The (Dis)Honest Job Search: A Visual Breakdown of What's Really Happening in Hiring

Let's be honest, hiring today feels like a game no one quite agreed to play. 

Candidates stretch the truth on resumes. Employers post jobs they don't intend to fill. And somewhere in between, both sides are trying to make the smartest moves without breaking the rules... even if those rules keep changing. 

At Kelly, we wanted to understand what's really going on, so we asked over 2,000 job seekers and hiring manager to tell us. The results were eye-opening. 

This infographic breaks down the unspoken dynamics shaping today's job search: from AI-assisted applications to "phantom jobs," salary gaps to stretch roles. It's all here in one visual snapshot. 

Ready to see how the hiring game is really being played?

Key takeaways from the Dishonest Job Search

Stretch roles are the new norm

Nearly every job seeker is taking a leap: 96% apply to roles they aren’t fully qualified for, and three in four hiring managers say that’s completely acceptable. The hiring landscape has shifted from box-checking to growth potential. What matters more today is what someone could do, not just what’s on their resume.

AI is an application game-changer

Forget the fearmongering. AI is here, and both sides are using it. 79% of job seekers now turn to AI for tasks like resume building and cover letters. Meanwhile, 67% of hiring managers consider that ethical, and 66% say their companies actively screen applications with AI tools. In short: tech isn’t replacing talent, it’s sharpening it.

Trust is fraying in the details

From “phantom job” listings to unclear expectations, candidates are noticing a breakdown in transparency (and the data backs it up.)

• 84% believe companies post roles they don’t plan to fill

• 68% want salary details up front, but only 48% of employers deliver

• 54% of hiring managers admit to misrepresenting remote work policies

These disconnects aren’t just frustrating, they’re costly. When information is withheld, trust erodes before the first interview.

When the rules are clear, everyone wins

Hiring doesn't have to feel like a guessing game. At Kelly, we've spent decades helping job seekers and employers cut through noise, rebuild trust, and align on what really matters. 

These numbers only scratch the surface.

Get the full context, deeper insights, and what it all means for employers and job seekers alike.