How to spot a possible recruitment scam

Searching for a new job can be extremely stressful, but finding and landing the perfect opportunity in a different country can be even more daunting. With all of the recruitment scams out there, it is always possible to fall prey to the promise of a fantastic new job. Always keep in mind that when the offer seems too good to be true, it may be exactly that.

Scammers are easy to spot, just look out for these signs:

1. Paying for services

As a candidate, you have no need to pay for the services of a recruiter. There are many scams out there that use this method, tricking people from all over the world into handing over their money for a job.

2. Fabricated documents

If a recruitment agency offers to write essays, create letters of recommendation or alter test scores for you, we assure you that this is a scam. Using authentic paperwork and documentation is crucial in applying and retaining any job.

3. Offered a job without applying or having an interview

Receiving a job offer is an incredibly exciting event but only if you actually applied for the job itself. Without an interview and any formal communication from the recruiter, it is impossible to have actually landed the job. It is best to delete the email and move on.

4. The salary seems too good to be true

Everybody wants to earn an impressive salary, but those salaries only come along with the right amount of experience and skills. If you receive a salary offer that seems too high for your level of skills, it could be a scam. We suggest that you do your research into the standard salary for the industry before making a decision.

Payscale is a great tool for determining your salary expectation. Visit the site here

5. Vague job description

Those job adverts that don’t say too much about the actual role and what is expected of the candidate can often be a red flag. Reputable agencies will put the extra effort into an advert while including all of the necessary detail. Check that any links to the website work correctly and that the domain does actually exist.

6. Spelling and grammar

Poorly spelt recruitment adverts can be a cause for concern. This often shows that the company does not take pride in their advertising and that they may not completely trustworthy.

7. Emails from a free service

Professional recruitment agencies will have a dedicated email address that comes directly from their office. If the email is from gmail or outlook, you should be wary.

Stay away from scams by following these simple tips:

  1. Do your research: Always stay informed by researching the company and its employees before making any decisions. If there have been a few complaints about their services, it is probably best to stay away.
  2. Ask your friends: Word of mouth is one of the best methods of determining whether a company can be trusted or not. Ask friends, forums and family about their recommended agencies.
  3. Don’t hand out personal information: Your social security number and private information should not be provided until a formal job offer has been presented.