"The internet is one of the best things that has happened to humanity", someone once commented. With the tap of the keyboard, you can access information from millions of sources for a single search item. Gone are the days when you have to roam the streets seeking for distinct information which you then collate together. As a jobseeker in this time and age, you don’t have to go from company to company submitting your resume. You can do all your submissions from the comfort of your home. However, you must thread softly when using online recruitment services. I have been a victim of desperately fraudulent websites, whose sole aim is to rip off innocent and unsuspecting jobseekers.
My frank advice for you is never to be in a hurry to get your dream job. Never be desperate in your job search, else the wolves in sheep’s clothing will capitalize on your desperation and deal you a hard blow that you will never forget.
Job scams are becoming more and more popular and anyone who is not cautious enough can fall victim to them, especially those who are fresh from school and are looking for the first job that will open the door to other jobs. There’s nothing wrong with being too careful, especially when it comes to sending your resume and other personal information via the internet. As smart as you may be, there’s someone out there who’s using their intelligence to victimize innocent job seekers who are eager to hand over their information on a silver platter.
How can it happen to me, you may be thinking? They can’t do much with my information right? You are wrong! That is what others have said and they are now regretting. How does it happen? Websites such as Craigslist are home to dozens of scam artists who are posting fake job descriptions in the jobs section of the site. While these postings look real and seem to list a plethora of requirements, job descriptions, and pay information, there are some red flags you should be aware of.
Be careful and suspicious of job listings on popular sites which list outrageously high salaries that do not match the position being advertized. This is the beginning of many scams. In fact, genuine jobsites will not normally state a salary range in the advert.
Another fact you must have clear on your mind, is that real companies or employers will usually tell you the name of the company they are from and some will provide a company email address or phone number. When you are in doubt, send a reply email telling the would-be employer that you’re interested in knowing more about the position. If it is real and existent, they’ll email you back with more details. If you get an email requesting that you must log onto another website to provide your personal information along with social security number or credit card information, you should then know that something is fishy. Proceed no further
In your search, you must deal with only reputable websites such as Careerbuilder, Monster and Hotjobs. However, you’ll also need to be careful when using them. But I can say that these sites are among the most reliable job sites on the internet, where you have legitimate job listings most of the time. Do your research first before applying for a job. It may help to do a Google search and make sure the contact person and company don’t have any skeleton in his cupboard. Go in person to a company you’re interested in and inquire if they have applications you can fill out in person. Speak with an employment recruiter for agencies such as Kelly Services and Adecco which can sit down with you and explore several career options and do the dirty work for you.
In this era of information overload, you must be careful not to be overloaded with scams. Take your time in your job search; don’t make the simple mistake of handing your life over to wolves in sheep’s clothing. I wish you the very best in your job search and I pray that your search will last no longer than you wish.
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