Craigslist is not without its flaws, however. Obviously, we have all heard the horror stories about people who were cheated or hurt by Craigslist scams or worse, but to totally discount the site as a valid search tool is to limit your chances at employment. Instead, take some common sense measures in using Craigslist:
- Unless offered a job--and having had an interview in a "legit" office--don't give out personal information beyond what is on your resume. Most of what is on your resume is already "out there" somewhere on the internet, but things like your bank account number, social security number, and driver's license number are not. It's only common sense to withhold this information unless you are offered a job.
- Be careful of job listings that post an unusually high amount of money for a specific job, especially if it exceeds the "norm" for your area.
- Be wary of companies that don't list their name or a specific contact person. Sure, some companies DO post this way to avoid getting hammered with calls and inquiries, but carefully read the posting and see if it seems legit.
- DO NOT continue correspondence with individuals who claim to be hiring managers or the like but don't exhibit the typical or normal professional behavior for emails or other correspondence.
- DO NOT cash checks sent to you for work that they are asking you to do...before you've even started. We have had some students who have gotten checks like this when applying to jobs. It's a scam to get your bank information.
- DO NOT agree to interviews at weird places--someone's home, a back alley, etc--or weird times. Most professionals will conduct interviews during normal business hours, or maybe in the evenings, at a legitimate business site.
- Above all, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If it doesn't feel right, then maybe there's a reason you have that feeling.
Others are obviously available, too. These are just a few! Just use your common sense!
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