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If you’ve ever felt frustrated by job listings that seem too good to be true or lead nowhere at all, you’re not alone. The truth is, the job market is full of fake postings and ghost jobs that can waste your time or even put you at risk. To help you navigate this confusing landscape, nine experienced experts have shared their advice on red flags to watch out for, so you can differentiate between legitimate opportunities and scams designed to exploit job seekers. Look for salary transparency In my experience, the biggest red flag has nothing to do with the job description or the company website. The real issue shows up when a listing has zero mention of salaryor worse, it dodges the topic altogether. If a job post says something vague like “competitive pay” or “salary dependent on experience” without giving even a basic range, I immediately question whether the company is serious about hiring. A real position has a budget. If a company cannot commit to a number, it probably is not committed to filling the role anytime soon. I have seen roles stay open for six-plus months because companies “want to see what talent is out there” without offering a concrete salary. That being said, the real test happens during the first conversation. If an employer dances around pay or refuses to give a range even when asked, something is off. Avoiding salary discussions leads to drawn-out hiring cycles, wasted interviews, and applicants walking away after weeks of back and forth. Personally, if a company will not disclose a number after the second conversation, I consider that a dead end. The best job listings give at least a range$65K to $75K, $20 to $25/hour, or even “starting at $80K.” Anything is better than a mystery. Patrick Beltran, marketing director, Ardoz Digital Identify unusual application methods From what I’ve seen, one key indicator that job seekers can use to identify fake or ghost job listings is unusual application methods or interview processes. Being able to identify these uncommon practices can serve as red flags, potentially saving candidates time and protecting them from scams. Be cautious of job postings that ask you to apply through non-standard channels. Legit companies typically use official company portals or professional job platforms for applications (for example, LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc). Red flags for application methods include: Requests to apply via personal email addresses (like @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, etc.) Applications through messaging apps or social media platforms Unusual file upload requirements Real companies generally follow standard interview protocols. Be on the lookout for: Interviews conducted entirely via text messaging Unusually short interviews Sudden interview invitations without prior application Requests to download specific messaging apps like Telegram for interviews Some additional warning signs during the interviews could be: Immediate job offers without thorough vetting Overly agreeable interviewers who quickly present offers that sound too good to be true By being vigilant about these unusual practices, job seekers can better protect themselves from potential scams and focus their efforts on real job opportunities. Remember, most reputable companies will conduct initial interactions through professional channels and use standard video conferencing tools for remote interviews. Lisa Frank, marketing specialist, AM Industrial Group Beware of pressure to act quickly One big red flag I’ve noticed with fake or ghost job listings is when there’s an intense sense of urgency. If a recruiter tells you to apply or accept an offer immediately, without giving you time to think or ask questions, that’s a major warning sign. Legitimate companies understand that making career decisions takes time, and they don’t push candidates into rushed commitments. This urgency is often a tactic to catch people off guard, leaving them less time to notice inconsistencies or research the company. For example, I’ve seen postings where they say, “You must confirm today, or the offer will be gone!” That’s just not how real hiring works. When you feel pressured like this, take a step back and ask yourself why they’re in such a hurry. A trustworthy employer will respect your need to evaluate the opportunity and respond on your timeline, not theirs. Always prioritize your due diligence, even if it means walking away. Ani Ghazaryan, head of content marketing, neptune.ai Watch for overpromising job listings A major red flag that job seekers often overlook is job listings that overpromise but under define. If a role boasts unlimited income potential, vague benefits, or rapid career growth but lacks concrete details about daily responsibilities, team structure, or performance expectations, that’s a strong indicator that the listing may be misleading or even nonexistent. Remember that in hiring, clarity is key, legitimate employers know exactly what they need and can articulate it. If a job sounds too good to be true without clear accountability, it likely is. From my experience, a well-structured job posting reflects an organization’s professionalism and operational maturity. Companies with real hiring needs define their expectations, required skills, and key performance indicators clearly. When those elements are missing, it suggests either disorganization or, worse, a bait-and-switch scenario where the role doesn’t truly exist, or the reality of the job is far from what’s being advertised. Another critical factor is the lack of transparency about success metrics and internal structure. If a company cannot outline who the role reports to, how performance is evaluated, or what the first 90 days will entail, it signals potential instability. This could mean unclear leadership, shifting priorities, or a lack of long-term investment in employees. To vet these listings, job seekers should scrutinize the details. Does the job posting explain how success is measured? Is there a clear reporting structure? Are the responsibilities specific, or is it all broad promises? If the listing reads more like a promotional pitch than a structured opportunity, it’s worth questioning whether the job is real, or whether it’s just a tactic to build a talent pipeline without immediate intent to hire. Stephen Greet, CEO and cofounder, BeamJobs Check for clear points of contact Usually, a real job listing includes a clear point of contact. If a posting only provides a generic company email or a web form with no mention of a hiring manager, that is a major concern. A genuine employer will always make it cear who is in charge of recruitment. When there is no name, no department, and no way to confirm who is reviewing applications, there is a good chance the job does not exist. Many applicants send in résumés, receive an automated response, and never hear anything again. This becomes even more obvious during the hiring process. If you get an interview but cannot figure out who is making the hiring decision, that is a red flag. Companies that post fake openings often go through the motions of interviews, wasting time without ever planning to hire. Asking directly who is leading recruitment and when a final decision will be made can provide answers. If those details stay vague or keep changing, there is little reason to believe the job is real. To avoid getting caught up in this cycle, always check if the hiring manager is listed on the company’s website or LinkedIn. If there is no sign of anyone connected to the job, that is a signal to be careful. When reaching out, ask for direct contact with the person making the decision. If a company is serious about hiring, they will be upfront. If they are not, you will save yourself the trouble of chasing something that was never real to begin with. Lucas Botzen, talent acquisition specialist and founder, Rivermate Research companys online presence Most companies tech savvy enough to utilize online resources for hiring are also likely to have some kind of online presence. It’s not just about a random job posting floating around. You should be able to find them onlinelike, do they have social media? A blog they actually update? Check out places like LinkedIn or Glassdoor. See what employees are saying or if the company posts anything there. If you can’t find anything recent about them, no updates, or they basically don’t exist online at all, that’s a huge warning sign. These “ghost jobs” often come from companies that are only names on paper (or on a job board), not actual, real businesses. Or sometimes, it’s agencies using fake jobs to collect résumés or contact info. Basically, if a company’s legit, there will be some online buzz about themmore than just one lonely job post. If the job listing doesn’t match up with what you find online, it’s likely a fake. Sha’ Cannon, fractional chief operating officer, Sha’ Cannon Business Solutions Avoid requests for excessive personal information A company that asks for excessive personal information is a big red flag. Legitimate employers do not typically request sensitive details (bank account info, social security number, passport details) in the early stages of the hiring process. If the application requires unusual personal data upfront, it’s likely not legitimate, and applicants should stay away. Any requirement to pay a “training fee” or invest in equipment for a job almost always signals a scam. Trust your gut. Jacquelyn Lloyd, CEO and HR consultant, Jacquelyn Lloyd Consulting Check posting duration One key indicator job seekers can use to discern whether a job is fake or a ghost job is how long it has been posted past its closing date. Job seekers often apply to hundreds of jobs to land one. The numbers game is not just wasting time. It’s also increasing their personal information exposure to scammers as it’s likely that several companies are fake or ghost jobs out of the hundred in a month. In fake and ghost jobs, your personal information is vulnerable to scams or marketers for profit. If it’s a fake job, its legitimacy can often be questioned depending on where it’s posted, who posted it, and how fast the posting disappears. On LinkedIn, fake jobs disappear quickly. The key to discerning the validity is if the company posting is an actual company. Mostly, phony job postings are from fake companies. Job seekers should Google the company and check the website to confirm whether the posting is active. You can also contact the company directly via email or phone to ensure the company is still hiring. You can also search LinkedIn for the recruiter to see if they’ve posted the position. If you confirm that the job posting is real, the company may have hired the candidate but kept the posting past its closing date. Companies use this strategy to fill their pipeline with future candidates. Some companies post their hiring process flow on their website and give applicants options on how the company can use their application or resume information. Options may include information that could only be used for posted positions, the company’s newsletter, or future positions. With the increased use of AI for job postings, there are blurred lines between what’s fake and what’s just a ghost job. While this allows many fake job creations or ghost jobs to save companies money by collecting data, job seekers must research companies deeply to avoid scams and save time applying for jobs. Mark Anthony Dyson, founder, The Voice of Job Seekers Assess job listing quality A key indicator to look out for is the quality of the job listing itself. Often, fake or “ghost” job postings may contain numerous spelling and grammatical errors, overly generic job descriptions, or unrealistic promises such as extremely high pay for minimal experience or effort. Legitimate job postings are usually well-written and provide a clear, realistic description of the role, responsibilities, and qualifications required. If a job ad seems too good to be true or poorly put together, it could very well be a red flag signaling a fake job listing. Gary Edwards, director, Voceer
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E-Commerce
More than a dozen frozen supplemental shake products are being recalled over fears that they may be contaminated with a deadly strain of Listeria monocytogenes. The outbreak is so far believed to have hospitalized 37 people and led to the deaths of 11 individuals. Heres what you need to know about the frozen shake recall. Whats happened? On February 21, food distributor Lyons Magnus issued a voluntary recall of certain ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes due to fears that they were contaminated with a strain of Listeria monocytogenes. The shakes were manufactured by a Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Lyons Magnus then distributed the shakes to institutional settings, mainly long-term care facilities (LTCF) and hospitals, in numerous states across the country. According to a notice posted by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration (FDA), the agency was notified in November about a Listeria outbreak at multiple LTCFs. The FDAs traceback investigation led to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes. Those shakes are now being recalled. What products are being recalled? Seventeen individual shake products are being recalled, according to a notice posted by Lyons Magnus. Those products include the following with select “Best Buy” dates, some of which stretch into next year: ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake NSA ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake NSA ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake Plus ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake Plus ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake Plus ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Banana Shake NSA ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake NSA Imperial Frozen Vanilla Shake Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake Imperial Frozen Strawberry Shake Imperial Frozen Vanilla Shake NSA Imperial Frozen Strawberry Shake NSA Imperial Frozen Strawberry Banana Shake NSA Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake NSA The list of products with exact item numbers and Best Buy dates can be found here. The products come in 4 oz. Cartons. Images of the product packaging can be found here and here. Where were the recalled products sold? The recalled products were not distributed to retailers and sold to the public. Instead, they were distributed to institutions including hospitals and long-term care facilities throughout the United States. Has anyone been harmed from consuming the products? Unfortunately, yes. According to the FDA, the outbreak of this particular strain of Listeria monocytogenes goes back to 2018. Since then, 38 people have been infected20 of those cases happening in 2024 and 2025. Of the 38 known cases, 37 people have required hospitalization. Unfortunately, 11 people have died. The FDA says that cases have been reported in the following states: Alabama California Colorado Connecticut Florida Illinois Indiana Maryland Michigan Minnesota Missouri North Carolina Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Washington West Virginia What is Listeria monocytogenes? Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause Listeriosis in people who consume it. People usually get Listeriosis from eating Listeria-contaminated foods. While many healthy adults can contract Listeriosis and recover, the FDA says the disease is more dangerous for certain groups of people, including unborn or newborn babies, people with weakened immune systems, and those over the age of 65. Those last two cohorts are of particular concern with this outbreak as the recalled products were mainly distributed to hospitals and long-term care facilities. There are two main forms of Listeriosis: non-invasive and invasive. What are the symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes? According to the FDA, the symptoms of the more mild non-invasive listeriosis are: fever muscle aches nausea vomiting diarrhea Symptoms of the more problematic invasive listeriosis are: headache stiff neck confusion loss of balance convulsions The FDA says that invasive listeriosis is a potentially life-threatening event, especially in the most at-risk groups. What should I do if I have the recalled products? The good news is that most households should not have any of the recalled products as they were not sold to the public at retailers. However, institutions that may have the products in their possessionincluding long-term care facilities and hospitalsshould not sell or serve the products and should thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers they have come into contact with.
Category:
E-Commerce
Hello and welcome to Modern CEO! Im Stephanie Mehta, CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures. Each week this newsletter explores inclusive approaches to leadership drawn from conversations with executives and entrepreneurs, and from the pages ofInc.andFast Company. If you received this newsletter from a friend, you cansign up to get it yourselfevery Monday morning. It’s a tough time to be in the business of environmental sustainability. Earlier this month, seven of the worlds 10 largest countries missed a United Nations deadline for submitting updated emissions-cutting plans, according to Bloomberg. Starting late last year, financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, and others left the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, a coalition of companies committed to reducing their carbon footprints. These moves and many others come as President Donald Trump and his appointees seek to eliminate federal government programs that tackle global warming. Even so, Jonquil Hackenberg, CEO of leading circular economy charity Ellen MacArthur Foundation, is navigating this new world with a mix of optimism and pragmatism. The circular economy is a system where materials are recycled, refurbished, reused, or composted and where farming is designed to increase biodiversity. In an exclusive interview with Modern CEO, Hackenberg underscored the foundations commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The circular route to waste reduction A recent example of the foundations work is the Big Food Redesign Challenge, an 18-month project aimed at helping the food sector design environmentally friendly products. Earlier this month, the foundation showcased 141 products by 57 organizations, including Nestlé and grocery chain Waitrose & Partners, which use circular economy and regenerative agriculture principles. In addition to such programs, Hackenberg also talked about the role circularity plays in non-environmental issues like supply-chain resiliency. We are looking at critical raw materials through the lens of material security, which plays very well into the new administration and beyond, she says. A sustainable supply-chain solution Studies suggest that recycling or reuse of materials can help offset disruptions in supply chains due to shortages or geopolitical factors. The European Unions Joint Research Center, for example, recently issued a report examining how boosting circularity, along with other approaches, could help reduce Europes dependency on China, Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine for materials used to make titanium metal products. Companies in the EU use titanium primarily in planes but also in cars, robots, and 3D printing. Hackenbergs background makes her well-equipped to make the practical case for the foundations mission. She previously served as CEO of Eunomia Research and Consulting, a social-environmental consultancy, and before that was global head of sustainability and climate response at PA Consulting. My experience is really in large-scale transformation, she says. The move to a circular economy is the largest-scale transformation were going to face. Indeed, despite early gains75 countries have circular economy roadmaps and 55% of businesses, including IKEA and Dell, have made commitments to circularitythe movement appears to be stalled. The most recent Circularity Gap Report found that just 7.2% of materials that entered the economy in 2023 were secondary, or non-virgin, down from 9.1% of materials in 2018. Circularity logic Driving further transformation may require highlighting the way circularity can support local economies, for example. If you are looking at governments that are perhaps more protectionist, who are asking, How do I help and protect our own economy? Its a ripe playing field for a circular economy to create new value opportunities and new jobs without global inputs, Hackenberg says. Hackenbergs broad framing of the benefits of circularity mirrors the way other nonprofits and many businesses are trying to reposition themselves in the Trump era. Fast Company recently reported on how cleantech startups have started emphasizing their role in national security. But the Ellen MacArthur Foundation isnt walking back its commitment to climate and biodiversity issues. We need courage and leadership to stay the course, she says. Politics will come and go, but facts back up that we are scraping at the barrels of planetary boundaries. Eliminating waste on our streets and in our oceans is a nonpartisan issue. How is your company handling topics under fire? Is your company reframing the way you talk about environmental sustainability, inclusion, or other topics that are under fire? Send your comments to me at stephaniemehta@mansueto.com. Id like to share some of your insights in an upcoming newsletter. Read more: virtuous circles Fast Companys best circular design of last year How HP is using a supply reset to advance the circular economy Meet Chairish, an 11-year-old, used-furniture marketplace and an Inc. Best in Business honoree
Category:
E-Commerce
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