Blog Layout

Jobseekers Warned….Beware Scams..

Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 17 June 2021


Jobseekers warned to beware scams amid pandemic-fuelled rise

Criminal elements seek to exploit’ those looking for work, expert says.

Lucinda Cameron – Independent – Tuesday 11 May 2021

Nearly three in four jobseekers applied to jobs that did not exist during the pandemic.
People looking for work are being urged to beware of job scams following an increase in cases of exploitation during the coronavirus pandemic.

Disclosure Scotland said that latest research found nearly three in four jobseekers (74 per cent) applied for jobs that were not genuine during the pandemic.

Some jobseekers even paid money to companies for disclosure checks only to discover the job they had been offered was not real when the check never arrived.

Information provided through fraudulent job adverts can be used in a number of ways by criminals, including identity theft, Disclosure Scotland said.

It is running a campaign to raise awareness of job scams and employment fraud among jobseekers along with JobsAware, the Disclosure and Barring Service and AccessNl.

Gerard Hart, chief executive of Disclosure Scotland, said: “During the unprecedented times we have been living through, people’s economic security has been, of course, immensely challenged.

“Finding employment is a major way that we build and maintain that vital sense of personal and family wellbeing and safety. It is therefore particularly deplorable that criminal elements seek to exploit job seekers.

“Disclosure Scotland stands ready to assist our partners and the public in putting an end to such fraudulent and damaging scams.”

Signs which could suggest a job scam include being asked for money, poorly written job adverts and offers of unrealistic salaries.

Job offers without an interview and suspicious contact details could also be warning signs.

Dr Suzanne Smith, executive director of barring and safeguarding at the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), said: “The exploitation of job seekers has risen during the pandemic and the methods being used are more and more sophisticated.

“We know that some companies have taken money for DBS checks from unsuspecting jobseekers, relieved that they have been promised a job but the DBS check never arrives and the job was never real.

“The negative impact on the person on the other end of these scams is significant – we are working alongside JobsAware to help prevent this from happening by raising awareness and signposting those affected to where they can get help.”

A survey of 1,645 job seekers conducted in April 2021 in the UK found that during the pandemic, nearly three in four jobseekers (74 per cent) applied for jobs that were not genuine.

Keith Rosser, chairman of JobsAware, previously known as SAFERJobs, said: “With the way we work and look for work continuing to evolve, job scams are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated.

“We know how damaging it can be to fall victim to such scams now more than ever.

“That is why it’s important to educate and arm jobseekers with the understanding and support they need to recognise and report suspected fraud.”

Anyone who suspects they have been targeted, been the victim of a job scam, or have been treated unfairly is advised to report the company and website to JobsAware via their portal (https://http://www.jobsaware.co.uk).

Those who have parted with money as part of a suspected job scam are advised to contact the police.

===================

BLOG

LinkedIn Poll Results - December 2024

by Simon Clark • 19 December 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, our latest LinkedIn poll sought to uncover the primary professional goals of our network for the upcoming year. The responses we received provide a clear indication of shifting priorities in the modern workplace as we head into 2025. An overwhelming 64% of respondents identified 'Better Work/Life Balance' as their top professional goal for the new year. This significant majority underscores a growing trend among professionals prioritising their well-being and personal time equally with their career ambitions. It reflects a broader movement towards achieving a healthier balance between professional responsibilities and personal life, emphasising the importance of mental health and overall life satisfaction. 'Career Advancement' still remains a priority for many, with 21% of the votes, showing that climbing the professional ladder continues to be important but perhaps balanced with a desire for quality-of-life improvements. Surprisingly, both 'Skill Development' and 'Networking' received the same level of focus, each garnering 7% of the vote this month. This suggests that while continuing education and expanding professional connections are still valued, they may currently take a back seat to more pressing concerns related to personal well-being and career progression. These poll results highlight a critical shift in professional goals as we move into 2025, with a notable emphasis on achieving a sustainable work/life balance. This insight is invaluable for employers and HR professionals as they plan support systems and corporate cultures that align with the evolving needs of today’s workforce.

Key Indicators of a Successful Interview

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 29 November 2024
Interviews are often the most nerve wracking part of the job seeking process and whilst you might be happy that you got the interview, you might wonder if it went as well as you’d hoped. This is a natural reaction to something as important as your career but there are several key signs that suggest your interview was a success, let’s take a look at them. Positive Body Language and Engagement We can usually tell when we get on well with someone and you can also read subtle signs in the interviewers body language which could mean that you left a good impression. Were they leaning forward, engaging with you and seeming interested in what you had to say? Did they respond enthusiastically to your answers? These are all good signs. The Interview Takes Longer Than Expected Interviews are typically structured to a strict timeframe to allow the interviewer to see multiple people and find the best candidate for the job. If your interview has gone over the allotted time but it doesn’t feel rushed, this is a really good sign and means that the company is open to learning more about you and sees potential. Natural Conversations If you have built up a natural rapport with your interviewer and the interview doesn’t seem like a basic question and answer session, this bodes well. If the interviewer also shares information about the company culture, team and future plans with you at this stage, it’s a sign they see you becoming part of their company. Next Steps Discussion If the employer takes the time to explain what the next steps of the process are going to be during your interview, asks about your availability for further stages or lets you know about their onboarding process, these are all good indicators that you are being strongly considered for the role. Introduction and Highlighting the Benefits Another sign that your interview has gone well is if your interviewer introduces you to other team members or key decision makers during the course of your interview. This shows that they personally have deemed you a good fit for the role and could be looking for a second opinion before they make a hiring decision. The interviewer could also begin to highlight the benefits of you working for their organisation, they might mention the ‘perks’ of working for the company, any career progression opportunities or just that it’s a great place to work. They could be trying to sell you the role within the company which often means they think you are a strong candidate.  Whilst the above points aren’t a guaranteed measure of success, they are really encouraging signs that your interview has gone well and that you have made a good impression on the company. If you are currently navigating the job market and need some professional support and guidance, we can help, contact us for advice and information on our current vacancies today.
More posts
Share by: