The Silent Struggles of the Job Market: Are Companies Really Hiring or Just Building Clout?

The job market is in crisis. You don’t need industry reports to tell you that—just scroll through LinkedIn, TikTok, X, or any other professional networking site. Job seekers are venting their frustrations daily. Companies are flooding job boards with listings, yet hiring remains stagnant. It begs the question: Are these organizations genuinely looking to fill positions, or are they just using job postings to boost their brand presence and social media following?

The Illusion of Opportunity

It’s no secret that many job listings seem to exist only for show. You apply for a role, only to receive radio silence or an immediate rejection. In some cases, the job posting stays up for months with no apparent movement. Meanwhile, on certain platforms, applying for a position automatically makes you follow the company’s page—a sneaky way to inflate their audience.

Some businesses post job ads merely to gauge interest or collect CVs for future reference. Others might already have an internal candidate lined up but go through the motions for compliance reasons. This practice not only wastes candidates’ time but also fosters disillusionment and scepticism within the workforce.

The Rise of Commission-Based Exploitation

Another alarming trend is the shift toward commission-based roles, particularly in sales, business development, and even consulting—where expertise is crucial. Companies now expect professionals to invest their time, knowledge, and networks with no guaranteed compensation. If startups and established firms alike continue down this road, how can individuals maintain stable income streams? How can one commit to a role that offers no financial security?

This exploitative model disproportionately affects those transitioning into new industries, freelancers, or individuals seeking a reliable pay check. It also erodes the traditional concept of employer-employee loyalty. If companies refuse to invest in talent, why should talent invest in them?

Unrealistic Expectations: The Skill Gap Paradox

Another glaring issue in today’s job market is the unrealistic demands set by employers. Entry-level positions now require five to ten years of experience. Companies demand a laundry list of skills, often in completely unrelated fields. For instance, a business development role might require expertise in SEO, data analytics, public speaking, and software engineering.

Moreover, instead of assessing a candidate’s transferable skills, many companies take a rigid approach—if you haven’t formally studied a subject, your relevant experience is dismissed. A communications expert who has successfully handled PR, partnerships, and brand messaging may still be overlooked if their degree isn’t explicitly in “Communications.” The obsession with specific academic credentials over demonstrated abilities is shutting out countless qualified candidates.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The job market needs a reality check. Companies must rethink their hiring strategies and recognize that:

• Posting job listings for engagement is unethical and damages trust in their brand.

• Commission-only roles devalue expertise and create financial instability for employees.

• Experience should outweigh formal education titles. Real-world skills matter more than a degree title.

• Hiring should be intentional and transparent. If a position isn’t truly open, don’t post it. If a role requires niche expertise, compensate accordingly.

  
  

Until companies change their mindset, job seekers will continue to struggle in a system that prioritizes corporate clout over genuine employment opportunities. The workforce deserves better, and it’s time businesses acknowledge their role in fixing this broken cycle.