Looking to Identify Fake Job Postings?

Job scams are rampant, and it's crucial to be cautious to avoid falling victim to them. At Work It Daily, we hear unfortunate stories of job seekers being scammed by fake employers every week. The prevalence of these scams has increased, and here's why.

In fact, during times of economic prosperity, the number of job seekers tends to rise, not decrease. Currently, with unemployment at an all-time low, there's a surge in job seekers. Many people who are dissatisfied with their current jobs believe that a strong economy is the safest time to search for new opportunities. However, studies have shown that it's actually twice as difficult to find a job during such times. Scammers are aware of this, and they prey on vulnerable individuals who are desperate to escape their current employment situation.

But how can you tell if a job posting is fake? While there are several subtle signs that may indicate a job isn't legitimate, there's one key indicator that holds true in about 99 percent of cases: the absence of an employment brand, also known as digital content that showcases what it's like to work for a particular company. If you can't find any online information that validates the existence of the job, I can guarantee that it's fake.

So, where can you look for a company's employment brand? Here are some key places to conduct your research before applying for a job online:

1. Glassdoor - This is the largest resource for third-party information on employers, where you can find anonymous employee reviews and even details about the interview process.
2. Indeed - While not as comprehensive as Glassdoor, Indeed has started to collect reviews and is likely to follow in Glassdoor's footsteps.
3. LinkedIn - Conduct a company search and look for employees who hold the same job title you're applying for. This can give you insights into the type of people the company typically hires.
4. BeBee - BeBee is a global aggregator that allows you to compare job ads and view real faces on first-party job ads.
5. Company Website - In addition to checking out the Careers page, visit the About page and research the founders and executive team on LinkedIn to verify their legitimacy.
6. Facebook/Twitter/Instagram - Check the company's social media profiles to see if they are active and engaged, especially if employees are sharing and promoting their content.

By taking the time to research a company's employment brand, you can quickly determine if it's a legitimate employer or not. But what if the job posting doesn't mention the company name?

It's true that some staffing agencies may not disclose the employer's name to prevent competitors from knowing who they are working with. If you come across an interesting job posting without a company name, conduct research on the staffing agency that posted the job. Reputable staffing firms will have a significant online presence. If not, it's likely a scammer trying to collect your email address for nefarious purposes. In such cases, it's best to skip it.

Lastly, keep in mind that relying solely on online job applications may not be the most effective strategy. The chances of getting called for an interview through online applications are as low as 3 percent. Why? The sheer volume of applicants and the use of automated tracking systems (ATS) make it easy for your application to be overlooked. To increase your chances of landing your dream job, consider adopting a proactive job search strategy that includes creating an interview bucket list and targeted networking. Referrals from contacts within the industry are often the quickest way to get in touch with a hiring manager and secure an interview