The task of looking for a job has become a digital one, as workers increasingly use online job sites, social networks and search engines to find the next step for their career. However, with the digital age opening up a can of fraudulent worms, new research suggests that job hunters aren’t savvy enough when it comes to spotting the signs of a job scam.
The news comes from a survey of over 2,000 workers, which was conducted by CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job site, in partnership with the e-crime non-profit organisation, SAFERjobs, which operates in association with the Met Police. The research aimed to uncover how much UK workers know about online job scams, and the results reveal a worrying lack of awareness and understanding.
Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library comments: “Today’s job market is flourishing and there’s an abundance of opportunities available to workers looking for their next move. Unfortunately, this can make it even easier for scammers to hide amongst genuine postings and take advantage of unsuspecting candidates.”
Keith Rosser, chair of SAFERjobs, comments: “Job hunters have to be vigilant. There are many job sites out there that don’t work to protect candidates from scams leaving them open to falling victim. Our advice is to use a site that is partnered with SAFERjobs – this partnership indicates that proactive measures are being taken to fight scammers.”
Furthermore, the research suggests that a lack of education is to blame for job hunters putting themselves at risk, as respondents were unable to correctly identify the signs of a scam.
Rebecca joined the HRreview editorial team in January 2016. After graduating from the University of Sheffield Hallam in 2013 with a BA in English Literature, Rebecca has spent five years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past she has been part of the editorial teams at Sleeper and Dezeen and has founded her own arts collective.
