Searching for a job that perfectly suits your needs can be tough. Apart from there being limited openings in your chosen industry, you may, for example, prefer work from home jobs in Cebu rather than reporting on-site. Also, the possibility that a job posting may be fake can add to the challenge of job hunting. Some advertisements may turn out to be a scheme to collect your financial information or swindle applicants. If you’re not careful, the career opportunity you may be hoping for could lead to a disappointing and frustrating encounter.
Though some scams may be difficult to detect, there are ways to spot a fake job posting even before you think of sending your resume. In most cases, there are indicators that can help you determine whether a job posting is fake or legitimate. If you want to learn about what signs to watch out for, read on.
The Salary Sounds Too Good to Be True
What's Inside
If the job posting promises to pay a lot more than the industry standard, be wary. High wages are the most common sign that the job may be fake, as they are sure to grab a job seeker’s attention.
In a highly competitive market, companies will try to attract the best talent by offering better wages than their competitors. But usually, the discrepancy isn’t that huge. Offering double the average salary isn’t a sustainable practice for the organization, as it will likely cause their operational costs to be higher as well. So beware of job postings that offer salaries that are too good to be true. While high-paying jobs do exist, unrealistic offers are often used by scammers to bait people into falling for their scheme.
The Job Description Is Vague
Another element of a fake job posting you need to watch out for is a vague job description. Generally, companies provide a detailed description of the vacant position so that job seekers know what the expectations are and can decide if the work is interesting to them. Listing the required qualifications can also encourage qualified candidates to apply.
It’s in the hiring company’s best interest to provide a comprehensive job description in their listing. If it’s difficult to figure out what the job entails based on its description, it’s possible that it was deliberately made to be vague because the job doesn’t actually exist.
There’s No Information About the Company
Whether you applied for the job yourself or a recruiter contacted you, always do your due diligence and research information about the hiring company. Typically, you’ll see the company’s name listed with the job posting, or the recruiter will provide it. If you can’t find a website or any online information about the company, the organization and the job may not be real.
As a precaution, always look up the hiring companies mentioned in the job posting. Apart from having a corporate website, most companies will have a social media presence or have news about them in known publications. You may also be able to check business registration details to verify if the company is legitimate.
The Interview Is Conducted Over a Messaging Service
Typically, the hiring process moves from email correspondence to phone or on-site interviews. If it’s a remote position, hiring managers may opt to interview you via video conferencing as an alternative. Regardless of the kind of job you’re applying for, the company will want to meet with you to discuss the job further and get to know you personally, as this helps them identify good candidates.
However, if the recruiter insists on interviewing you strictly through messaging or chat services, it can be a sign that it isn’t a real job. Scammers usually do this to hide their identity, so be wary of anyone who uses this kind of hiring process.
Your Personal Information Is Required
While it’s common for hiring managers to ask for your personal information, this is typically done only when it’s time to draw up an employment contract. If they ask for your bank account information and other sensitive details early in the interview process, stay alert. This can be a telltale sign that the job posting may be fake.
If you encounter this kind of situation, ask why they need this information as part of your application. After all, actual hiring managers are only interested in details that will help them determine if you are the right person for the job. If the recruiter is unable to provide a compelling reason or you feel uncomfortable about giving out your details, it’s best to move on to other job openings.
You Need to Pay For Something
If the job requires up-front expenses from applicants, this is a major red flag that the posting is a scam. It’s highly likely that the person posing as a recruiter will simply take your money and never be heard from again. Remember, reputable companies will never ask you to pay them for anything during the hiring process.
Securing a job that allows you to build the life you want is important, but you also need to be discerning about the opportunities that may come your way. Being critical of job posting details and hiring processes can help you avoid falling for a scam and wasting your time on a fake job. Trust your instincts and stay away from jobs and recruiters that seem suspicious.
