What to Avoid While Job Searching

If you’re familiar with marketplaces, you should recall their usual rowdiness whenever you buy things there. And if we’re correct, you usually go there with a list of things you want to buy. And you’re there on a budget. However, this doesn’t stop traders from calling you to check out their new clothes or their cheapest food items. Although everything is pleasing to the eyes, if you make the mistake of giving the slightest bit of attention to what isn’t on your list, you may spend more money than you intended. That’s also how it is in job searching.

Job searching is exactly like scouting through a marketplace. You know the career path you want to follow (your list and budget), and you’re on your way there, but there are certain “marketplace stalls” that will try to drag you back. They’re less of market stalls and more of traps, which you should by all means avoid.

And because you’re new to the job market, you might not be able to know them. But you don’t need to worry. We’re going to discuss four (4) common job search traps we have observed in our years of recruiting talents like you. So without further ado, here are the traps you should avoid while job searching.

Trap 1: Social Media Whistleblowers.

“A developer earns $250k annually; don’t sleep on this career.”

“There are 2.5 million remote jobs in your country. Here are the sites you can find them at.”

“People are moving into this field. Don’t sleep on it.”

Do any of these lines sound familiar to you?

If you haven’t seen them on LinkedIn or Facebook, then you’ve seen them on X (formerly Twitter). These statements are usually made by none other than social media whistleblowers.

Social media platforms, while powerful tools for job seekers, can also be breeding grounds for misinformation. And whistleblowers spread this misinformation like wildfire. They paint an overly rosy picture of a job without revealing the full requirements or potential challenges. These individuals may highlight the perks of a career role while downplaying its drawbacks, leading job seekers astray from the path they have chosen to follow.

For instance, a post might tout a high-paying job with flexible hours and unlimited vacation time. However, upon closer inspection, you might discover that the role requires several years of experience in a specific field or that the benefits come with significant trade-offs.

So, how do you avoid whistleblowers?

1. You can start by verifying the source. Ensure you’re getting information from a reliable source, such as a company website or a reputable job board.
2.  Look for red flags: If it seems too good to be true, you might want to think again before applying. If the job description is vague or doesn’t provide enough details, it might be a scam.
3. Connect with people in the field: Reach out to professionals in the industry to get their insights on the job market and specific roles. By reaching out and networking, not only are you getting information, but you’re also following our beginner’s guide to the job market.

Trap 2: “Multi-Level Marketing” Schemes

Multi-level marketing (MLM), often referred to as network marketing or direct selling, is a business model where individuals sell products or services directly to consumers, often through personal relationships. These individuals, known as distributors or independent contractors, are typically compensated based on their sales and the sales of their recruits.

Multi-level marketing schemes often disguise themselves as legitimate job opportunities. These schemes typically involve selling products or services, but they also require you to recruit other people into the scheme. MLMs can be very enticing, especially if you’re struggling to find a job. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. Many people end up losing money and wasting their time on MLMs.

How do you avoid MLMs?

1. Research. Hard. Look up the company online and read reviews from other people who have participated in the MLM.
2. Be wary of promises of easy money. This is a no-brainer, but we’ll say it again; If a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Avoid schemes that require you to recruit other people. MLMs are often based on a pyramid structure, which means that most people will lose money.

Trap 3: Job Applications That Divert to Courses

Imagine this: You’re actively searching for a new job and come across an intriguing posting for a “Digital Marketing Specialist” role at a well-known tech company. The job description aligns perfectly with your skills and experience, and the salary is enticing. Excitedly, you click on the “Apply Now” button.

Instead of being directed to a standard application form, you’re taken to a landing page promoting a “Certified Digital Marketing Professional” course. The page emphasizes how the course will equip you with the skills needed to excel in the digital marketing field and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Intrigued, you consider enrolling in the course, thinking it might be a worthwhile investment. However, when you research the course provider, you discover that they have a history of misleading job seekers. Many former students report that the course did not lead to the promised job opportunities and that the company primarily focused on generating revenue from course sales.

In this scenario, the job application was a diversion tactic used to lure potential students into enrolling in a potentially fraudulent online course.

One of the most frustrating things that can happen during your job search is to apply for a job and be redirected to a course or training program. These scams often target people who are desperate for work. They may promise to help you land a job if you complete the course, but in reality, the course is just a way to make money off of you.

So how can you avoid these?

1. Be cautious of job postings that require you to pay for a course or training program.
2. Do your research on the company before applying.
3. Look for reviews of the course or training program online.

Trap 4: Fake Locations

The internet has revolutionized the way we job search, but it has also created new opportunities for criminals. One emerging threat is the use of fake job postings to lure victims into abduction situations. Scammers often create fake job postings on popular job boards or social media platforms. These postings may advertise well-paying jobs in remote or isolated locations. When unsuspecting victims apply, they are contacted by a scammer posing as a potential employer. The scammer may offer to interview the victim in person, often at a remote or secluded location.

Once the victim arrives, they may be kidnapped or held hostage for ransom. In some cases, the victim may be lured to a location under pretenses, such as being told that they need to meet with a potential client or partner.

So how do you know if the job location isn’t pretense?

1. Be skeptical. As mentioned before, if a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of job postings that offer unusually high salaries or require you to travel to remote locations.
2. Verify the company. Research the company thoroughly to ensure it’s a legitimate business. Look for online reviews and contact information. 
3. If possible, meet in a public place. If you’re meeting with a potential employer, always do so in a public place, such as a coffee shop or restaurant.
4. Trust your instincts: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to walk away.
5. Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a job posting or a job offer is a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities.

In Conclusion…

Job searching can be a challenging process, but by being aware of these common traps, you can increase your chances of finding a legitimate job. Remember to do your research, be cautious of scams, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. With a little effort, you can avoid these pitfalls and find the job you’re looking for.

To navigate the job market successfully, approach your job search with a critical eye. Be mindful of the common pitfalls and avoid falling prey to deceptive promises. Focus on developing your skills, building a strong network, and conducting thorough research. Remember, a successful career is a journey, not a destination. With patience, perseverance, and a strategic approach, you can overcome the challenges and achieve your professional goals.