A quick guide to identify fake job offers

The internet has undoubtedly opened up a whole new world when it comes to job hunting. Gone are the days of checking local newspaper ads or public notice boards to find employment.

However, the internet being, well, the internet, means there is an inordinate number of scammers out there just waiting to prey on desperate job seekers. Knowing which offers are genuine and which are fake is actually a fairly simple process, but it’s easy for your judgement to be clouded when you’re looking for a way to pay the bills.

First and foremost, if you get contacted via email with a job offer from a company you never actually applied with, your Spidey senses should already be tingling. Every professional company will follow a procedure when it comes to hiring, and would never make a genuine offer without meeting or talking to you in person.

Be thorough in your research. A quick Google search can confirm any doubts you have, especially if the company does not have a website, or genuine contact details listed online. If a company does not have an online profile, there is most likely a good reason why. 

Take careful notes of the content of the email. Basic grammar and spelling mistakes should be enough to give the scam away, but a sure-fire sign is when a company contacts you from a free email account such as Hotmail or Gmail.

Any job offer that immediately offers you an attractive salary to get your attention should not even be entertained. Without an interview or job description, any monetary value offered is as fake as the bills it would most likely be printed on. Be smart! Any professional company would discuss your salary expectations with you during the interview and negotiation phase, never during a first contact email. 

Remember, doing the research immediately will save you from the headache of disappointment and frustration later on. These are just a few pointers to guide you in your job search, feel free to share your tips with us in the comments below. 

In the meantime, why not check out Qatar Living’s Jobs page here