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Job Posting Red Flags to Look Out For

on March 20, 2023 in ABR Blog, Career and Job Search Tips

 

When it’s time to start looking for a new job, it’s tempting to get excited about every email from a recruiter or job board. But how can you tell when a recruiter isn’t real? Here is how to spot red flags in online job postings. 

It’s not impossible to find a reputable recruiter who’s working with clients to find new talent with your skills and abilities. Unfortunately, you’re bound to run into some bad apples along the way.

Know What to Look For to Red Flags in Job Postings

Here are a few things to keep in mind as your search continues:   

  • Doublecheck the email address. Some companies use Gmail accounts because of all that comes with anything Google-affiliated; however, it might also suggest the person reaching out to you isn’t who they say they are. Reputable recruiters, like those at ABR and other job search and recruitment firms, will only use email addresses that incorporate the company’s name in the domain.  
  • Mind your bank account. Is the recruiter suggesting you might need to pay something to get the job, or an interview? Keep your wallet secure and move along. Don’t ever provide your bank account information or send funds in order to get work!  
  • Check out the company’s digital presence. Go to the company’s website and read the “About Us” section and, if available, profiles or biographies of people who work there. See if the recruiting firm has a reputable social presence on Google, LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
  • Google is your friend. If you get an email or LinkedIn request from someone with a photo attached, do a reverse image search on Google Images to see if the same photo shows up on different websites. If the person’s face is everywhere, the company that contacted you likely doesn’t exist.  
  • Look for the company’s reviews at the BBB. The Better Business Bureau has a searchable database listing companies that have complaints filed against them. See if the company that reached out to you is listed there. If you think you’re being scammed but don’t see the name listed, file a complaint yourself and see what happens. You might help protect someone else!  
  • At ABR Employment Services we list the recruiter on each job posting, and link their work email, work phone number, and LinkedIn Profile, so you can ensure a real person will be reviewing your job application.

Follow That Old Advice… 

A good rule of thumb is what you’ve been hearing since childhood: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  

At ABR, we are always ready to help you with the next step in your job search. Contact us today for job search assistance and protect yourself from following the wrong job posting down a rabbit holeEasily submit your resume to ABR’s recruiting team today!

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