Bait-and-Switch Jobs: What They Are and How to Spot Them

So, I was reading through the employment section on Reddit recently, and one guy shared a pretty shocking experience. He’d taken a new role, and after only a short time, his manager told him he’d be moving into a completely different position — and that his annual salary would be reduced.

In the comments, a few people called this a classic bait-and-switch.

It got me thinking: a lot of job seekers might not know what that means, or how to spot it before it happens to them. So, I’ve decided to write a quick guide on bait-and-switch job ads, what the term means, and what to watch for.

What Is a Bait-and-Switch Role?

The name comes from an old retail tactic:

• Bait: Advertise something attractive to get your attention — in this case, a job with great pay, duties you’re excited about, or flexible hours.

• Switch: Once you’ve accepted, the reality changes — different work, worse conditions, or less pay than promised.

5 Red Flags to Look Out For

1. Vague or too-good-to-be-true ads

If the description is full of buzzwords but short on actual duties, it may be hiding the real work.

2. Role changes during the hiring process. If duties, location, or hours keep shifting in interviews, it’s a sign the job you saw advertised might not exist as written.

3. Evasive answers about pay

If they won’t confirm salary and benefits in writing before you start, be cautious.

4. High-pressure tactics

“Sign today” or “start tomorrow” can be a way to stop you from asking questions.

5. A history of bad reviews

Multiple online reviews describing misleading postings or changed roles are a serious warning.

How to Protect Yourself

• Get a written job description before you accept.

• Confirm all pay and benefits in writing.

• Research the company on multiple platforms.

• Don’t be afraid to walk away if things don’t add up.

Bait-and-switch roles are not just frustrating — they can derail your career plans. The more we know about these tactics, the better we can protect ourselves and focus on opportunities that are exactly what they claim to be.