#28: Fake Job Applications: How to Spot & Prevent them in 2025

Throw Out The Playbook: Modern Digital Recruiting

Are fake candidates on the rise in 2025?

The rise of AI has made fake job applications more sophisticated than ever. In this episode, I’m joined by former FAANG recruiter, Stefanie Fackrell to discuss the rising challenge of candidate catfishing. Discover how AI tools, fake profiles, and interview fraud are impacting hiring teams.

But instead of focusing on aggressive verification tactics that can harm diversity efforts, discover how to build genuine candidate relationships while protecting your hiring process. Learn why traditional screening methods are failing and get actionable strategies that work without compromising inclusive hiring practices.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The "bot vs. bot" era of hiring: AI tools on both sides
• Real stories of sophisticated hiring scams and their consequences
• Impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
• Building fraud-resistant hiring processes
• Balancing verification with candidate privacy

Perfect for recruiters, hiring managers, and TA leaders who want to stay ahead of this growing challenge.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Greenhouse AI use policy: https://www.greenhouse.com/guidelines-for-using-ai-in-our-interviewing-process

Reddit Thread on Fake applicants: https://www.reddit.com/r/recruiting/comments/1gkl0u6/fake_applicants_are_out_of_control/

📬 Get the Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw

//TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 INTRODUCTION

00:00 The Bot vs. Bot Era of Hiring

05:11 Candidate Deceit: The New Norm

09:53 Ethics and Creativity in Job Applications

15:08 AI in Interviews: Resourceful or Deceptive?

19:51 Building Relationships in Recruitment

25:07 Navigating the New Hiring Landscape

29:53 The Future of Recruitment: Community and Connection

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE
→ #24: Building a Neuro-inclusive Hiring Strategy with Tameka Allen

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🌟 CONNECT WITH STEFANIE
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniefackrell-hr-rebel/

🌐 Website: https://www.dysruptivehr.com/

🌟 CONNECT WITH ME
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/
🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rhonab.bsky.social
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhonabpierce
🌐 Website: https://www.rhonapierce.com/

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