If you are on the constant lookout for relationship red flags, you might be surprised that there are also job posting red flags you need to be aware of! Since online jobs make it possible to talk and make connections without any face-to-face interaction, or with the least opportunity to verify the other person’s identity, integrity, and intentions, we are more susceptible to abuse, scam, and opportunists.
Job seekers need to pay close attention to the details of posting ads in order to ensure they are dealing with a reputable job board or recruiter. Job boards and recruiters that seem too good to be true may just be a scam, as well as those recruiting for jobs that don’t exist, such as an entry-level position for someone with no experience or skills listed in the job requirements.
The Four Red Flags
You are asked to pay for a fee
A good rule of thumb is that if the position sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of any jobs for which you must pay a fee to get the job, or pay a fee in order to be considered for the job. Unfortunately, these are scams and should not require fees from candidates unless you are applying specifically for an independent contractor position.
They require too much personal information
Job listings asking you to share your personal information with them before even being interviewed should also raise a red flag. This happens quite often when you find opportunities posted online because they want you to send your resume directly back to them instead of applying through their site as most other employers do. When applying for a job online, especially an international position, be sure to use caution when sharing your bank account information or credit card details with any third parties. When in doubt, ask yourself if you would buy something from someone who asks for all of your personal information before even offering you the opportunity to see what they are selling first. If an employer is asking for these details before officially hiring you, then there is probably no legit reason why they need them at such an early stage in the process.
They ask for a trial task without compensation
Never accept to do a trial task without a corresponding compensation for the time you will spend complying with it. Always remember your worth and you don’t have to impress these employers by allowing them to exploit your services for free! Besides, employers who ask candidates to do a trial task may either be scammers (because they may be doing this to a lot of applicants by dividing the tasks until the project is completed without even spending a dime) or toxic micromanagers.
Always respectfully assert that your time is valuable and that if they don’t accept your output after the trial task then they are free to drop you anytime. Never give out services for free!
They offer low rates and promise growth in the future
Stick to your guns! If you have a regular rate that you confidently can charge and deliver equivalent results, then do not downgrade and hope for an increase in the future. If an employer cannot afford you, do not adjust your rates for them. Setting boundaries not only apply to relationships, but also to employers.
Final Words
When you’re looking for work, the Internet can be a great resource. You can use job boards and search engines to find openings, apply from anywhere with an Internet connection, and get your resume in front of prospective employers.
There are risks associated with using the Internet to find a job – risks that can trip you up if you aren’t careful. Among the most obvious are scams, which usually pose as a legitimate business but in fact never pay you or provide any other benefit. If you see any red flags in your online research then move on.
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