Looking for a dream job requires a lot of energy and effort. Although plenty of online tools have been created to ease the challenge of searching, another issue comes to the fore. Scammers have been incredibly crafty and agile, even when it comes to a job search. It’s no secret that many job posts include information mainly aimed at attracting and luring applicants. However, when they come to an interview, all the details get revealed, and the only option a candidate has is just to leave in a huff.
Therefore, to help you ward off such cases, we’ve made up a list of 10 red flags that indicate a job posting is a scam.
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If you’re using legitimate job search websites, you are highly unlikely to get trapped; however, there is always a slight chance of it happening.
That’s why you should always be on your toes. Our 10 signs will definitely make you be able to distinguish which job opportunity is a scam, so you stay away from it and never get fooled.
If you aren’t searching for a job and don’t actively send out your CV now, but a recruiter contacts you first and states that they came across your resume online or via email, don’t take it seriously. It is most likely an excuse to drag out your personal information and use it for their own profit. In general, if you hear some weird requests or questions that recruiters should not usually ask, just let them know about your boundaries and that you are unlikely to share any information until an official interview is appointed.
Miracles do happen; however, it’s not the case. A reliable and self-respecting company is bound to set several stages of an interview before rewarding you with their job offer. Otherwise, something is definitely wrong with their policy. You may require as much information about their organization as possible or just ask them to call back a bit later. So you can win some time to learn more about their business and its legitimacy, and finally, make a hard-headed decision about whether it’s worth your attention.
Undoubtedly, it’s enjoyable to receive offers with a unique paycheck; however, common sense should always dominate vanity. Firstly, you must be aware of the applicable salary rates in your region to distinguish which remuneration might be a scam. It especially applies to entry-level specialists. They must remain vigilant, as some people are eager to take advantage of young but passionate applicants.
Nowadays, working hours flexibility serves as a substantial advantage when choosing a workplace. Firstly, it contributes to a healthy work-life balance. Secondly, it’s a sign that your employer trusts you and values your genuine commitment, not blind obedience. At the same time, when offered extreme autonomy, it’s a sign of getting tense. Especially if the salary is unusually high too.
So, stay away from job offers stating you’ll be working for just several hours per day, receiving the same remuneration as in regular jobs. Smells like a scam.
Real employers know what exactly they need from an employee to live up to their company’s needs. Why would they hide or leave something out? You should be suspicious if the requirements include basic skills such as being full age, having secondary education, the ability to type, or anything like that. The more detailed the job description is, the more specific skills it comprises, and the more chances it’s legitimate and trustworthy.
The concept of working implies getting money, not giving it away. Therefore, if you come across any hint that you have to pay to get a job, even if it’s an insignificant amount, write this option off immediately. It’s hard to believe, but there are cases when applicants have been asked to pay to get a chance to be interviewed. At least, it’s indecent on the part of the management to ask for payment before getting a candidate hired. Of course, traveling or meal expenses don’t count, as not all companies cover them up, even if a person works for them.
Who doesn’t want to get rich within a month? It sounds terrific, and many youngsters with flashing eyes and infinite ambitions are highly likely to get on a hook. What should you do in case of hearing such promises? Check this company’s compensation system, review their ex-employees reviews, and check the overall rate and their reputation on the market. Suppose you face challenging times with finding the information. In that case, it’s better to cross this option out and keep looking for more real vacancies.
Recruiters are the face of the company they represent. That’s why they cannot sound unprofessional, say rude, emotional, disrespectful, or too matey. The same can be said about correspondence – job offers and other documents have to be appropriately created in terms of grammar and syntax, whether it’s their mother tongue or a foreign one. If a company is negligent when choosing its representative on the job market, what reliability are we talking about?
We’ve already mentioned that googling the details of a suspicious company can play into your hands and save you from a scam job. Another thing you should be careful with is the unavailability of their contacts. Finding their website with their email addresses, phone numbers, and locations should not turn into Indiana Jones adventures. If it is, this company seems to be hiding something from somebody, which automatically raises questions regarding its legitimacy.
When we say “confidential information,” we mean your bank account details or social insurance number, which in no way should be shared with anybody until you get a real contract. Companies need this data about their employees to fill out tax documentation; however, only after the contract has been signed. Otherwise, take this red flag seriously and move on to the next job opportunity without any regrets.
