With Halloween just around the corner, we thought it would be fitting to cover a topic that can be quite frightening for some. Some jobs just seem too good to be true, and though it may be, there are ways that you can do your own investigations to be sure you aren’t being tricked. Even for the most seasoned job-hunters, scammers are becoming smarter in their efforts to deceive people. This blog will provide you with insightful information and suggest some tricks you can use yourself, so that you don’t get caught up in a job scam.
Do Your Research
Before you accept any job or attend an interview, it’s good practice to do your background research on the company. Find out what services or products they offer, who their key players are (President, Managers, etc.), and what their values are.
Just by doing a quick Google search, most times you’ll be able to find out more on their website and other hiring sites such as Glassdoor. You’ll be able to make an informed decision on whether or not you should go ahead with the interview, and also learn if the company’s values and ethics are in alignment with yours.
Watch Out For Job Titles
Job titles can be very telling on the type of company you are applying for. If a title is very vague, and the job description doesn’t provide any insight, this can be a red flag.
Jobs that also promise unrealistic promotions or incentives are also big red flags, as this can be a way to lure people into applying. It’s always best to have an idea of what certifications you have, and what job is best suited for your level of knowledge.
Money Doesn’t Always Talk
Jobs or companies promoting the luxurious lifestyles of their employees, as an incentive to get others to apply is a red flag. If a job description has a paid hourly rate or salary that does not line up with the work being done, you should automatically begin questioning the reality of the position.
When you’re applying to jobs, it’s a good idea to research the average income of the positions you are applying to. This can set the tone for whether or not you should apply.
It’s also beneficial to have a general idea of what you want to make (realistically) and have it ready for the interview process. If the company is legit, but only willing to pay under the average rate, you can use this background knowledge as leverage in the contract negotiations.
Unprofessional Communication is Not Key
Something to keep in mind is the communication between you and the company. For instance, if the job description has any grammatical errors or doesn’t make sense, this can indicate a scam.
Also, if you're emailing with hiring managers or other employees and they seem pushy or the language used in their emails is unsettling, you may want to consider option B. Not only can this indicate a potential job scam, but if it is a legit position, would you want to work with people with poor communication skills?
Trust Your Gut-- Always.
Lastly, trust your gut. If something doesn’t quite feel right about a job or company, try a different direction. It’s best to rely on your intuition and not enter a job you don’t feel 100% certain about. This tip alone has saved many people in the past from sketchy jobs and questionable companies.
That's it for our best tips on spotting those tricky job scams! Happy Halloween from us to you, and here's hoping your job search is nothing but sweet treats!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us using the contact page on our website. Also, be sure to follow TVL on social media to stay up to date with all things travel, lifestyle and VA business advice!