With job boards listing tons of opportunities for employment it’s no wonder the majority of time spent job searching is behind a computer screen. When listening to candidates describe their strategy on how they are finding jobs, most will begin with an explanation on how many jobs they have applied for without the expected results.
Their expectations often turn into disappointment when the job they applied for is different when discussed over the phone or in person. While the job applied for seems like a good match for their interest, skills and experience during the interview, it ends up being much different than first presented.
Their dismay is one shared by numerous others seeking job opportunities that sound good on the surface but are not always an accurate representation. On the flip side to make matters more confusing there are candidates that have landed good opportunities through job postings. So how can you trust job postings to know which ones are legitimate and which ones are fake?
Ideally, one would like to believe that all job postings are honorable and are posted with a sincere goal to find a good match for the vacancy or add to the workforce. Both the employer and the job candidate share the common goal in wanting to fill the position.
Unfortunately, the job market can be full of scams hoping to take advantage of those needing work. It’s crucial that you take the time to not only protect yourself from rip-offs but to grow your job search skills in making good decisions on positions that may sound too good to be true.
It’s true that companies post jobs with the intention of filling their “future” pipeline of candidates even though they may not have current staffing needs. Running positions ahead of time often can give employers a temperature-reading on the market, how difficult to find specific skills and how many applicants respond.
With the reality of the job market, it pays to thoroughly research the company before blasting out your resume. Job postings come in all shapes and sizes; some sound very intriguing such as working from home with an unlimited income stream while others are vague giving just enough information to draw interest.
Be mindful that your resume is part of your personal information and sending it to an unknown entity that happens to have a good description of a job posting can be a mistake.
Here are some things to consider when applying to postings:
• Anytime you question a procedure listen to your instincts, if you doubt their intentions it’s a good sign that something is wrong.
• Phony ads usually list very broad and general requirements with offerings that sound too good to be true.
• Never send in personal information such as drivers license, social security numbers or banking information. You might be surprised that some still fall prey to job postings that sound like an ideal fit and then when contacted are asked for such information.
• If you see the same posting repeated monthly this might be a sign they are gathering names rather than filling positions, have a high turnover rate or substantial growth. In any case check out the job posting and verify the employer.
• Research companies that post the job openings, get a good understanding of what the company delivers, services, products before applying.
• Touch base with your local Better Business Bureau and see if they have had complaints on a particular company, it’s much better to be safe than pay later with identity theft.
• When you do get a response from a posting take the time to ask questions, you are interviewing them as well. Keep a standard list of questions ready and make sure all your questions are answered to your satisfaction before taking the next step.
Not every job opening posted on the internet is a scam or fake; however it only takes one to cause havoc in your job search. Develop an awareness of good postings versus those that are bad, recognize the need to be careful and don’t give up on searching for a great opportunity just use discretion and know that you play an equal part in the application process.
What types of job scams have you ran across during your job search?
