Fake Job Postings & How To Prevent Yourself from Getting Scammed
The job market is full of fake ads for vacancies that do not exist.
Fake job vacancies are more common than you think
A recent survey by Resume Builder highlights an alarming trend: the proliferation of fake job vacancies. These fraudulent listings, often appearing on legitimate job boards, are designed to collect personal information, promote fraudulent companies, or trick candidates into paying for fake training or certifications.
These listings are often used to gather resumes, maintain a candidate pipeline, or give the impression of growth without actually intending to hire. This practice is frustrating for job seekers, leading to wasted time and effort.
What the Resume Builder survey found
40% of companies posted a fake job listing this year
3 in 10 companies currently have active fake listings
Alleviating employee workload concerns and suggesting company growth top reasons behind fake job posting strategy
Hiring managers say fake job postings led to boosted revenue, morale, and productivity
7 in 10 hiring managers believe posting fake jobs is morally acceptable
The survey found that nearly 50% of job seekers have encountered fake job postings in the past year. These scams not only waste the time and energy of job seekers but can also lead to serious financial and privacy risks.
Cybersecurity experts warn that the rise in remote work has made it easier for scammers to create convincing fake job listings. As more people search for jobs online, the potential for encountering these scams has increased.
Why do employers post fake vacancies?
Here are the most common reasons
a To Fulfill Internal Hiring Policies: Organizations might post fake jobs to satisfy internal hiring processes or Equal Employment Opportunity mandates before hiring a predetermined candidate.
b. To Appear Competitive and Growing: Some fake postings are made to give an impression of growth and dynamism within a company.
c. To Gauge the Current Talent Pool: Employers may post fake jobs to assess the availability and expectations of candidates for certain roles.
To Collect Resumes for Future Use
Some companies stockpile resumes through fake postings to have a ready pool of candidates when a real job opens up.
Protect yourself
If something feels off during the interview process, it's okay to ask questions, seek clarity, or even walk away from the opportunity.
Research the company thoroughly before applying: Before attending an interview, research the company and the individuals involved to ensure they are legitimate.
Avoid job postings that require upfront payments: This is the biggest sign of a scam. If you are being rushed into making decisions or accepting offers, take a step back and consider why there is such urgency.
Be wary of interviews conducted solely over messaging apps: Ensure that the contact information aligns with the company's official details and that the recruiter has a professional online presence.
Pause before you share your personal information: Verify the job listing through official company channels. Do not share personal or financial information until you have verified the legitimacy of the job and the employer.
By staying vigilant and informed, job seekers can better protect themselves from the dangers of fake job interviews. It's crucial to approach each opportunity with a healthy dose of scepticism and to remember that if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.