Fake LinkedIn job advert using old Meridian logo called out on social media

The advert attracted numerous applications. Credit: LinkedIn

A fake job advert, seemingly offering the role of Chief Creative Officer at ITV Meridian, has appeared on social media site LinkedIn.

The role, which was posted on Monday 31 July, attracted more than 15 applicants before it was closed by the poster.

The advert used the old Meridian Tonight Logo, first debuted in the 1990s, when Meridian was a standalone TV company.

It offered applicants an opportunity to work with 'the best ballerinas, musicians, producers, scriptwriters, and directors within ITV Meridian'.

The page behind the advert posted an update saying the job would close soon. Credit: LinkedIn

A screenshot of the fake job was posted to social media, with one user noting a few of the major flaws with the advert.

Dean Johnson, a Design, Technology and Innovation Consultant, theorised the advert may have been written by an 'experienced human' or AI.

Writing on Twitter he said: "This @itvmeridian LinkedIn #recruitment ad for Chief Creative Officer is: 1, Written by an inexperienced human. 2. A scam. 3, Written by #AI – because '#ArtificialIntelligence is the future so we should be using it for everything'."

Mr Johnson also called out the description for featuring 'Ballerina' and 'no experience required'.

Any jobs at ITV are advertised through the ITV Jobs site - and though advertised on LinkedIn would direct applicants to the official jobs portal.

A LinkedIn spokesperson said: “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. LinkedIn’s policies do not allow fraud.

"Whenever we find fraudulent jobs or job adverts that violate our policies, we remove them, as we did in this case. When members apply for a job, they expect it to be real and trustworthy, and we take this extremely seriously.

"We’re constantly investing in new features and systems to protect our members and our team offers tools and tips to help members in their job search, so that when the right job comes along, they can feel confident accepting it. You can learn more about the work we do to keep LinkedIn safe as well as the new features we’re rolling out here.”

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