Job Search Safety Guidance

Reports of employment scams have risen sharply over the last two years according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The use of AI has become an increasingly significant concern as AI has made it easier for cybercriminals to create convincing fake employers, clone legitimate company websites, and compromise employer accounts on platforms like Handshake and LinkedIn. 

It is paramount that students take steps to identify, research, and vet employers prior to submitting applications and interviewing with an organization. Handshake provides this resource: Safety: Best Practices for Job Searches to help you get started safely on your job search. LTS will cover fraudulent employer scams in student training on cybersafety. 

While job platforms such as Handshake and LinkedIn take many precautions to vet employers, not all job postings are legitimate. Here’s how to Spot and Report Scams on Handshake. If you happen to come across a post in Handshake that seems fraudulent or receive a message from an employer that seems like a scam, be sure to “flag” the employer in Handshake.

If a job seems too good to be true, it probably is — trust your instincts!!

Red flags of a job scam include:

• The employer has a bad website
• The employer has no phone number or the address is a random location
• The recruiter has an email that doesn’t not have a company domain e.g. gmail, yahoo, hotmail, and different from the company email address
• The employer is offering high wages with no experience
• The employer offers an exorbitant salary for remote work and few working hours
• You’re offered a job without applying or interviewing. All legitimate employers will have you apply AND interview for a job!
• The employer requests that you wire money so they can buy supplies related to your job
• The interview is text or email only
• You're asked to interview at a restaurant or other location that is not an office
• You receive an email, Handshake or LinkedIn message and the employer states that they received your resume from Career Ed (and you have not received any communication from Career Ed about this employer)
• The employer is requesting personal financial information from you in order to offer you employment 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides excellent advice and examples of Job Scams, as well as what to do if you fall victim to a scam.  

When in doubt, reach out! Career Ed is here to help navigate an uncertain situation or concern regarding your job search. Contact: recruiting@wellesley.edu.