Here’s How Widespread ‘Career Catfishing’ Really Is

That Job (Or Candidate) Seems Too Good to Be True? It Might Be.

We have all heard the stories. A friend takes a “dynamic, fast-paced” job only to find they are glorified data entry clerks. A manager hires a “strategic, visionary” candidate who turns out to be in over their head.

In today’s competitive job market, honesty is the foundation of a good hire, yet a surprising number of people are showing up to the first date wearing a mask.

This phenomenon has a name: career catfishing. It is what happens when either side of the hiring process presents a deceptive version of themselves.

For job seekers, it might mean padding a resume with skills they do not quite have. For employers, it often looks like a job posting that oversells the role, the culture, or the growth opportunities.

This is not just a few isolated incidents. New data from Monster’s 2025 poll reveals just how widespread this issue has become, and the consequences are costing both companies and employees time, money, and trust.

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