Is It A Scam? Maybe.

Last week someone posted about a Zoom "call" with no video and the other party only used the chat function. They were concerned that it was just scam, which is a valid concern.

However, there are a few other instances that I can envision being valid in terms of a "real" job interaction. That being said, they should let you know that the conservation will be text based.

1) The chat was actually a chatbot - one of the actual uses of AI in the recruiting process. (Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ppRSAP5aLI)

2) The person at the other end is outsourced in another country; this is not necessarily a scam, but they may be able to type English but not be fluent in the language to speak.

3) It is a real person on the other end - but they are deaf or perhaps have neurodiverse needs that make it easier for them to type.

This is why it is important to conduct your due diligence with any job posting/process. If you did not directly apply to a posted position, and you are approached about a "job offer" be suspicious. No bona fide recruiter/agency will contact you about a job OFFER. They will discuss OPPORTUNITIES with you.

Some other warning signs that it could be a scam:

• If they contact you via email, they will have a verifiable business domain in their email - NOT "gmail.com".
• They will have an actual job description to share with you. (They may not be willing to share the client, but there should be a fully fleshed out job description.)
• You'll have a request for your resume/or to apply online to a specific role.
• If they contact you via LinkedIn they have a profile with a fairly large number of connections; established recruiters build their networks over the course of their careers. They will also have content beyond just their basics.
• Finally if they DO ask you for a Zoom call, they will let you know if it is going to be a chat.

NEVER share your driver's license/ID, social security/insurance number, or address until you have an offer pending. (It is valid in the US for agencies to ask for the last 4 numbers of your SS# for a contract - this is mainly used for large enterprise clients that have what are called "Vendor Mangement Systems" - it is to ensure that you are not submitted for the same role by multiple agencies; it is also standard to ask for a "Right to Represent" - I have an article on it here.)

Hope that helps clarify. If you have questions, make a comment and I am sure recruiters will respond (including me.)