Career Catfishing: 4 in 5 of Workers Have Been “Catfished” Into a Job

In today’s competitive job market, honesty matters more than ever. Yet according to a Monster's 2025 Career Catfishing poll, deceptive practices during the hiring process are more common than you might think. Similarly, SHRM found that turnover in the first year is often the result of unmet expectations around what the job entails, underscoring the importance of accurate job descriptions

From misleading job postings to candidates exaggerating their résumés, both job seekers and employers are navigating a world where not everything is as it seems. The Harvard Business Review highlights that employees need meaningful work and opportunities to grow in their careers, otherwise, even great perks can't stem turnover. And the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average monthly quit rate in 2024 was 2.1%, underscoring how often workers leave roles when expectations don’t align with reality.

What Is Career Catfishing?

“Career Catfishing” happens when either side of the hiring process presents a deceptive persona. For job seekers, this can mean exaggerating skills, education, or past job responsibilities. For employers, it often looks like overselling company culture, benefits, or role expectations.

Key Findings from Monster’s Career Catfishing Poll

Our survey uncovered eye-opening insights about how widespread “career catfishing” really is:

• 79% of workers say they’ve been “catfished” into a job that didn’t match the recruiter’s description.
  • 49% said the work responsibilities were different than expected.
  • 21% felt the company culture was misrepresented.
  • 9% reported that compensation or benefits were overstated.
• 13% of workers admit to career catfishing themselves, exaggerating:
  • Job responsibilities (8%)
  • Skills/technical abilities (7%)
  • Work experience (7%)
  • Education/certifications (3%)
• 67% of workers believe they currently work with someone who misrepresented their qualifications.
• 85% of workers agree career catfishing is morally wrong, and nearly one-third (31%) think offenders should be fired immediately if caught.

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Why Career Catfishing Hurts Everyone
Whether it’s employers overselling a role or candidates embellishing their skills, career catfishing has long-term consequences:

• For workers: Accepting a misleading job offer often leads to dissatisfaction, burnout, or quitting early.
• For employers: Hiring a candidate who exaggerated their skills can cost time, productivity, and resources.

In both cases, trust is broken before it even has a chance to grow.

How Job Seekers Can Avoid Being Catfished

1. Ask detailed questions during interviews – Clarify job responsibilities, team dynamics, and growth opportunities.
2. Research company culture – Check reviews on Monster and other trusted platforms.
3. Request written confirmation of compensation and benefits before accepting an offer.

How Employers Can Prevent Catfishing Candidates

1. Use skills-based assessments to confirm technical abilities.
2. Verify employment history and education with thorough background checks.
3. Foster transparency in job postings – Clear role descriptions reduce turnover and build trust.

The Bottom Line

Career catfishing is more than just an awkward mismatch—it’s a trust issue that impacts careers and businesses alike. By prioritizing transparency and honesty on both sides of the hiring equation, job seekers and employers can create stronger, more successful matches.

Looking for your next opportunity? Explore open jobs on Monster.com and find a role that’s the right fit—no catfishing required.

Methodology

This poll was conducted by Monster in March 2025 among more than 1,400 U.S. workers across industries and experience levels. Respondents were asked about their experiences with misleading job descriptions, employer transparency, and personal honesty during the application process. The survey reflects the perspectives of employed and job-seeking individuals in the United States, offering insights into both candidate and employer behaviors in today’s labor market.

Find Your Perfect Match—With Honesty That Matters

Join Monster for free today to discover job opportunities that match your skills and expectations. Upload your resume to stand out authentically to employers who value transparency. Set up tailored job alerts to receive roles that truly align with your experience—and avoid mismatches that lead to disappointment.