I’m trying to figure out how I feel about this. I guess it depends on how arduous the application process is. If it’s just one click apply on LinkedIn and it gives them an idea of supply in the labour market then I’m not losing sleep over it as an applicant. But if they are expecting cover letters and taking people through rounds of interviews, that’s pretty inconsiderate and speaks to a rotten company culture. This…
if you create a posting that you know will never be filled or for a job that doesn't exist, then to me that's unethical and should be against the law.
It's also an enormous red flag. I wouldn't work for a place that starts lying to candidates before they even apply.