By Matthew Burney, Senior Strategy Advisor at Indeed
Searching for a new job can be challenging at the best of times, and in today’s competitive jobs market, it can feel particularly tough. Jobseekers invest significant time, energy, and emotional hope into their search — carefully tailoring applications, navigating complex platforms, and enduring the quiet uncertainty of waiting to hear back. Trying to find that next opportunity can be an exhausting and deeply disheartening process, and the rise of job scams only adds unnecessary anxiety to an already challenging journey.
When you’re putting significant time and effort into a job search, hearing from a recruiter or being offered an interview can understandably feel like a positive step forward. Bad actors can exploit the pressure and urgency people feel when looking for work, using the promise of an attractive opportunity to encourage jobseekers to hand over money or personal information. And as scams become more sophisticated, a fake opportunity may not always be immediately obvious.
That doesn't mean you should be suspicious of every recruiter who gets in touch. Taking a moment to make a few simple checks can help you separate a genuine opportunity from something that isn't quite right. Here are the 5 red flags job seekers should know:
1. A job offer lands out of the blue
Recruiters regularly approach candidates directly, so an unexpected message isn’t automatically a scam. But be cautious if someone you’ve never spoken to contacts you with a job offer, particularly for a role you don’t remember applying for.
Check how they’ve contacted you. If it’s by email, look at whether the address matches the company’s official domain. Unsolicited texts or calls from unfamiliar numbers may also warrant a closer look.
If someone claims to represent a company, independently verify them using contact details from the company’s official website rather than relying on links, numbers or information they’ve provided.
2. The company or job details don’t add up
Research the company independently. If you struggle to find an official website, company information or an established online presence, that could be a warning sign.
Look closely at the vacancy too. Job descriptions should provide clear information about the role and the skills or qualifications required. Vague descriptions accompanied by promises of high pay or easy work should warrant extra scrutiny.
The recruiter’s identity and role should also be clear, with company contact information you can independently verify.
3. The offer sounds too good to be true
If a job posting appears too good to be true, it probably is.
Be wary of salaries or benefits that seem unrealistic for the position, promises of very high pay for very little work, or vague offers of flexible or remote working. Researching similar positions and comparing salaries can help you determine whether the opportunity looks legitimate.
You should also be cautious if you're immediately offered a position before you've had a proper interview or been asked questions about your experience. A genuine recruitment process should give both the employer and candidate an opportunity to establish whether they're right for each other.
4. You’re rushed through the recruitment process
Pressure to move unusually quickly, accept an offer immediately or avoid asking questions should raise concerns.
Virtual interviews are commonplace, but be cautious if the entire process takes place through instant chat or if the interviewer avoids reasonable questions about the company or role.
Be particularly careful if you’re unexpectedly asked to download unfamiliar software. You should never have to pay for software to attend an interview, and unfamiliar software should be independently verified before downloading.
If you’re unsure, contact the company directly using details from its official website and ask it to confirm the vacancy and recruitment process.
5. Money or sensitive information is requested
One of the clearest warning signs is being asked to send money or provide sensitive information. You should never have to pay an employer to secure a job.
Never send any form of payment to a potential employer or accept money upfront for work you have not performed. Be extremely cautious if you're asked for money for equipment, training, software, background checks or anything else before starting a role.
You should also protect personal and financial information. If someone asks you to provide bank details, identification information or other confidential information unusually early in the recruitment process, stop and verify who you're speaking to before going any further.
Never click links in an email or text message from an address or number you don't recognise.
Ultimately, one of the best protections is simply giving yourself permission to stop and check. Search for the vacancy independently, research the company and verify the person you're speaking to.
Job hunting can come with a sense of urgency, but don't let the excitement of a potential opportunity override your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, take the time to investigate before going any further.
“Ultimately, one of the best protections is simply giving yourself permission to stop and check.”
Matthew Burney, Senior Strategy Advisor at Indeed — excerpt from this contribution
About the author
Matt Burney is a Strategic Advisor and speaker working at the intersection of talent, technology, and economics. With over twenty years’ experience in recruitment and workforce strategy, he helps senior leaders understand how AI, automation, demographic change, and shifting worker expectations are reshaping how organisations hire and compete.
Further guidance: Indeed’s guidelines for a safe job search.
Image supplied by Indeed.
