Fake Job Postings: Red Flags To Look Out For.

Fake jobs are everywhere. They are not only annoying, but can also be downright dangerous. They're one of the problems people face when looking for a new job.

If you're looking for a new career, or just want to find out what kind of work you'd be interested in, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all and start browsing job postings. The last thing you want is to waste time on what might turn out to be a scam. So how do you know which ones are good?

Here are a few ways that can help you detect a fake job posting.

1. You Never Applied:

More and more recruiters are using automated applications to get applications in quickly, but they're not always legitimate. If you've applied to a position in the past but never heard back, it's a red flag.

2. No Website or Social Media Presence

A legitimate company will have a website and social media channels that you can use to contact them directly. If they don't have either of those things, don't bother applying.

Google is one of the first places companies put their job listings, so if you can't find them there, it's most times not a real listing. If no one has heard of the company or you can't find any information about it online, that's also another sign that something is not right.

3. The Job Requirements Doesnt Make Any Sense

Job requirements are supposed to represent what the company needs from its employees. If the requirements do not match up with what an employer would realistically need from someone who wants to work there, that's a red flag!

4. The Ads Seems Too Good To Be True.

When a job posting offers certain things like an extravagant and unrealistic pay for certain jobs, there's something to worry about. Most times, scammers use this to entice people who are in dire need of money and are looking for good jobs to solve the problem. These sets of people easily fall prey to them. Don't be like one of them. Watch out for the red flags! Some of these companies also uses stock language or photos that have been used in other scam ads on sites like Craigslist and Careerbuilder.com

If someone is offering you the chance to make $5,000 per week as an assistant manager at an Ice-cream store, it's probably not going to be much more than an ad for some kind of pyramid scheme. Be vigilant!

5. Lack of Details

Many times, some companies promise fame or wealth without providing any details about the job or how much money it will pay out. If someone says they can help you get your dream job as soon as tomorrow but won't tell you how much they'll pay until later, they are most likely a fraud. They're just looking for a way to get money from you instead of helping you achieve your goals.

Don't be afraid to ask questions about the job posting. "What exactly does it entail?", How much will I earn?", "Does my experience matter?" These are important questions that should be answered clearly and honestly so that you have a better idea of whether or not this might be the right fit for your career.

With all these said, you now know what red flags to look out for when applying for your next job. Remember, not everything that appears online is legit. Beware!