Search for a job is an emotional venture that’s prone to manipulation.
Scams, well-orchestrated ones, are the key loopholes that trap desperate job seekers.
Recently, courtesy of the internet and a bit of laxity by the job searching fellows, the schemers have got a goldmine.
See, a number of friends have been victims of the tricksters and they cannot be blamed in totality, innocent or rather naive prey they’ve become.
The following are basic checkpoints to ensure you’re safe:
1. Verify
Social media is a double-edged sword, selling both good and evil in equal measure. Before applying for that job shared via a link, verify. Check on the pages and websites of the organizations given. Don’t mind making inquiries from the contacts given or insiders you may be knowing. If the information is not on the given platforms, smell a rat, keep it off.
2. Mode of address
If you’re addressed as Dear Applicant unlike using your real name, a scam is loading for that means even the person involved is so busy to address you as a person by name. Just a mere applicant, a good shortcut to reach a large number of potential victims of the tricksters.
3. Don’t send money
Most legit firms barely ask for any money from job seekers. If so, this is outrightly indicated and publicly advertised. All the same, this is rare, so if you are asked for money to get a job in a major firm, be suspicious and pay attention, you’re about to be conned. If you’re given a speedy deadline to submit money, something is definitely amiss
.4. If the process is not thorough…wait
Did you just apply and got an invitation for training without a competitive interview? Something is amiss. Who gives you a job by a mere CV and not a firm you’ve been doing an internship? If it’s so soft a landing, think twice! Ideally, before any organisation worth its salt adds one in its labour force, due diligence is inevitable. The first interview, shortlisting and induction are crucial.
5. No physical addresses/ Non-existent addresses
When the office contact given or the address is ambiguous, then the organization is the same. Quacks are experts in playing with the minds of the job seekers. This is especially for those who are not conversant with the given streets and buildings. Always take time to make a little research on location. If the boda-boda guys don’t know the location, it is likely to be nonexistent!
5. Check logos
Con artists are experts in imitation. They’ll make a replica of the original. By any chance, if you spot any variation, the slightest one, something is amiss. They lift the name, they lift the description and play around with the logos or the brand name, be not in haste, compare, contrast, be safe!
6. Company’s Domain/ Website
Any modern firm has a domain if you detect a common email for instanceguruhr@gmail.com for a company that has a website like http://www.guru.co.ke, something is amiss, a con artist is out to defraud you! In conclusion, finding a job is a hard job on its own. Pressure from self, peers, family, and circumstances make it a rough ride. All the same taking caution is a necessary shield to save shattering an already broken heart!