There are A LOT of scams going around on the internet these days. A LOT. Being a job seeker you could be vulnerable to give out information that can be used against you.
Use this list to keep you aware and always use caution when applying for jobs!
*Red Flag #1 – Requesting too much personal information upfront. There are specific laws to protect individuals from discrimination. If you are asked to include a photo, give your race, religion or age do not apply or simply do not answer them.
*Red Flag #2 – There is a fee to apply or interview. Even some staffing agencies that may charge you a fee only ask you to pay it once you’ve landed the job. Interviewing should be free with any legitimate company. Although, sometimes townships do have an application fee. I would still use caution and call the office to make sure there is an actual opening.
*Red Flag #3 – They ask for your social security number or driver’s license number up front. This is usually only needed to run a background check or credit check for some positions. If they ask you to give it up front or over the internet usually the last 4 of your social should be ok for the time being and you can even just type “0000” to protect yourself. This is a very common scam used in identity theft.
*Red Flag #4 – No solid contact information. Sometimes recruiters may run ads that do not have company information included but when you call in they should give you their company information. If no address, company name or email address is included, BEWARE.
*Red Flag #5 – Calling All Superstars! (No specific job title is included and appears to be targeting anyone looking for a job.) Most of the time these ads are trying to sell you something not offering you a job.
*Red Flag #6 – Interviews are scheduled in private not public settings. Sometimes employers will meet you off site at a local Panera or Starbucks if your schedules will not allow you to meet in the office or even sometimes a large company may rent out a conference room for multiple interviews that day but NEVER in a private hotel room. use your instincts, if it doesn’t feel right it might not be.
*Red Flag #7 – Just seems too good to be true. Sadly, sometimes you will find an advertisement for a position offering 4 weeks paid vacation, 100% paid benefits, make your own schedule, work from home and be your own boss. These are more times than not….just a scam to get your personal information.
*Red Flag #8 – Job title doesn’t match the description. If the specific details of the job do not match the title, most of the time the pay does not match the level of work either. For example if there is a Senior Sales Manager opening but the position says that you will be cold calling 100 new clients per day and you do not actually manage anything, this could be a scam.
*Red Flag #9 – Too broad of a salary range. $10.00-$45.00 per hour is a huge difference! Companies may be using this to attract higher caliber candidates but never offer the top amount.
*Red Flag #10 – The job has been listed for several months with no changes. Either the recruiter forgot to take the job posting down or it is not worth your time applying for the position if there are no update or indication that they are still looking to hire.
It can be very frustrating when you are looking for a job and continuously applying and filling out applications online. This could make you desperate, trying anything to find a career. Be VERY careful to not fall into these traps just because you need a job. It could harm you more than it does any good.
*Candidate Next Step – Barb Bruno – Note from your Career Advisor – August 21, 2015