Tips to avoid jobs and employment scams

Job seeking can be challenging, and learning how to navigate the different platforms, postings, and opportunities and producing the required application materials are all skills one needs to know. 

Recently, several job scams targeting students, those new to Finland, and Finnish language learners have become more abundant. Victims receive messages via social media or messaging platforms promising jobs or are asked to submit job application documents through unofficial channels.

When evaluating which job opportunities are genuine and which job postings or offers could be potential scams. Haaga-Helia has compiled a list of tips to help our students navigate the modern job market. These tips can help you gain a better perspective on identifying potential related employment scams.

• If the job offer or listing seems too good to be true, it is often a scam
  • Scammers can lure potential victims with job offers that have high salaries, low working hours, and require little work or no experience. If you see a job posting that seems too good to be true, it most likely is.
• Pay attention to the communication methods of the potential employer
  • Be wary if asked to discuss the position on a messaging platform. In general, potential employers will contact you via email or phone. The email address should be a professional email address, not a personal email address. Additionally, if the emails you receive from potential employers have many grammatical errors or the interviewer is unprofessional, these could be signs of a scam.
• Requests for Personal Information
  • Be cautious if a job application asks for personal information that isn't typically required, such as your social security number or bank account details. Legitimate employers will only ask for this information once you are officially hired.
• Upfront Payments 
  • Scammers often ask for money upfront, supposedly for background checks, training, or supplies. Legitimate employers will not ask you to pay for these things. Additionally, you should not be required to pay to post your CV on a job board.
• Check with Trusted Sources  
  • If you need clarification on a job offer, job posting, or the company you have interviewed with, check with a trusted source.

Remember, it's important to trust your instincts. If something feels off about a job offer, it's better to be safe than sorry. 

Haaga-Helia's Career Services is here to help our students navigate the Finnish job market, prepare documents for their job applications, and prepare for interviews. 

Learn more about Haaga-Helia's Career Services