In February, The Resume Rescue’s blog covered some tips on how to avoid job scams. In this article, readers can find a few more tips that may be useful to consider.
Investigate Online Presence
Check Social Media Profiles
In today’s interconnected world, most companies maintain some sort of digital presence. Before committing to a job offer, examine the company’s social media profiles on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. There are a few ways to tell if a company is legitimate. Companies often share staffing updates or news releases, engage with customers online, and have a consistent presence. Be cautious if the company has little to no online footprint or if their social media accounts appear inactive.
Search for Employee Reviews
Perhaps the most valuable source of information on a company are employee reviews. Sites like Glassdoor and Indeed often house these reviews. These platforms allow current and former employees to share their experiences with the company. While no company is without its critics, an abundance of negative reviews or consistent complaints about unethical practices could raise a red flag. These reviews can also be great conversation pieces in interviews, as they force managers to offer concrete examples of how they have addressed previous issues.
Learn More From Current Employees
One of the positive aspects of social media, particularly LinkedIn, is the fact that many people freely advertise where they work. As such, if you want to learn more about a company and think they may be illegitimate, you have an easy entry point in connecting with current or former employees.
Verify Contact Information
Call the Company
If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a job offer, don’t hesitate to call the company directly. The best way to see if someone is real is to talk to them. A legitimate employer should have a working phone number listed on their website or in their job postings. Use this number to inquire about the job opportunity, ask questions, and confirm the details you’ve received via email or other communication channels. Emails can be useful for verification, too, but are far more susceptible to scams.
Email Verification
Scammers often use email addresses that mimic legitimate company domains. Pay attention to email addresses that use generic domains, like Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook, instead of the company’s official domain. Verify the email address by cross-checking it with the company’s contact information on their website or by calling the company.
What’s Their Physical Presence?
Aside from the digital presence, it is also important to see what the company’s physical presence is. Do they have an address? If so, it may be worthwhile to double check that address. Likewise, if they claim to be a big name in the industry or the area, think back and ask yourself if you have ever seen any banners, signs, advertisements, or anything like that to promote the company. If the answer is no, it may be worthwhile to investigate that more, too.
Beware of Upfront Payment Requests
No Payment Required
In a legitimate hiring process, you should never be asked to pay money upfront for job-related expenses such as training, equipment, or background checks. Be extremely cautious if the employer insists on you making any payment or providing financial information before you have formally accepted a job offer.
Critical Thinking is Your Best Friend
No legitimate hiring professional will ask you for money, your personal information, or anything along those lines. Under no circumstances should you be paying a company to hire you. Remember, you are looking for a job, not an investment opportunity. Chances are, if you give them the money they asked for, you will never see it again. This is one of the best tips to avoid job scams.
Research the Job Market
Industry Standards
There’s a reason people talk about the “industry standard” when it comes to work. Understanding the salary ranges, job requirements, and industry norms for your desired position is crucial. If a job offer deviates significantly from the standard salary range for your field (either higher or lower), question its authenticity. If the job title does not match the description, be suspicious. Likewise, compare this specific role and this company to similar roles at other companies. Again, this could give you a little extra information to help you make your decision. Scammers may use enticing offers to lure job seekers into fraudulent schemes.
Networking
Engaging with professionals in your industry can provide valuable insights into job opportunities. Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with peers on LinkedIn. By networking, you can gain a better understanding of typical job offers and recognize anomalies. In many ways, this last point incorporates others in this list, like verifying digital presence and reaching out to current and former company employees.
In today’s digital landscape, job seekers face both remarkable opportunities and potential pitfalls. To avoid falling victim to fraudulent job offers, it’s essential to be vigilant, employ critical thinking, and utilize the wealth of information available online. Remember that genuine employers prioritize transparency, face-to-face interactions, and the protection of your personal information. With these tips to avoid job scams and a healthy dose of skepticism, you can confidently navigate the job market and secure legitimate career opportunities.
