How to Avoid Job Scams and Find Real Opportunities

November 25, 2024 in Career and Job Search Tips

 

Laurie Hyllberg

Laurie champions Kinsa Group’s position as the top food and beverage recruiting firm in the nation and its presence in the global FMCG marketplace. To her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Business Management, and Marketing she adds over 20 years of executive search experience in the food and beverage industry at Kinsa. Building a network of executives and professionals through membership in the Women’s Foodservice Forum, Institute of Food Technologists, FaB Wisconsin, Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network, and maintaining professional expertise in recruiting as an Executive Board Member for the Recruiters Of Wisconsin association, Laurie is able to connect top talent in the food industry with food and beverage processors and foodservice providers growing their teams at the C-Suite, VP, Director, and Management level. Connect with Laurie today!

 

Even before the world wide web, scammers liked to target job seekers. The internet has enabled a new generation of scams, evolving quickly and preying on job seekers. Many scams are now powered by AI, automated, and able to learn and adapt on the fly. Fortunately, staying safe usually comes down to some common sense reminders and remaining ever cautious.
Here are half a dozen rules Kinsa Group shares to help keep you safe:

1. If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. That easy job offering $700 a day is almost certainly a scam. If you must inquire, look up the company by name or check them out on Glassdoor to see if they’re legitimate. What are other employees (or applicants) saying?

2. Guard Your Personal Information Carefully

Be careful with the personal information you provide online. A legitimate employer will eventually need your social security number, but usually that can wait until your hire date. Be wary of any opportunity that requests it early in the process or asks for bank information before an offer of employment and an intended start date.

3. Beware of Scammers on Social Media

Watch out for employment offers found in your social media feed. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, have become hotspots for scammers targeting job seekers with fake employment offers. These posts often promise high pay, flexible schedules, or remote work opportunities to grab your attention, but they’re usually created by fraudulent accounts or AI-driven “bots” looking to steal your personal information or money.

For example, you might see a post claiming, “Work from home and earn $5,000 a week—no experience needed!” but once you engage, the scammer could request payment for a “training kit” or access to your financial details. Another common trick is sending unsolicited direct messages with fake job offers, pressuring you to act fast before the “opportunity” disappears. Rather than clicking the link provided, do a search for the employer by name and see if they have a Careers page on their website where you can apply now.

4. Check the URL: Ensure the Job Posting is Legit

Check the URL. If you see a job post for a Kraft Foods job that directs you to apply on another website rather than the one you’re on or at kraftheinzcompany.com directly, chances are good it’s a scam.

5. Be Cautious of “Work from Home” Job Offers

Be extremely wary of jobs that stress that you can work from home. A post for a legitimate job will emphasize what the job is, such as new business development in a region or for a specific customer base. That job post may then mention that you can work from home as a secondary detail about the job’s location.

6. Legitimate Employers Evaluate Your Qualifications

Most employers thoroughly evaluate your qualifications for a job. Scammers, not so much. They may not ask for your application, resume, or work history. They may not conduct a comprehensive interview to determine your job skills. If they do, they may not address the job requirements that you don’t meet. Failure on their part to be diligent should be considered a major red flag!

7. Stick to Trusted Job Sites and Verified Recruiters

Jobs posted on a legitimate employer’s website, a major job board, or the website of a trusted recruiting agency like Kinsa Group are a much safer place to share your information than random jobs promoted on social media websites. And be especially wary when recruiters reach out to you that you can’t find and verify online. Verify their credentials – for example, do they have a legitimate email address, website, and well-connected LinkedIn profile?

By following these common-sense guidelines, you can steer clear of almost all the scams masquerading as opportunities for job seekers, saving yourself time and a headache.

Secure Your Career with Confidence: Partner with Kinsa Group

Searching for a new job can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone—or risk falling victim to scams. At Kinsa Group, we take the guesswork out of your job hunt by connecting you with trusted employers in the food and beverage industry. Our recruiters are experts at identifying legitimate opportunities that align with your skills and career goals, ensuring a secure and rewarding job search experience.

Don’t let scammers stand in the way of your success. Partner with Kinsa Group today, and let us help you find your next career move safely and confidently. Explore our current opportunities and connect with a recruiter who genuinely cares about your future!

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This blog was written by George Blomgren, Kinsa Group Recruiting Manager. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

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