A Proposal to Stop Fake Job Listings
The Problem
Fake job listings are everywhere. Companies post positions that don't exist to collect resumes, make themselves look like they're growing, collect sensitive data, or just waste applicants' time. Job seekers pour hours into applications and hear nothing back. The emotional toll is real.
Current laws don't stop this. Enforcement is weak. Job boards have no incentive to crack down.
The Idea
Create a regulatory body that acts as a hidden applicant.
Here's how it would work:
Job seekers register with the body. Their resumes go into a database.
When a company posts a job anywhere publicly, the body automatically submits qualified candidates from its database to that company.
The company must respond within a set time frame by scheduling a physical interview with at least one submitted candidate.
If they don't respond, they are penalized—fined for posting a fake job.
Why This Works
- Companies can no longer ignore applicants. The clock starts the moment they post.
- "We didn't see your resume" stops being an excuse.
- Jobs that were never real become too expensive to post.
- Job seekers stop wasting time on positions that don't exist.
Why a Private Version Could Also Work
If the government won't do this, a private company could offer something similar:
- Maintain a database of companies that respond to applicants
- Let job seekers check an employer before applying
- Name and shame companies that post fake jobs
- Let the market punish bad actors
No laws needed. Just transparency.
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