Arghya Sarkar, Founder of Recruitment Mantra, a leading recruitment agency in Kolkata and renowned HR consultant, recently addressed an important issue concerning job seekers: how to avoid falling victim to job frauds and scams while searching for employment online or through placement agencies.
In a candid discussion, Arghya Sarkar emphasized the rising number of job scams and fraudulent job offers targeting innocent job seekers. In today’s digital world, where job seekers increasingly rely on search engines and online job portals, it’s vital to remain cautious, he warned.
“Job seekers should be vigilant and aware of a few critical guidelines when searching for jobs online,” Sarkar stated. “While searching for jobs online is necessary and often the only option, there are several red flags to look out for to avoid fraud and deception.”
Key Tips from Arghya Sarkar on How to Protect Yourself from Job Scams:
- Never Pay for a Job
Arghya Sarkar highlighted that no legitimate recruitment agency or job portal will ever ask for payment from job seekers in exchange for job guarantees or job search assistance. “If anyone asks for money in exchange for a job or job placement services, it should raise an immediate red flag. Never pay, whether it’s Rs. 10, Rs. 1,000, or even Rs. 10,000,” he cautioned. - Be Careful of Unknown Websites
“Avoid unfamiliar websites, especially those that advertise job opportunities through pop-ups or paid promotions. Such sites may compromise your data. Stick to trusted and well-established platforms,” Sarkar advised. - Verify Employer Email IDs and Domains
Job seekers must check the domain of the employer’s email ID. “If the company is XYZ Ltd., the email should come from [email protected], not from generic services like Gmail or Yahoo,” Sarkar explained. He also recommended using tools like Whois to verify the history and authenticity of the domain. - Beware of Unrealistic Job Offers
A job offer that seems too good to be true likely is. Sarkar emphasized that job seekers should be cautious if an offer promises an unusually high salary or requires them to be hired instantly without a thorough interview process. - Check the Interview Process
“Final job offers should be made only after a face-to-face interview. Video call interviews or online interview processes that rush to finalize a candidate may be a sign of fraud,” said Sarkar. - Research the Employer
Sarkar strongly suggested that job seekers research the company’s reviews, especially the negative ones, to avoid potential pitfalls. He further recommended verifying the employer’s official contact details, especially their landline number, and checking the company’s physical address.
The Role of Job Portals and Employers in Preventing Job Scams
Sarkar also discussed the responsibility of job portals and employers in reducing scams. “Job portals must verify the credentials of employers before providing access to their job seekers’ data. They should ensure that employers are legitimate by checking their GSTIN, audited balance sheets, and company details,” he explained.
For employers, Sarkar advised that they should publish their hiring policies clearly on their official websites to avoid confusion and provide transparency to job seekers.
Trusted Recruitment Agencies’ Role
Sarkar concluded by stressing the importance of trusted recruitment agencies. “A genuine recruitment agency will never charge job seekers for placing them in jobs. We charge employers for our services. A reputable recruitment agency should also guide job seekers on how to apply for jobs and how to avoid scams,” he said.
Arghya Sarkar is not only a pioneer in the recruitment industry but also a well-respected author of Recruitopia: Unleashing the Secrets of Extraordinary Talent Acquisition, a TEDx speaker, and an influencer in HR and recruitment strategies. Through his expertise, he continues to shape the future of recruitment while helping job seekers navigate the often risky world of online job hunting.
Job seekers and employers alike are encouraged to follow these critical tips to stay safe and secure in the ever-evolving job market.