2 Safeguards to follow for online job hunting

This article was recently posted on the Biz Community website and should prove to be helpful for your online job hunting journey.

The vast number of online job portals that exist in this day and age has made job hunting easier and more accessible for job seekers. Unfortunately, this increased accessibility has also opened the door for fraudulent ads and scammers hoping to exploit candidates and to defraud them out of money they don’t really have. However, there are numerous safeguards one can follow to stay safe online. 

Job hunting

Online job hunting is quite safe, but it’s important to educate yourself about the possible scams that exist. You are not going to get a job offer via an out-of-the-blue email. Companies will want to conduct an interview with you (either telephonically, via Skype or in person before they make any decisions).

If you receive an email from a company saying that they’ve seen your CV online, and want to offer you a position without ever having spoken to you, alarm bells should go off. Steer clear of companies that conduct email-only communication (particularly with disposable email addresses that were created using with “@gmail.com”, @live.co.za”, “@yahoo.com”, “@yahoo.co.za”, “@ymail.com”, “@webmail.co.za”, “@hotmail.com” or other web based e-mail platforms) or who use broken English and spelling mistakes.

1. Google the e-mail address / website address / person’s name or other details given to you:

Although many businessmen and women work from home, you should always be cautious when entering a stranger’s home. Google their address to see if the business premises exist. If the company actually has a large head office in your area, it wouldn’t make sense for them to interview you at a private home. But if they are using a private residence as an office, be sure to take a friend with you and to let others know where you are going. Never agree to conduct an interview in a hotel room. Always research the interviewer to make sure they are affiliated with the organisation they say they are interviewing for.

Never resign your job until you have a formal offer in writing. It should state that you have been offered the position by the company, how much you will earn, what you are hired to do and other important details. Without that offer, you won’t have a leg to stand on if the company should decide to renege on the opportunity.

2. Don’t pay the “employer”:

Reputable employers won’t ask you to pay for uniforms, training, materials or agency fees. No matter how legitimate the offer seems (i.e. paying for a starter kit to start working from home) be aware that this is how fraudulent posters earn their money. Never hand over money to an employer, period.

If a position sounds too good to be true, it may very well be a red flag. If a company offers extremely high pay for a position, or for a candidate with little or no experience, it is likely to be a scam. Be careful of replying to job listings with vague statements of what the job entails. You need to walk into a position knowing what’s expected of you.

Trust your instincts and your gut. They are usually right. Never do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. If you are suspicious about the company or the person interviewing you, walk away.

If you have been the victim of a scam or if you encounter fraudulent or suspicious activity from an employer who is using Job Mail, don’t hesitate to report it to us. E-mail details of the activity that you encounter to our consultant via verifications@jobmail.co.za.

Spread the word about these online job hunting safeguards. Share this article with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Remember: Sharing is caring. You could be the reason that someone doesn’t become a victim of fraud.

Just a reminder that you can upload your CV, browse for jobs and apply for them on Job Mail. If you have any queries about the registration process or if you are experiencing technical issues with our website, feel free to e-mail our Webmaster via jobmaster@jobmail.co.za.

Watch this space for more updates for job seekers on the Job Mail blog.

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19 Responses

  1. Evelyn says:

    Thankyou for your valuable tips and advice

  2. Bryan Rakhale says:

    Thank you for your tips there is this one who givesyou test and after he ask for200 brands (Chris Veljoen) I doubted him and I stayed away.
    Regards :Sick and Tired

  3. elma says:

    Thank you for the tips they’ve been helpful,but y some people ask for your photo after seen the photo they are no longer interested or maybe age when you are 35 they refuse you to be a waiter.

  4. cindy says:

    I would like to know if they have a possition open with a nr stating sms job to … The salary is stated but also states no experience needed for a shop assistant… Is it a scam or can it be legit?

  5. oageng says:

    I was once scamed. By dis scumbag! Dey invite us somewere at at private home it was far from were I stay some other guys were coming as far as frm north-west coming to be conned by one dude. Using this email address: joseph@foxleysolution.com. Beware my fellow brothers and sisters those guys they are cruel indeed!!!

  6. sthembiso says:

    I appied for a job this morning and I received an sms stating that I must come for an interview tomorow, how ever I do remember this address for back in 2011 they scammed me of my last 350. 597 Louis Botha Ave Bramley Jhb, (Opp Engen) 1st floor

  7. Zozi says:

    Thank you,I was once a victim I saw an advert online and applied for the job it was Thursday but they replied via email on Saturday around 17:00 telling me to come for an interview and we were about 30 who were attending the asked us to pay R950 in order to get trained for the position

  8. brenda says:

    I applied for admin clerk and rank petsonnel consult helped me get a job in two weeks for free…am now working full time on a permanent job!

  9. ernst says:

    I have applied for a company named boutros mining and construction company based in Ghana, and they replied with a letter stating that I have qualified to work at their company, I thus need to complete a letter so that they can arrange a transport for me, so question is how do I know that is a real company

    • Henno Kruger says:

      Google the company name, check the e-mail address they’re using, contact the company directly to find out if they are advertising this vacancy.

  10. Thandolwenkosi says:

    hey ernst,its seems like we are on the same path,i also applied for that company named Boutros and now i have the same question as yours………….??,bt then i phoned the recruitment manager called jamar clarence and he confirmed everything but still i dont feel good about all this………….please help Henno Kruger

  11. Tapiwa says:

    Hey guys, i also applied at Boutros and i got an offer letter. I am also wondering how legitimate it is.

  12. GEneboSS says:

    Me too they. Send ne the same things i cant find the boutros mining and construction company on google

  13. Simbarashe says:

    Same with me also, i just received an email saying that i have been offered a job by this company, Boutros. We need solid evidence that its a legit company, please help

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