’re far more likely to attract candidates who are genuinely excited about the role and prepared to thrive in the company culture.
It’s time for companies to move away from using flashy promises to lure people in and focus on delivering authentic job opportunities.
Because in the end, creating a work environment based on trust and transparency isn’t just good for employees—it’s good for business too.