When applying for jobs online, it can sometimes be challenging to determine whether a job offer is legitimate. While our list isn’t exhaustive, here are three key tips we’ve learned as a job board to help filter through job offers. If you encounter any of these warning signs, it’s best not to engage with the company.
Payment Requests for Application or Background Checks:
If a company asks you to pay to complete an application or cover the cost of a background or credit check, this is a major red flag. While some positions may require these checks, legitimate employers typically handle these costs.
Takeaway:
If you’re asked to pay to apply or start working, it’s best not to engage.
Interviews Conducted Only via Text:
Even for fully remote positions, interviews are still conducted in a professional manner, usually via video platforms like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. If a company insists on conducting interviews exclusively over text, this is a warning sign.
Takeaway:
Be cautious of companies that avoid offering a formal video interview, as this could indicate an illegitimate opportunity.
Check the Email Address of Job Communications:
Sometimes scammers impersonate legitimate companies by sending emails from lookalike addresses. For example, all communication from NoGigiddy comes from our official domain, @nogigiddy.com. If you receive an email from a suspicious extension, such as @work.nogigiddy.com or @apply.nogigiddy.com, it likely did not come from within our organization.
Takeaway:
Verify that any job communication is coming from the company’s official email domain. Impersonators often use slight variations to deceive applicants.
We hope these three tips help you confidently evaluate job offers and avoid potential scams. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and do additional research. Your safety and peace of mind are paramount.