When searching for jobs, it's important to review each posting carefully to avoid any scams or fake information. Here are some tips for a safe job search:
Search for the company
If you have found an interesting job posting, spend a couple of extra minutes searching for that company. Look for a company website, Glassdoor reviews and a LinkedIn or social media page. You might get more information about the company and what current employees have to say about working there. If you can’t find a website or any other details, chances are, that is not the job for you.
Carefully read email addresses
Avoid scams by carefully reading email addresses that may be misspelled, or coming from someone who does not work at the company.
For example, fake email addresses may look like a made-up name such as user1345564@gmail.com or have a word carefully misspelled such as info@compaany.com.
Be wary of opportunities that seem too good to be true
Ask lots of questions to make sure you are offered a salary (and not commission-only) in writing. Job offers should be offered in an official capacity with legal documentation. Do not accept a job offer without a document that outlines your title, salary and place of work expectations (such as in person or working from home) and is not signed by a member of that company’s staff.
Do not give out too much personal information or any form of payment
During the job search and interview process, do not for any reason give out personal information such as account passwords, forms of payment (even for a recruiter), SIN number or banking information. Even during the interview process, potential employers are not allowed to ask you about personal details such as if you have children, pets or your relationship status.
You may provide details such as a SIN number and banking information only after a job offer has been accepted by both you and the employer, in writing.
When searching for a job, use a secure connection
Because you will be sharing personal information with different companies, make sure that when you are performing your job search you are in a secure network that you trust like your home or a public library. Make sure you log out of all accounts on any public computers.
Keep track of your jobs
Using the Thrive Job Tracker, keep track of the research you have done on an organization and the names and email addresses of the people you have interacted with at the company. It’s easy to lose track of who you have spoken to and the details of each job, but the Job Tracker will make it easier for you to add notes and links to important information.