Wiser Worker Blog

Over the last year I have written several times about scams; particularly how to avoid them.  It seems that as we as a country tries to dig out of this economic shape we are in we are in the more we see scams surface.  I will never understand how people can prey on others in a time of need but that’s not the topic of the day. 

The topic is avoiding being a victim, only you can protect yourself.  Each one of us has the ability to navigate and avoid scams; we just have to make smart choices.  The best place to start is by remembering this: “If it sounds too good to be true, then perhaps it is.”  People by nature like to take the road most traveled because well it’s easy; the problem the road most traveled is where the scam artists live and find their victims.  

Anyone who is searching for a job knows that the job market is tough right now, so naturally that’s the latest place we are seeing a new crop of scam artists.  In a recent article in The Arizona Republic the reporter highlighted all the possible ways to scam the unsuspecting job seeker some of these were new and some of them we have talked about after reading the article I noted one commonality among all the potential scams. They ALL involved the job seeker sending in money to gain information or for an interview.

You have heard me say it before but I will say it again:  You are looking for a job where you will EARN a living; this should not cost you anything. Anyone who wants money to help you look for a job is probably not on the up and up. Protect yourself and don’t become a victim. Look for a job the traditional way online at wiserworker.com, its hard word to find a job. Nothing worth anything comes free in life. 

DON’T take any shortcuts that you will end up regretting!

Because I work on the wild and exciting world of recruitment I often find myself being asked industry related questions from friends, family and yes the out of work job seeker.  Over the last few weeks I have found myself answering the same type questions over and over – at an alarming rate. It’s the nature of this question that has now become the subject of today’s blog.  

The Question: “When I am looking for a job is it okay to pay for an interview?” or “Do I need to pay for job leads?”  NO and not only that it’s absolutely NOT okay.    

Folks, you are looking for job a place where you will earn a paycheck, a company that is going to pay you for your wisdom and experience. Let me make myself clear……YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY ANYONE FOR A JOB! 

Example of a possible scam:

“Help wanted: International development firm offers once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity. Enthusiastic team leaders from any professional field are encouraged to apply. We have already won several government contracts and are looking for adventurous self-starters like you! Six-figure salary. Send resume and $500 application fee to secure an interview today!”

Everything up to the send $500.00 to secure an interview is probably okay, however I personally hate the six figure salary comment, but this alone isn’t cause for alarm. In case I haven’t made myself clear you never have to pay for an interview and yes folks I used the word NEVER.

Red flags that should alert you to the presence of a job scam include:

1.    Request for bank account numbers. Never give personal bank account, PayPal, or credit card numbers to an employer.

2.    Job applicants are asked to fax a copy of their driver’s license to the “employer” as proof of qualification.

3.    A contact email address that is not a primary domain. For example, an employer calling themselves “Employment Guide” and they have Yahoo! email address. This could be a sign. 

4.    Misspellings and grammatical mistakes in the job ad

5.    Asking for upfront money….never ever a good sign.

Staffing Agencies: In case you are wondering how staffing agencies work generally a company who is seeking employees pays the staffing agency to find employees. The money is only exchanged between the staffing agency and the employer NOT the job seeker.

As a general rule of thumb if it feels wrong it probably is wrong. Good firms would never ask you to send or pay money.  In my experience of job search I have never had to pay to get a job. So adopt this policy if anyone asks you to pay for an interview then politely or maybe not so politely decline.  I assure you there are better opportunities to be found just about anywhere but of course start your search at WiserWorker.com.