Red Flags to Look Out for When Applying for Jobs

You may be regularly checking job websites for a new construction role and are noticing a few opportunities that seem almost too good to be true. But how do you know a job is legit before you send off your details?

The sad truth is that job scams exist in every industry, including construction. Knowing how to spot job scams is a survival skill that can help you avoid losing money, wasting time, or working for a dud employer. We’ll highlight the signs and clues that a job vacancy might be a scam or just not worth applying for.

Requests for Payment or Sensitive Information

One of the most obvious red flags in a job ad is a request for payment or your sensitive information up front. Legitimate employers do not ask job seekers to pay for the promise of employment. If a job ad asks you to pay for training materials, background checks, or ‘placement fees’, it’s likely a scam.

Similarly, be wary of requests for sensitive information at the start of your application, such as your bank details, date of birth, driver’s licence, or passport number. A genuine employer or labour-hire company will only ask you for these details after they have reviewed your initial application.

It’s also sensible to avoid including your date of birth and full home address on your resume when applying for roles. Consider your resume a public document that anyone can read online – including people with dubious intent!

Vague or Incomplete Job Descriptions

Another red flag is a lack of essential detail in the job ad or description. Legitimate job ads will typically include the work location, role responsibilities, required qualifications, and whether it’s on a casual or permanent basis.

Ads for construction jobs should also clearly outline the typical tasks employees are expected to perform, like site preparation or equipment operation, not just state “general labour required.”

Before applying, always ask for more details if a job description seems vague. It’s also a good idea to search the company’s name online and check its website.

Lack of Proper Contact Information

A lack of contact information is a red flag that can signal an unprofessional or potentially fraudulent job listing.

Legitimate employers typically provide a name and company email address. Some organisations list a phone number and sometimes even a physical address. If a job ad doesn’t include any of this information or only provides generic email addresses like Gmail or Yahoo, use caution!

Be wary if a potential employer is reluctant to share their contact details upon request. If in doubt, don’t apply.

Inconsistent or Unclear Messaging

Inconsistent or unclear messaging from a potential employer is another red flag that you shouldn’t ignore. If you’re dealing with a professional employer or construction recruiter, they will maintain clear and consistent communication throughout the hiring process.

Watch out for discrepancies, like conflicting details about job responsibilities, hours, salary or pay rate. Once you initiate contact with the company and any of these details differ from what was advertised, proceed cautiously. Another thing to look out for is when the hiring manager’s email address doesn’t match the company’s domain.

Additionally, pay attention to the tone and quality of the communication. Poor grammar, spelling errors, or overly casual language can indicate the company lacks professionalism, which may hint at a poorly managed workplace.

How to Avoid Job Scams

Research the Employer

Doing your own research is essential for learning how to spot job scams and avoid them completely. When a job listing appears suspicious or lacks the level of detail you want to see, don’t hesitate to look up the company.

When researching employers, look for indicators of a reputable business, such as a physical address, a professional email address, details about their work, their clients, and team profiles. Looking at their social media profiles can also give you insight into the company’s legitimacy and culture.

Additionally, reviews and testimonials from current or former employees on job search sites and Google reviews can give you clues. Be wary if the reviews are overwhelmingly negative or if the company needs more online presence.

If you still have doubts, it might be worth looking up the company on government registers, such as NZBN and LBP.

Only Use Reputable Recruitment Agencies

When you’re applying to a labour hire or construction recruiter in New Zealand, look for proof they are registered with their local industry association or accreditation body, such as StaffSure – just like OneStaff is.

Registering with a trustworthy labour-hire provider or construction recruiter will help you avoid the job scams and risks outlined in this article. As recruiters, we take special care in vetting the employers we work with, so we will only provide you with job opportunities that are genuine.

As we have established relationships with a range of employers in the construction, industrial and manufacturing industries, we can give you more insights into a specific company and their work environment.

Find Legit Construction Jobs in New Zealand with OneStaff

At OneStaff, we understand the challenges of finding trustworthy and rewarding job opportunities in the construction, warehousing, and industrial sectors. Contact us today for access to genuine job opportunities, advice on writing your resume, job interview preparation, and more.