In today’s digital job market, opportunities are everywhere, but unfortunately, so are scams. As a recruiter at WorkTogether, I’ve seen countless fraudulent postings that waste talented job seekers’ time and, in some cases, put their personal information at risk. Learning to identify legitimate job descriptions is an essential skill that can save you from frustration and protect you during your search.
Here are the key red flags to watch for, along with some practical steps you can take to verify any opportunity that comes your way.
The Offer Sounds Too Good to Be True
We’ve all seen them: postings promising executive-level salaries for entry-level work, or opportunities to earn thousands per week working just a few hours from home with no experience required. While legitimate remote and flexible positions certainly exist, compensation should align with the role’s responsibilities and required expertise.
If you’re seeing a salary that seems disproportionately high for the qualifications listed, take a step back. Ask yourself: Why would a company pay significantly above market rate for this role? Legitimate employers understand market compensation standards and structure their offers accordingly.
Missing or Vague Employer Information
A legitimate job posting should always tell you who’s hiring. Even if the description is brief, you should be able to identify the employer and find additional information about them. Look for a company name, a LinkedIn page, or at minimum, a website you can review.
Reputable employers want you to know who they are, it’s part of attracting quality candidates. If a posting is mysteriously vague about the company’s identity or provides no way to research the organization, that’s a significant warning sign. Legitimate companies are proud of their brand and want candidates to learn more about their mission and culture.
Unsolicited Text Messages From “Recruiters”
Here’s something every job seeker should know: legitimate recruiters will never cold text you about a job opportunity, especially with a link to click. If you receive an unexpected text from someone claiming to be a recruiter, particularly one you’ve never interacted with before, proceed with extreme caution.
Real recruiters typically reach out through professional channels like LinkedIn or email. And we certainly won’t ask you to click on random links in a text message. If you do receive such a message, do not click any links, and do not provide any personal information. These are often phishing attempts designed to steal your data or install malware on your device.
Vague or Unclear Responsibilities
A legitimate job description should give you a clear picture of what you’ll actually be doing day-to-day. If the responsibilities section is filled with generic buzzwords like “manage various tasks,” “handle day-to-day operations,” or “assist with projects” without any specific details, that’s a red flag.
Employers who are genuinely hiring have thought through what they need from this position. They can articulate the key responsibilities, the skills required, and how the role fits into their organization. Vague descriptions often indicate either a scam or, at minimum, an employer who hasn’t properly planned for the hire – neither of which is a situation you want to walk into.
When in Doubt, Go Directly to the Source
This is perhaps the most important tip I can offer: when you find a job posting that interests you, go directly to the organization’s website to verify it and apply there. Most legitimate employers maintain a careers page where all their current openings are listed.
By applying through the company’s official website, you accomplish two things. First, you confirm that the job actually exists and that the company is actively hiring. Second, you ensure your application goes directly to the hiring team without passing through potentially questionable third parties. This is the most reliable way to get your materials in front of decision-makers.
Additional Warning Signs to Consider
Beyond the points above, here are a few more indicators that should give you pause:
Requests for personal financial information early in the process. No legitimate employer will ask for your bank account details, social security number, or credit card information before you’ve been hired and completed proper onboarding paperwork.
Pressure to act immediately. Scammers often create artificial urgency (“This position will be filled in 24 hours!”) to prevent you from doing your due diligence. Real hiring processes take time, and legitimate employers understand that candidates need to consider their options.
Poor grammar and spelling errors. While not every typo indicates a scam, an abundance of errors in a job posting suggests a lack of professionalism that should concern you.
Requests to communicate through unusual channels. If you’re asked to continue conversations exclusively through messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram rather than email or phone, be wary.
Trust Your Instincts
At the end of the day, if something feels off about a job posting, trust that feeling. Your intuition is often picking up on subtle cues that something isn’t right. It’s always better to pass on a questionable opportunity than to invest your time and energy or worse, compromise your personal information in a fraudulent scheme.
The job search process can be challenging enough without having to navigate scams and illegitimate postings. By staying vigilant and knowing what to look for, you can focus your energy on genuine opportunities that will move your career forward.
Remember: legitimate employers want to build trust with potential candidates from the very first interaction. They’re transparent about who they are, what they’re offering, and what they expect. Anything less than that deserves a second look, or a pass altogether.
Happy job hunting, and stay safe out there!
At WorkTogether, we’re committed to connecting talented professionals with legitimate opportunities that advance their careers. If you’re looking for aligned opportunities with mission-driven organizations, check out our job board TrulyHired.
