GUAYNABO, PR, September 17, 2026 – ResumeBuilder.com™, an easy-to-use online resume builder, has released the findings of its new Hiring Bait-and-Switch Report. Among the more than 1,000 U.S. employees surveyed, 18% of workers say their current job has changed significantly or is completely different from what they were hired to do. Workers also say that lack of clarity extends to day-to-day expectations and conversations around career growth.
Key Findings
- The bait-and-switch: 18% of workers say their job has changed significantly or is completely different from what they were hired for.
- Unclear expectations: 20% report that their daily role expectations are often unclear or completely unpredictable.
- Ghosted on growth: Nearly three-quarters of workers (74%) say conversations are inconsistent, delayed, or addressed only after an issue arises; just 26% say they happen proactively.
- A lack of appreciation: 30% of workers feel undervalued or completely overlooked based on their workplace contributions.
Hiring Bait-and-Switch
For some workers, a new job brings the unwelcome surprise that the role they accepted does not align with their day-to-day work. When asked how closely their current roles reflect what they were promised when they were hired:
- 18% say their current role has changed significantly or is completely different.
- 56% say their role mostly or somewhat matches, with a few changes over time.
- 26% say their current role completely matches and is exactly what they expected.
Hired Into a Moving Target
This disconnect extends beyond the job description, with employees navigating unclear or shifting expectations.
- 20% say role expectations are often unclear or completely unpredictable.
- 37% say expectations are mostly clear, with occasional ambiguity.
- 43% say expectations are very clear and well-defined.
Ghosted on Growth: The Promotion Evasion
Workers are also encountering uncertainty around career progression. When asked how often these conversations are delayed or avoided:
- 24% say career conversations are frequently delayed or avoided entirely.
- 25% say delays are rare and generally addressed.
- 25% say these conversations are sometimes inconsistent.
- 26% say these conversations happen proactively.
Ultimately, this combination of shifting daily expectations and stalled career momentum is taking a severe toll on morale, with 30% of workers reporting they feel undervalued or not valued at all based on their workplace contributions.
“When someone accepts a new job, they are making a major decision that impacts their career trajectory and a significant amount of their time,” said Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor for ResumeBuilder.com. “A major disconnect between the job description and the actual job can leave workers feeling misled and discouraged about their career path. Recognizing that disconnect early can help workers seek clarity about whether the role can be brought back in line with what was promised or begin making informed decisions about what comes next.”
For detailed insights on the Hiring Bait-and-Switch Report, access the full study at https://www.resumebuilder.com/hiring-bait-and-switch/ or contact Alex Murphy at [email protected].
Methodology
The findings presented are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by ResumeBuilder.com using Pollfish on August 11, 2026. The survey collected responses from 1,023 U.S. employees and examined their perceptions of hiring promises, daily role expectations, career advancement, and overall workplace value. Respondents answered different types of questions, including yes/no, scale-based questions where they indicated their level of agreement with statements, and multiple-choice questions where they could select from a list of provided options. The sample consisted of 53% female, 46% male, and 1% nonbinary respondents, with 19% Gen Z, 27% Millennials, 27% Gen X, and 27% Baby Boomers.
About ResumeBuilder.com
ResumeBuilder.com is an easy-to-use online resume builder created to help job seekers effortlessly elevate their careers. The platform leverages modern technology to offer a seamless way to build ATS-friendly, professional documents optimized for today’s hiring practices. Millions of professionals rely on its cutting-edge tools, including an AI Resume Builder, a dedicated Cover Letter Builder, and a vast library of specialized resume templates and resume examples to design and download tailored application materials. Through its comprehensive Career Center, the platform provides free expert resume and cover letter guidance from career coaches and certified resume writers, along with workforce surveys and employment research frequently featured in national news. Follow ResumeBuilder.com as a preferred source on Google to receive the latest labor market research and career insights in your personalized search experience.
