Survey Uncovers Non-Transparent Hiring Practices Amid AI Use

Boston, September 26, 2025

News Summary

A recent survey by Kelly highlights the lack of transparency in hiring practices across the U.S., revealing that 96% of job seekers apply for positions they don’t fully qualify for, while 81% of hiring managers report conducting interviews for ‘phantom jobs’ that are never filled. The reliance on automation and AI in this opaque job market further contributes to candidate frustration and a significant gap in salary transparency. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved communication and ethical AI usage within the hiring process.

Boston

Survey finds widespread non-transparent hiring practices and job market friction amid rising AI use

A new survey from Kelly reveals the non-transparent dynamics of the job market, with over 2,000 respondents, including 1,015 job seekers and 1,009 hiring managers across the United States. The survey finds that 96% of job seekers have applied for roles for which they do not meet all listed qualifications, a behavior described as “stretch applications.” At the same time, 81% of hiring managers report conducting interviews for “phantom jobs” that were never intended to be filled. The findings point to a hiring environment marked by opacity, heavy reliance on automation and AI, and growing candidate frustration.

Key findings — what matters most

• Stretch applications are near-universal: 96% of job seekers admit to applying for jobs when they do not meet all listed qualifications.
• Phantom job postings are common: 81% of hiring managers say they have interviewed candidates for phantom jobs, often used to build talent pipelines or gather industry insights.
• AI is used by both sides: 63% of job seekers consider AI usage on applications ethically acceptable, and 67% of hiring managers view AI screening as ethically acceptable.
• Salary transparency gap: 68% of job seekers prefer salary information in job descriptions, but only 48% of hiring managers provide salary details upfront.
• Remote work misrepresentation: 54% of hiring managers admit to portraying flexibility that does not exist, contributing to dissatisfaction among 76% of candidates.
• Application process friction: Candidates face automated application processes and longer searches, with the average job search increasing to 10 weeks.

Supporting details — timelines, benefits and trust

More than half of candidates (55%) and hiring managers agree that a three-day timeframe is optimal for making job offer decisions. Despite that, many applicants report delays and automated communications that leave them unsure of status. Only one in three candidates receive benefits information upfront, and while 77% of candidates expect clear advancement opportunities, only 46% of hiring managers always provide this information during interviews.

Trust in listed salary ranges also varies by gender: 37% of men fully believe listed pay scales compared with 27% of women. This disparity compounds concerns about transparency and fairness in compensation communication.

AI’s dual role and related concerns

The survey describes a dual role for AI in the hiring process. Job seekers increasingly use AI to enhance resumes and applications, and hiring managers increasingly employ AI tools to screen and shortlist applicants. While many respondents accept ethical use of AI—63% of job seekers and 67% of hiring managers—recruiters express concern that applicant materials may be artificially enhanced, potentially inflating qualifications. There are also worries about automated bias in AI hiring tools and the potential for gender and racial discrimination through algorithmic screening.

Regional note: Massachusetts

Massachusetts is experiencing state-level challenges distinct from the nationwide trends. The state is seeing hiring freezes at institutions attributed to federal funding cuts and an increase in ghost postings. These dynamics are contributing to local hiring slowdowns and uncertainty for candidates in the state.

Sector shifts and hiring practices

Employers are increasingly specific about hybrid and remote arrangements, often dictating particular remote work days rather than offering broad flexibility, which has created barriers for some prospective hires. There is a noticeable uptick in demand for tradespeople and skill-specific positions compared with traditional white-collar roles. Recruiters are also coping with large volumes of automated applications and report frustration in distinguishing authentic applicants from those using AI tools to boost perceived qualifications.

What hiring managers cite for phantom postings

Hiring managers who post positions without intent to immediately fill them commonly cite reasons such as building a talent pipeline and gathering industry insights. These practices, while useful for long-term planning, contribute to candidate dissatisfaction when application effort does not lead to transparent outcomes.

Background and context

The survey highlights structural challenges in the contemporary job market: expanded use of automation, heightened candidate expectations for transparency, and shifting demand across job types. The average job search lengthening to 10 weeks reflects broader economic and operational friction. State-level conditions, such as funding-related hiring freezes in Massachusetts, compound nationwide trends and create localized hiring bottlenecks.

Implications for job seekers and employers

The findings suggest practical steps for both sides: clearer salary and benefits disclosure, timely communication on hiring decisions, and careful governance of AI tools to limit bias and misrepresentation. For candidates, realistic expectations about timelines and verification of remote arrangements can reduce surprises. For employers, balancing talent pipeline strategies with transparent job postings could improve candidate experience and trust.

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Quick reference table

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Boston Job Market Outlook 2025: Hiring Trends For Tech And Healthcare
Massachusetts Enforces Salary Range Transparency Law
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Boston Housing Market Sees Record Prices Amid Affordability Challenges
Rachel Miselman Campaigns for At-Large Boston City Council Seat
Boston City Council Tensions Rise Over Transparency Issues
Flock Safety Expands Operations to Boston
Investigation Clears Boston Economic Chief of Wrongdoing
Protests Against Driverless Cars in Boston: Navigating a PR Storm
AI’s Impact on Job Security: A Growing Concern

Additional Resources

• The Atlantic: Job Market Hell
• MassLive: Job Market Dynamics in 2025
• Business Insider: AI Jobs and Entry-Level Workers
• Google Search: Job Market 2025
• Wikipedia: Job Market

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