We all know the tech world can be a chaotic place — with layoffs, changing trends, and uncertainty around every corner. Recently, the tech world was thrown into a frenzy when stories about fake job offers began circulating on the internet. Here, we’ll look at how these scam job offers affect the tech world and what can be done to reduce their prevalence.
Warning Signs That a Job Offer Might Be a Scam
Fake job offers are distressingly common and leave unsuspecting job seekers out of pocket and without the employment they were promised. Here are some of the tell-tale signs of a scam job offer and how you can protect yourself from becoming the next person scammed:
- Unsolicited offers: Be wary if you receive an offer from someone you don’t know or haven’t applied for a job.
- Requests for money: No legitimate employer will ask you to pay money to secure the job.
- Poorly written offers: Most employers take the time to write professional offers, so if one looks sloppy, it could be a sign of a scam.
- Pressure to accept: Be suspicious if a company gives you a very short deadline or makes you feel like you need to accept the offer right away.
How to Avoid Scam Job Offers
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from these scams and ensure you don’t become a victim of fraudulent job postings. Here’s how to recognize and avoid job offer scams:
- Research the company: Check to see if the website is up to date, and look for a physical address or contact information. As an added layer, reach out to someone else in the company. Scammers can use real companies as facades in their job offers.
- Verify salary information: Verify salary information before applying by researching similar jobs in the same market and industry.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off or you have any doubts about the legitimacy of the job offer, don’t hesitate to trust your gut instinct and move on.
Things to Never Do When Applying for a Job
Here are some things to never do when applying for a job to ensure you don’t get scammed. By following this advice, you can protect yourself from unscrupulous employers and find a legitimate job you can be proud of.
- Never provide personal information such as your social security number or bank account information to any employer. Of course, you will need to provide this information after getting hired to get paid, but there is no reason to disclose this information before you are hired.
- Never send money to an employer to apply for a job or secure an interview.
- If an offer promises higher-than-normal wages or perks that seem too generous — it may be a scam.
Final Thoughts
Finding a new job in tech can be difficult and stressful, especially when dealing with fake job offers. Knowing the warning signs of a fake job offer and the best practices for job searching can save you time and energy. To maximize your chances of success, it’s also essential to develop relationships with recruiters, network with other professionals in the industry, and sharpen your skills with the latest technology.
At Pathrise, we specialize in helping tech professionals land their next job. We are dedicated to providing one-on-one mentorship, training, and advice tailored to each individual. Plus, our aligned incentives mean that you only pay us if you get hired and start work at a high-paying job. With Pathrise, you can be sure that you’re getting the best advice and guidance to achieve your career goals.
Apply today.
