Misleading job ads can lead to employee burnout and lack of professional satisfaction
Employees are putting in effort for responsibilities that they originally didn't sign up for, according to a new report, which warned against misleading job descriptions that are setting up false expectations in the workforce.
The latest Resume Builder poll showed that some jobs are falling short of what they originally promised when it comes to responsibilities and even career growth.
Some 18% of workers in the survey said they are in jobs that have changed significantly or are completely different from what they were hired for.
Another 56% said the role only "mostly or somewhat matches" what the job description originally advertised, after the employer made a few changes over time.
The misrepresentation extends beyond the job description, as 20% of employees reported that what is expected of them for the role is often unclear or completely unpredictable.
"A role can become a moving target when the job description doesn't match the actual job, and employees can't pin down what's expected of them," the report read.
"Ambiguity and unpredictability can force employees to spend more time adapting to shifting demands than focusing on their work and building consistency in their roles."
Beyond responsibilities, there are also jobs that advertised career growth that never delivered on this promise, according to the report.
Nearly a quarter of the report's respondents said conversations on career advancement are often delayed or avoided entirely (24%), and that they are sometimes inconsistent (25%).
"Employees aren't just receiving mixed signals about their current role; many also face uncertainty about their next step on the career ladder. When conversations about advancement are inconsistent or avoided, employees may feel unsure how they can grow with the organisation," the report read.
The findings come amid rising reports of hiring bait-and-switch from jobseekers, who called out that some promises made during the recruitment process are not being delivered at work.
Some of the commonly reported promises that have gone unfulfilled include remote work, flexibility, and freedom from Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), according to a separate report from Alexander Lyons Solutions, a recruitment firm.
Impact of mismatched jobs
The Resume Builder report warned that the disconnect between the expectations that job descriptions set and the realities happening in the workplace can make employees question their alignment with the organisation.
"When the role changes after the hire, workers question whether their current position still aligns with the career path they originally chose," the report read.
"Recognising these issues early can help workers clarify whether the role can be brought back in line with what was promised or make informed decisions about what comes next," the Resume Builder report read.
The mismatch can also lead to mental health issues in the workforce.
"A hiring bait-and-switch can leave workers discouraged and professionally unfulfilled, contributing to stress and potential burnout," the report read.
Alexander Lyons Solutions also warned that hiring bait-and-switch can lead to reputational damage for an organisation and poor employee retention.
"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," it said.
