When you're looking for your dream job, beware of fake claims, experts say.
The job market began 2023 in a very different place than it was a year ago, according to experts. As the possibility of a recession approaches, job seekers remain optimistic about their prospects for the year ahead. In a recent Joblist survey of 30,000 job seekers in the United States, approximately two-thirds of respondents said they plan to change jobs in the next year, despite ongoing tech layoffs, rising inflation and the International Monetary Fund's prediction of a recession for a third of the world. The survey revealed that three-quarters of remote workers do not object to tracking software, and a significant number believe they have the upper hand in the current job market.
Maybe so, but job hunters can lose that upper hand quickly if they get suckered in by fake job offers, also known as job scams, which can be difficult to navigate. According to Dave Fisch, Ladders CEO, there are several ways you can protect yourself from unnecessary stress when job searching. “The internet has led to an explosion of increasingly sophisticated fake job offer scams, but don’t forget the internet works for you, too,” Fisch says. “Learning how to use it in your favor can turn the tables on scammers.” In an email to me, the Ladders CEO offered six preventive tips job seekers can us to protect themselves.
# 1. Research The Company
Fisch recommends looking up the company's website and social media pages. Then check for red flags such as a lack of information or an unprofessional-looking website. “Legitimate companies will usually have detailed information about their products or services, their management team and a contact page,” he told me. “Scammers rely on a lack of sophistication on the part of those being scammed, but you are probably far more sophisticated at spotting red flags on webpages than they’d like.” He describes that the trick is to avoid jumping at an offer because it feels so great and promises so much. Instead he cautions being skeptical and checking out that website carefully. And don’t imagine that not asking for sign up fees or in-depth personal information upfront makes you safe. He declares that we’re beyond that in 2023.
#2. Look For Reviews
According to Fisch, the second tip is to look for reviews of the company or the job offer from current or former employees or from other job seekers who have applied for the same position. “Most companies attract a range of reviews that can easily be found by searching the company name and adding ‘reviews’ or other simple search combinations,” he advises. “For a real company, you’ll likely see a range of reviews from five star to one star. Take note of all the information given, including publishing dates. If reviews are non-existent or sparse, but positive, be suspicious and search the company’s name for any other public information.”
# 3. Be Suspicious Of Unsolicited Job Offers
A third tip Fisch lists is to be aware that legitimate job offers usually come as a result of an application or an inquiry that you made, not the other way round. “It’s important to be skeptical of job offers that come out of the blue, especially if they ask for your personal information or money at any point,” he warns. “Even if they don’t ask for that upfront, be skeptical anyway and check them out. In today’s online, remote-work world, scams can go beyond the job interview to the onboarding process.” It’s not until after you’ve handed over all your information does it slowly dawn on you that there is no job, he adds.
#4. Look Out For Unrealistic Pay
Fisch’s fourth warning tip is to be cautious of jobs that offer significantly higher pay than the industry average for your level of experience and qualifications. He calls it the “dream job” hook, in which you find a company willing to pay above-market prices for your services. “Again, taper your joy with a dose of healthy skepticism and do not jump in without a lengthy background check,” he cautions. “If there is any kind of upfront payment requirement for registration fees, fees for work-from-home equipment that ‘will be paid back as a business expense’ or anything else that requires money to move in the wrong direction, reject it.”
#5. Use Trusted Sources
Fisch notes that job search engines, company career pages and industry-specific job boards are good sources to find job listings. But he recommends that you avoid using sources like personal email or social media messages, because they're harder to verify. “In the same vein, if the company comes to you via a third party without its name being mentioned, be very careful of what is being asked,” he points out, adding never give too much personal information, provide bank details or a social security number or allow yourself to be conned by gushing praise of your unique talents and/or promises of your name on a generous payroll.
#6. Verify Contact Information
Fisch’s sixth tip is to check that the company's contact information is valid and that they have a working phone number and email address. “You are not being advised to reject anything that seems like it could make your life better or that you may feel you’ve earned through your talents and expertise,” he explains. “Talk to friends and family about any offer that raises a red flag, seems a bit too good to be true or puts a time limit on the offer. Outside perspectives can be a great help while you do your own research.”
A Final Wrap-Up
Fisch says the advice provided in these six points is based on a simple philosophy: “Hope for the best, expect the worst and be prepared. With that in mind, anything that seems too good to be true probably is—but may not be,” he concludes. “That, of course, is the catch that traps thousands. Do not let anybody rush you. If they try, reject the offer. Combine all of the above methods and progress your career safely.”
Despite fake job offers and growing economic concerns due to inflation and high interest rates, the majority of job seekers are actually feeling good about their position in the job market entering 2023, according to the Joblist survey. They believe their job prospects are better now than a year ago, that it’s still a job seeker’s market and that they still have the upper hand in the current job market.
