Job searching can be fun, until you get a reply. I know, you are probably wondering why you wouldn’t be excited if an employer said they liked your resume. Well, it is okay to be excited, but if you receive any of the offers listed below, beware!

Job Searching Beware Fact #1: Before Meeting, You Receive an Employment Offer
Watch out for this one! If you receive an e-mail and the employer says, “You’re Hired!” before having met you, this could be a scam. Would you hire a babysitter without interviewing them first? Would you let a stranger take your car across country? Then why would an employer let you represent and run their company without first having me you?

Job Searching Beware Fact #2: Asks For Personal Information

Now I don’t mean your name, phone number or e-mail address. I am talking about things like your social security number, mother’s maiden name, where you live, etc. If you receive an e-mail from an employer, before having met you, asking for this information, you should be weary. This information should only be required for background checks and of course, hiring you!

Job Searching Beware Fact #3: Charge a Placement of Startup Fee

If you are working for them to make money, why would you give them money upfront? Now, if you are being paid to interview, why not? Still a little suspicious but at least you are getting paid for wasting your time. Seriously though, if an employer is looking for money, stray away! It probably won’t be the only investment they will require you to make!

Job Searching Beware Fact #4: Employer Seems Very Private

Now, if you require a security clearance to work for a company, that is one thing, but if the employer seems unable or unwilling to release information about their company…red flag! If you don’t know where you are going or who you are meeting, how do you know what will be there waiting? You don’t!

Job Searching Beware Fact #5: “Great Marketing Job, Earn $650 Base Each Week!”

Watch out for these ones. I read an ad like this in high school and thought, “Hmm, great job to put me through college!” So of course, I went to the interview. When I was there, it was an all day event and in the end, they wanted me to go door-to-door selling vacuums! If you want to sell anything door-to-door, these ads are great, if not, stay away.

Keywords: