Job scams: 8 things to avoid while looking for jobs on LinkedIn and other online platforms

With good jobs difficult to come by and layoffs in several sectors due to coronavirus pandemic and tough economy, there is a visible desperation for finding jobs. Active LinkedIn users can easily relate to the rise in status messages from people in their network asking for jobs. While there is little doubt that LinkedIn and other typical online recruitment websites can help one land a job, there is no denying that there are also fraudsters out there to dupe people. Job scams tend to rise during uncertain conditions like the current. There are some who look out for publicly available CVs to impersonate or stalk while there are some who simply promote jobs to increase their social media followers. And not to forget, there are scamsters who rob gullible people of their money while promising a job. While joblessness is a difficult phase in anyone’s life, it is equally important to protect yourself from such opportunists. Here are eight things you should totally avoid during your job hunt.

You should know that there are people who post fake job offers or promises to connect you to recruiters to increase their LinkedIn followers. Avoid random LinkedIn posts that ask you to follow or comment, these are mostly created to increase follower base and are a classic marketing tactic.

Never provide your primary email ID or mobile number on LinkedIn posts publicly. These LinkedIn posts, asking for your contact details, are mainly created to get new verified contacts for email or SMS marketing.

Your CV contains your name, address, phone number, email ID, educational and work details, languages you speak, your parents name and sometimes even your photo. These are vital personal information that can be used to socially engineer phishing scams, stalk you and even lead to scamsters guessing your passwords.

Avoid using your primary mobile number that is linked to your bank, email ID, social media accounts and Aadhaar card while seeking jobs. Always use a separate number to stay safe from scamsters while hunting jobs.

Before you submit your CV or job application, always verify the company’s website or job portal is legit.

Let’s face it, there are a lot of fake job advertisements out there. Whenever there is a job listing or someone calls you for a random job interview, always verify it with the actual company first.

No company or government agency will ask for money to hire you, no matter how big or small the organisation is. If you meet someone who asks for money to help you get through job interviews, know that it is mostly a scam.

Never share too much details about your work or other personal information on LinkedIn or any other job platform. Note that LinkedIn is just another social media platform and no one owes you anything. Always take online privacy seriously.