Nightmares of Craiglist

PLEASE REMEMBER: Lots of jobs post listings on websites like craiglist.com, however, so do lots of scam artist, if they don't post a company name, list a website, or give a phone number, don't trust it. Always try to research the company listing by finding a website, or looking on Google maps to make sure the place exist. NEVER give out your social security number, or banking information over email, or phone.

Today I am going to talk about my experience with applying for jobs on craigslist. This can, and does tie into my other two job hunting posts.

I am looking for a second job and I decided to look up some craigslist postings. Now I know and have always been aware of the dangers out there so I have been fairly smart about my replies and postings. I wanted to share some of my tips with you.

If the company doesn't give a name, number, or any official information, (which sometimes companies don't like too) I won't attach my full resume or give any sensitive information in the reply. I politely state I do have a cover letter and detailed resume available, but because of the dangers I wait until I get an official response. Sometimes I don't attach anything at all, but I sent a short email that I am interested but cautious.

Well last week I did just that to three different companies. No resume, cover letter, or sensitive information in any reply and they all returned my emails...

Scenario One:  One responded with a very well written response about how they understand, a little about their company, job description, pay, and so on, but at the end they had a link that I was supposed to click, to go to an external site, put in my sensitive information and buy a credit report. RED FLAG and NO THANKS.

Why this is bad: Sometimes companies do look at credit reports for jobs, however they will do it themselves. I have never heard of, or had a legit company ask me to purchase my own credit report. So be cautious of this. I did examine the site, and it was a shady site.

On a side note, If you go to websites where you need to put in information, like banking, or card info via online shopping, make sure in the address bar, the first few letters are https: (With the S) this means the site is secure, if its not, then beware!

Scenario Two: The next two responses was someone with a decently written auto reply like the last but with some loopholes. They said "after careful examination of my resume" or something like that, I was perfect for the job and went on about my duties and such. One said that the job I applied for was no longer avail, but after reviewing my resume, they think I would be prefect for a different job, with pay and such that sounded to good to be true.

This is a red flag: because the posting has no official information in it I did NOT send them my resume or cover letter, so them by stating they looked over my resume, I knew they were fake, (or at least automated). One response wanted me to call, and other wanted me to show up at a location for "open interviews". So sadly these also were most likely scams. Potentially dangerous ones too.

So be safe when hunting for jobs online. Try to stick to websites like Monster, LinkedIn, Indeed.com or Care.com.

If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is, and if they don't have any company information in the listing, be vary.

Safe Hunting, leave experiences below.
Jessi