In May 2024, the UK saw a staggering 904,000 job vacancies, presenting a fertile ground for scammers targeting the unemployed.
To combat this rising threat, experts from Wix.com have stepped in with essential advice on identifying fake job adverts and crafting impressive resumes.
Too Good to Be True Offers
Legitimate job descriptions clearly outline the role and responsibilities. Beware of listings promising extravagant benefits, short working hours, and high pay for minimal experience. Such offers often signal scams, especially those emphasising flexible, work-from-home opportunities with quick earnings.
Deceptive Web Addresses
With nearly three million phishing and fake websites detected in early 2023, scammers often use counterfeit company URLs. Check for subtle variations in domain names and verify the domain age, as fake sites usually have short lifespans. Investigate the company’s online presence and employee LinkedIn profiles for authenticity.
Unprofessional Communication
Be cautious of job applications and communications via messaging apps, which scammers use to hide their identities. Legitimate companies typically use professional emails and conduct face-to-face or Zoom interviews. Job postings with multiple grammatical errors and spelling mistakes are also red flags.
Unsolicited Job Offers
Receiving unexpected job offers from recruiters should raise suspicion. Fraudsters often impersonate reputable companies and use real recruiters’ names to gain trust. These offers, arriving via social media, promise lucrative jobs without the standard application process and interviews, indicating a scam.
Requests for Monetary Transactions
Scammers may request payments for training materials, certifications, or work-from-home kits. Remember, legitimate employers don’t ask candidates to pay for job-related items or provide bank details upfront. Avoid any company making such requests.
Creating a Standout Online Resume
Personalise Your Resume
Generic resumes won’t cut it in today’s competitive job market. Use free professional templates to create a visually appealing online resume that showcases your skills and experiences. Depending on your preferences, choose between a long scrolling one-pager or a comprehensive website with dedicated project pages.
Optimise for SEO and Mobile Devices
Improve your resume’s visibility by optimising it for search engines (SEO) and mobile phones. Select a relevant domain name and incorporate strategic keywords to enhance its ranking in search results. Ensure your resume website is mobile-friendly, offering a seamless experience across devices to attract potential employers.
Include Relevant Sections
Your online resume should mirror a traditional one, featuring sections on skills, education, experience, personal interests, and projects. Prioritise readability with an inviting homepage that captures recruiters’ attention, encouraging them to explore further and learn more about you.
As job vacancies surge, staying vigilant against scams is crucial. Following these expert tips from Wix.com can help job seekers navigate the market safely and present themselves effectively to potential employers.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
