Tips to identify job opportunities that may not be legitimate include being wary of offers that seem too good to be true, checking for legitimate credentials such as a business name and address, being cautious of free email accounts and websites under construction, and researching the company before applying. If in doubt, do an internet search and contact the Better Business Bureau or state attorney general.
At least since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote “The Red-Headed League” in 1891, advertisements for jobs that aren’t what they seem have been a problem. Here are some tips to help you identify job opportunities that aren’t what they seem.
Too good to be true
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. In the Sherlock Holmes story mentioned above, Jabez Wilson was offered a good salary to copy the Encyclopædia Britannica for four hours a day, during which he was not allowed to leave the building. Even in the 1890s, when the story was set, no one should have paid well for such a task, and it was, in truth, a hoax, to simply take Mr. Wilson off. If the pay goes far beyond the qualifications, ask yourself why.
What’s in a name?
Legitimate companies have legit credentials and tell you who they are without you having to ask. An advertisement that doesn’t provide credentials — a business name, an address (not just a PO Box, in most cases), a web address, a phone number, and an email address — should bring up some flags. Also, the person who is communicating with you should identify himself and his job title. Do not send your CV until you know who you are sending it to. This job opportunity may be legitimate, but proceed with caution.
Signs that something could be wrong
Beware of “freebies” in credentials when reading job postings. Yahoo! and Hotmail are free email accounts, often used by “companies” that don’t have a fully legitimate existence. Similarly, a website that has an “under construction” indicator or pop-up ads from another entity may not be what it seems; proceed with caution.
Compensation
How will you get paid? is an important question to consider. Look for a standard operating procedure for payments, which signals to you that they’ve done it before. It’s not unusual to receive payments through a PayPal account, either by check or direct deposit, depending on the business.
Samples
Are you required to submit a lot of work as ‘samples’ to ensure you are a good fit? This could be completely legit or a fake to get you to do the job for free. Feel it before investing your time.
Be careful with downloads
Need to download something to apply? If you need to download an executable file to apply for a job, walk away.
Location, location, location
Where is the information about the job displayed? A trade publication for a particular industry will likely have legitimate advertisements. Sites that specialize in one area, like SchoolSpring, are also likely to offer consistently legitimate employment opportunities. Your local newspaper is also a good bet. Craigslist and other online advertising opportunities lead you into a risky area. There are some reasonable jobs on Craigslist and some that are obviously bogus.
Is it worth it? Mills and research papers that students buy and submit as their own, even if only sold as samples, are another type of bogus business. They exist, and they make money and they pay the people who work for them, but they are deceptive and probably not something a person of integrity wants to be involved in.
In case of doubt
If in doubt, do the following: do an internet search for the name of the company or person and check as thoroughly as possible; contact the local Better Business Bureau and/or the one closest to the company headquarters; contact the state attorney general and/or the one in the state where the company is located.
And if someone wants to hire you because of your fiery red hair or some other trait that has nothing to do with your qualifications, remember Sherlock Holmes and “The Red-Headed League” and look elsewhere for job opportunities.
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