Safeguarding your job search: a guide to staying safe online

Here at Harper Recruitment we understand how nerve-wracking searching for a new job can be - throw jobs scams into the mix, and it becomes even more challenging. According to a survey by JobsAware, 74% of job seekers have applied for at least one job they suspected did not exist. To safeguard your job search, here is our guide for avoiding scams and staying safe online: 

• Ask yourself: does this look professional? 

Before submitting any job application, take a moment to consider the professionalism and check the content of the advert or email - it should include roles and responsibilities, desired experience, location, salary and working hours, so be suspicious of anything that withholds basic information. Scam adverts or emails can be sloppy and often include obvious spelling or grammar mistakes so pay attention to the details.

• Verify contact details

Visit the company’s website to check if the job is listed and cross-check the contact information such as the email address and phone number - even small businesses have their own domain names for email addresses. For an added layer of security, search for the company’s registration on Companies House via GOV UK to verify them, but be aware that there are scammers out there who impersonate legitimate recruiters, so scrutinise the communication you have with them and apply all of our tips.

• Do not make payments

It’s important to know that recruitment agencies will not ask their candidates for money - at Harper Recruitment, our services are entirely free to candidates and it is in fact illegal to charge job seekers for finding them work. Never make any form of payment, even after an interview.

• Be suspicious if you're offered a job without an interview

Being offered a job automatically without being asked about your experience or attending an interview is a significant red flag - we have full processes in place to ensure employers and candidates are the perfect match, so be cautious if you are offered a job without speaking with anyone.

• Change passwords regularly

Protect your online identity by changing your passwords regularly. This simple task can prevent potential scammers from gaining unauthorised access to your accounts.

• Don’t provide sensitive information

When sharing your CV or personal information online, be mindful of what you are providing. Your CV should be a summary of your experience, so avoid including sensitive information like your date of birth, full address, NI number, bank details or passport number.

• Ask yourself: does this sound too good to be true? 

If the job seems simple and the salary unrealistically high, it’s likely to be a scam - fraudsters will often use this tactic to grab your attention and trick you into providing personal information or bank details.

Use your instincts and stay vigilant - combined with our tips for safeguarding your job search, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim. If you have been targeted by job scams, block the sender and report the incident to ActionFraud or contact your bank. Stay safe and good luck with your job search!