With so many scams plaguing the internet, it’s safe to say that we could all do with a few tips to ensure we’re conducting a safe job search. We’ve listed a few warning signs for job seekers.

If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably a scam
If a position sounds like a dream come true and you can’t believe your luck, chances are the ad is probably a scam. Also, if the “hiring manager” is requesting important documents very urgently or if the information being asked for is making you feel uncomfortable, or something just doesn’t seem right, proceed with caution. Look at the grammar of the job ad, pay close attention to the follow-up emails or phone calls. How do they request your information? Via fax? If so, it might be a scam.

Research the company you’re applying to
As part of your job hunting process, you should naturally research the company you’re interested in before sending through personal information. Look at the company’s website and search for the company’s name along with the words “scam”, “fraud” or “complaints”.Obvious red flags you should be aware of:
•    The company wants to hire you without interviewing you.
•    Grammar and spelling in the actual job is terrible.
•    When you are meant to start, your employer tells you that they’re abroad and need you to run a few errands for them.
•    You have to provide the employer with credit card, bank account numbers and personal information.
•    You didn’t contact them, they contacted you.
•    You’re offered an incentive – often a large sum of money – for using your bank account to transfer money or deposit cash.
•    They tell you that they’ve deposited a large sum of money into your account, but it might take a week or two to reflect.
•    You’re promised a six figure salary for doing little to no work.
•    The job ad looks valid, but the contact’s email (e.g. sam@gmail.com) does not match the company’s website domain (e.g. sam@XYZLimited.com).
•    The job ad is about how much money you’ll make rather than what your duties and responsibilities will be.
•    You need to pay fees for a uniform or induction – anything that involves you having to pay for a job application is fraudulent.

Careers24 is committed to ensuring that all job ads on our site are for legitimate job opportunities. We have a zero tolerance policy to scam jobs. As part of our policy, Careers24 does not charge candidates for job applications or job offers. It is against South African regulation for recruiters to charge for job offers.

http://www.careers24.com/career-advice/job-hunting/job-hunting-safety-tips-20140822