Clickbait

Meaning & Definition 

Clickbait is defined as using false headlines, messages, or content that attract people into clicking on them more. This term, when used in reference to recruitment, usually describes a job advertisement or employer branding material which makes promises that turn out to be untrue regarding job responsibilities, pay, benefits, etc.; thus giving both potential job candidates & current employees a negative experience.

Importance in HR, Recruitment & Employer Branding

• Affects the trust and credibility of an employer with prospective employees.
• Affects the quality of candidates and increases the number of candidates that drop out early.
• Influence the perception of the employer’s brand by applicants and ecruitment. 
• Helping HR departments develop truthful, transparent communication regarding job opportunities.
• Induces attrition as a result of mismatched expectations.

Legal Compliance 

• There is no direct statutory compliance that relates to this issue specifically.
• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, contains provisions for penalties related to possible misleading advertisements and false claims. 
• Policies regarding ethics in recruiting and internal communications should include a prohibition against clickbait practices.