The LinkedIn Job Jungle: Why You Are Seeing the Same Jobs Over and Over

If you're actively (or even passively) browsing for jobs on LinkedIn, you've likely experienced it: that unsettling sense of déjà vu as the same job posting pops up in your feed or job board multiple times. The phenomenon of job reposting on LinkedIn is on the rise, and it's intertwined with another, more concerning trend: the increase in fake job postings.

Let's delve into why this is happening and what it means for job seekers.

The Reposting Rampage: Why the Same Jobs Keep Circling Back

Several factors contribute to the increased frequency of job reposts on LinkedIn:

• Extended Application Windows: Some roles have longer application periods, and companies may repost to keep the opportunity top-of-mind for potential applicants who are still considering their options.
• Refreshing the Candidate Pool: After an initial wave of applications, employers might repost to attract new candidates who weren't actively looking before or whose circumstances have changed.
• Algorithm Influence: LinkedIn's algorithm prioritizes fresh content. Reposting can be a way to "reset" the post's visibility and ensure it appears higher in users' feeds.
• Keeping the brand in the spotlight: companies want to stay visible
• Agency Activity: Recruitment agencies often repost jobs they are working on under their own company profiles to maximize their reach and attract candidates they can then represent.
• Internal Processes: Sometimes, reposting can be due to internal tracking or system requirements within the hiring company or the applicant tracking system (ATS) they use.

While some level of reposting is understandable, the sheer volume can be frustrating for job seekers, especially when you see a role has hundreds of applicants.  However don't be put off by this - this number only reflects the number of people who have pressed the "apply" button. It does not show the number of applicants, which is often far less.

The Rise of Fake Job Posts on LinkedIn

More alarmingly, the rise in reposting is unfortunately intertwined with a significant increase in fake job postings on LinkedIn.  Some estimate this at up to 60% of total jobs! These malicious listings can have various harmful intentions:

• Data Harvesting: Fake job posts often request extensive personal information during the application process, which can be used for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.
• Phishing Scams: Some fake postings are designed to lure applicants into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive financial information under false pretences.
• Building Contact Lists for Spam: By collecting applications, scammers can build lists of email addresses and phone numbers for spam and other unsolicited communications.
• Reputation Laundering: Scammers might post fake jobs to make their profiles or company pages appear legitimate.

Protecting Yourself in the LinkedIn Job Jungle:

Navigating the current LinkedIn job landscape requires vigilance. Here are some tips to protect yourself from fake job postings:

• Be wary of overly generic job descriptions or those with poor grammar and spelling. Legitimate companies usually have well-crafted postings.
• Research the company thoroughly. Check their official website and look for consistent information about their location, team, and recent news. Be suspicious if the company has very little online presence or if the information is inconsistent.
• Pay close attention to the application process. Be cautious if you are asked for sensitive personal information early in the process, before a formal interview. Legitimate employers typically don't ask for this upfront.
• Look for red flags in the email address of the recruiter. Be suspicious of generic email addresses (e.g., @gmail.com, @yahoo.com) for large companies. Legitimate recruiters usually use company-specific email addresses.
• Report suspicious job postings to LinkedIn. This helps them identify and remove fake listings.

While the rise in reposting on LinkedIn can be a source of frustration for job seekers, understanding the reasons behind it can provide some context. However, it's crucial to be aware of the darker side of this trend – the increasing prevalence of fake job postings.   Do your due diligence for any application.