Staying Safe in Today’s Job Market

How to Spot a Fake Interview

In today’s digital world, job hunting can feel like a leap of faith. That initial message from a recruiter can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. But with job scams on the rise, candidates and companies alike are being targeted by fake interviews and fraudulent job offers, making the process more challenging than ever.
Fortunately, there are clear warning signs that can help you identify a scam before it goes too far.

10 Signs Your Interview Might Be a Scam

  1.    Suspicious Email Addresses
    Legitimate recruiters use company email addresses. Be wary of emails from Gmail, Yahoo, or misspelled domains. For example, Brewer Science recruiters always use emails ending in @brewerscience.com.
  2.    Text-Only Interviews
    Most companies conduct interviews via phone, video, or in person. If you’re asked to interview via text or messaging apps, verify the format with a company recruiter on LinkedIn.
  3.    Only Contacted Through Social Media
    While initial outreach may happen on platforms like LinkedIn, a legitimate recruiter should be willing to provide official contact details and speak over the phone.
  4.    Unprofessional Communication
    Poor grammar, formatting issues, or inaccurate information in messages can be a sign that the recruiter isn’t legitimate.
  5.    Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers
    Scammers often try to win your trust quickly. Research the company’s typical hiring process on sites like Glassdoor or the company’s careers page before proceeding.
  6.    Requests for Sensitive Information
    Be cautious if you’re asked for personal details like your Social Security number, driver’s license, or banking information before a formal offer is made.
  7.    Vague or Evasive Answers
    Recruiters should be able to answer specific questions about the role and company. If they dodge your questions, it could be a red flag.
  8.    Asked to Pay for Equipment
    Reputable companies usually provide necessary equipment for remote roles. If you’re asked to pay upfront, confirm with the company directly.
  9.    Application or Training Fees
    You should never have to pay to apply or train for a job. Any request for money—especially via electronic transfer—is a major warning sign.
  10.    Rushed Hiring Process
    Scammers often push for quick decisions. If you feel pressured, slow things down and take time to verify the opportunity.

If you suspect a scam, stop communication and try to contact someone at the company through official channels. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s worth investigating.