We’ve all heard of catfishing in the dating world, right? Glossy profiles, perfect photos, promises that don’t quite match reality. Well, the same thing is happening in recruitment. Some employers are guilty of corporate catfishing: selling a version of their workplace that simply doesn’t exist.
For candidates, it’s frustrating. For business, it’s risky.
Despite what some headlines suggest, the battle to attract and keep great people hasn’t gone anywhere. Yes, applications are coming in, but the strongest candidates are still being competed for by multiple employers at once. Candidates are discerning, they’re cautious, and they won’t stick around if the role doesn’t live up to expectations.
So if your job advert promises hybrid working, career progression and a buzzing culture, but the reality is four days in the office, a flat structure, and a stretched team… it won’t take long for candidates to realise they’ve been sold the wrong story. And when that happens, they leave or worse, they tell others.
Why this matters for SMEs
SMEs don’t have the luxury of endless budgets or a big-name brand to fall back on. What you do have is agility, personality and a reputation that can be built (or broken) quickly. Candidates value honesty far more than polished promises. Being upfront, even about limitations, builds credibility and attracts people who want to be part of the real journey.
Spotting the Catfish Trap!
- Advertising “hybrid” but expecting people in four days a week.
- Promising career progression when there’s no training plan or growth path.
- Talking up the culture with no real examples to show for it.
- Over-selling ‘work-life balance’ when the reality is long hours and out-of-hours emails.
What you can do instead...
- Be specific: if hybrid means one set day at home, say it.
- Share stories: ask your people what your culture actually feels like.
- Highlight the good, but own the challenges: candidates appreciate transparency.
- Check your adverts: does what’s written match what a new hire will experience in week one?
Our take on it?
At Four Talent, we see time and again that honesty pays off. The right candidates don’t expect perfection – they expect clarity and authenticity. SMEs who tell it like it is attract people who stay for the long term, because they’ve joined with eyes open. No gloss, no gimmicks, no catfishing required.