If job postings are windows into the working world, maybe somebody needs to clean the glass, because it can be awfully hard to know what you’re really seeing! That’s why the first letter in REAL stands for “Read between the lines” when you read job postings. I’ll also explore how to Evaluate the fit, Apply with an advantage and Learn from the experience.

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Why do employers put up fake job postings, wasting job seekers’ time with “openings” that don’t really exist?

In many cases they’re not necessarily scams. By “scams,” I mean situations where applicants are exploited for identity theft or enticed into paying for equipment to get started. These happen, but they’re not the most common problem.

You’re more likely to be fooled by “ghost postings”: announcements from real, reputable companies that nevertheless will not actually lead to a hire.

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