Amidst massive layoffs and a poor job market, there’s naturally been an uptick in employment scams. Protect yourself and your assets, even if you’re feeling desperate for a job! (Maybe especially if you’re feeling desperate.)
With AI tools, it’s getting harder to tell what’s a scam and what’s not, so what can you do? Well, the obvious stuff is still true: be wary of anything that makes big promises or sounds too good to be true. Skip any online ads that are overly vague, or anything that asks for your personal info at the start.
It’s also important to be aware that even reputable job boards can have fake postings, so keep your guard up, and be sure to report anything suspicious to the sites.
Never pay a fee for an interview or a job offer. Seriously, don’t do it. It’s a scam. Some recruiting firms offer additional services like resume reviews or interview practice that cost money, but the actual search process is not something you, the job-seeker, pays for.
Check things out carefully. If you see an appealing job posting, your best bet is to roll on over to the employer’s site and make sure you see the job there, too. This is especially true if a recruiter reaches out to you. You can be less stringent if you’re responding to an active job post on a reputable site, but even then, if you have the energy, it’s never a bad idea to double check.
On that note, distrust any outreach you get from a recruiter you haven’t worked with. Look up the firm they claim to work for, and research both if the person is real and if their email address matches what you’ve been sent. You can also reach out directly to that recruiter to be sure.
Use caution about postings your info online. If you’re using AI sites to help with the process, be sure to omit or change any personally identifiable info. (The scammers can use this to impersonate you!) Limit where you post your resume, and be aware of what’s on it in those public spaces. Follow advice on job boards like Indeed’s scam advice or BBB’s tips.
The scammers look to take advantage of us when we’re at our lowest, so use caution and don’t fall prey to them!
