More than half of workers say they’ve faced a ‘bait-and-switch’ in the hiring process: ‘This is a flaming red flag’
The Growing Problem of Job 'Bait-and-Switch' in Today's Workplace
In an increasingly competitive job market, a troubling trend has emerged: the "bait-and-switch" job offer. More than half of U.S. workers report experiencing significant discrepancies between advertised job responsibilities and actual role requirements, according to a recent Greenhouse survey of 2,900 global workers.
## A Personal Experience: Alexis Byrd's Story
Detroit-based HR professional Alexis Byrd's experience illustrates this growing problem. In 2023, she accepted what was presented as a remote position in logistics HR. The initial welcome was promising – complete with office flowers and friendly colleagues during what was supposed to be a one-week onsite onboarding.
However, by day three, the story changed dramatically. Byrd's manager informed her that she would need to:
- Commute to the office three times weekly
- Travel to two additional worksites twice weekly
- Add approximately two hours of daily commute time
When Byrd attempted to discuss her original remote work agreement, her manager dismissed her concerns, stating, "Sometimes things change, and you need to be flexible."
Despite the role's potential and positive workplace relationships, Byrd left after two months. "I was deceived in taking this opportunity, especially when I was transparent upfront about needing flexible work," she explains. The situation was compounded by expanded responsibilities beyond the original scope.
## The Scale of the Problem
The issue extends beyond work location changes:
- 53% of U.S. workers report experiencing bait-and-switch tactics in new jobs
- 42% of job-seekers say advertised salaries changed after multiple interview rounds
- Major companies like Amazon, Dell, and Walmart have faced scrutiny for changing remote work policies
## Why Companies Do It
According to Jon Stross, president and co-founder of Greenhouse, these situations often stem from internal chaos rather than malicious intent. Common reasons include:
- Rushed hiring processes using recycled job descriptions
- Evolving understanding of role requirements during the hiring process
- Poor internal communication and planning
## Legal Perspective
Sahara Pynes, a labor and employment partner at Fox Rothschild LLP, notes that while employers can generally modify job scope, immediate changes like in Byrd's case raise red flags about company credibility. While at-will employment allows for changes to working conditions, compensation changes may require written documentation for legal recourse.
## Protecting Yourself: Expert Advice
### During the Interview Process:
1. Ask detailed questions about role expectations
2. Request clarification about success metrics
3. Trust your instincts if something feels wrong
4. Get all commitments in writing, especially regarding compensation
### If You Experience a Bait-and-Switch:
1. Document the changes from original agreements
2. Have a direct conversation about expectations
3. Consider negotiating alternatives (flexible schedule, additional benefits)
4. Request compensation adjustments if responsibilities increase
## Success After Setback
Byrd's story has a positive ending. She now works as a talent acquisition specialist at a company that requires one day per week in the office – a requirement that was transparent from the start. She found success by carefully evaluating:
- Communication style during hiring
- Employee development opportunities
- Company culture
- Diversity in the interview panel
In today's evolving workplace, job seekers must remain vigilant and advocate for themselves while employers need to prioritize transparency in their hiring practices to build trust and retain talent.