5 Interview Alarm Bells That Signal a Job Scam - FlexJobs

5 Interview Alarm Bells That Signal a Job Scam - FlexJobs5 Interview Alarm Bells That Signal a Job Scam -2It pains us to have to still write about job scams, but the sad truth is that job scammers are simply not going away. The bewerbungsgesprch alarm bells are sounding. And the stats get worse for remote jobs- its estimated that for every real remote job, there are at least60 scams out there.So lets say that you apply for a job that seems legitimate and yourecalled in for an interview. How can you tell if youre possibly smack dab in the middle of a job scam? Well, there are certain interview alarm bells that should ring loud and clear ifyoure finding yourself wrapped up in ajob scam.Here are fiveinterview alarm bells that signal a job scam1. Your qualifications dont really matter.You apply for a job that seems perfect. Its a flexible job and youd be doing exactly what you love- and bonus, youre totally qualified for it But when it comes time for the job interview, your interviewer d oesnt really ask you that many questions, or worse, it seems that your skill set and work experience dont really seem that important. This is never the case in a real job interview. Employers will put you through the paces, asking you thoroughly about your previous job experience and what makes you a fit for the organization. Mostlikely theyll ask to complete some form of performance test as well. If your interviewer isnt interested in what you bring to the table, you might be in the throes of a job scam.2. Youre offered the job almost immediately.Lets face it Job scammers dont want to conduct lengthy interviews. They just want to lure you in and capture their prey(i.e., innocent job seekers), and then onto the next. So if after 10 minutes of talking with a potential employer, the part offers you the job on the spot, dont be flattered- run. Even for an entry-level position, its rare that you would be hired immediately, even if you do have a dazzling personality and a wide array of w ork experience. So think twice if youre offered a job right away- most companies will typically take a few weeks (maybe even a couple of months) to make their decision.3. The interview is done via instant messaging.Yes, youre a job seeker looking for a remote job. If the company youre looking to work for is based thousands of miles away from where you live, it definitely makes sense that you wouldnt be trekking in for an office interview. That said, job scammers tend to prefer quick ways to contact candidates and conduct job interviews. Their preferred method instant messaging. And again, you might not even raise an eyebrow (heck, you pretty much communicate through IM all day anyway), but job interviews arent usually done via IM. You will probably be asked to do a phone orSkype interview(or both), but its a serious interview alarm bell if your only contact with a potential employer is an IM or via email solely.4. Youre asked for personal information- and money.By far, this is one o f the biggest signals that you might be in a job scam. But if youve been through a round or two of job interviews with the same company, and are offered the position, it makes sense that when the HR person comes along to offer you the job that they would request some personal information. Thing is, if youre asked for your Social Security number, bank account number, or any other information that could put you at risk of identity theft, just stop for a moment and take stock of the entire interview process. Have you checked out whom youre interviewing with by doing a Google search or looking them up on LinkedIn? Have the methods been more traditional (i.e., in-person, phone, or Skype interviews)? Have you contacted the company directly to confirm that the position really exists? If youve done your due diligence, you can proceedwith caution. And as always, never, ever, ever accept a job where your employer asks you to put up money. That always has been (and always will be) one of the t op signs of a job scam.5. Youre not told the company youre interviewing for.A recruiter reaches out to you on LinkedIn looking to fill a position with a top company in your field. Great Youre excited, naturally (and thankful that you took the time to fill in your LinkedIn profile). So when it comes time for the job interview, you excitedly ask what the company is that youre interviewing for- and your interviewer wont tell you. The reason The recruiter is afraid that youll contact the company directly and lose you. Makes sense, you think, but in all honesty, it doesnt happen like that. As a job seeker, you have every right to know the name of the employer, the name of the hiring manager at the company, when the company is looking to fill the position, and what the interviewers relationship is to the company. If the person refuses to provide that info, chances are you might be involved in a job scam. As if it isnt enough making sure your job applications are well-written, searching fo r jobs day in and day out, job seekers today have to worry about falling victim to a job scam, too. But it shouldnt deter you from looking for a flexible job, if you want one. Stay safe and use the tips above to help guide you through your job search. And above all else, listen to your gut- if it seems too good to be true, it probablyis. Learn more about avoiding job scams.Readers, have you fallen prey to a job scam during your search for a remote job? What happened? Let us know in the comments below