Should you apply for that job?

Unfortunately, some advertised jobs just aren’t real. For every legitimate job advertisement online, there are around 60 to 70 job scams. So, taking the time to see if you should apply for that job is a good idea. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the great jobs from the scams. But the good news is there are lots of pointers that can help you in your decision-making process.

Ensure to look for firms with recognized names and search for them on Glassdoor. While you’re there, take a look at the reviews, and don’t skip over the bad ones. A lot of bad reviews on Glassdoor will usually mean this isn’t a great place to work.

Job ads with premium rate numbers are to be avoided, and so are postings without official company email addresses. Be wary of any company with an @gmail.com or similar free email address. And any job that asks for confidential information up front is a serious red flag. If a recruiter asks for your bank details or social security number, you are at risk of identity theft, so beware.

Other jobs look unbelievably good. Roles that are stay at home or offer unrealistic benefits should be checked twice. You may find yourself caught up in a low wage scenario in these cases. The bottom line here is, if it looks too good to be true it probably is.

Even if they are not a con, not all jobs are a good fit. A job that upsets your work life balance may leave you feeling upset and frustrated with the company. There are classic warning signs to look out for here. One is job descriptions that mention “high stress levels” or “be available outside of regular working hours”. These jobs may not have the best work environment, so be sure to take that into consideration before applying.

Once you’ve got past the hurdles above, don’t forget to consider if the job will make you happy. Does it excite you? Is it challenging? If you will feel bored in just a few months and aren’t desperate, then it’s probably best to keep searching. A job that aligns with your values is best. Twice as many professionals think that job enjoyment is a better measure of career success than salary – and with good reason.

If you’re still not sure, your gut feelings may help. We have instincts to protect us from risky situations, so if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. But don’t forget to do your research too, as this could be the job for you!

But, if you want to know for sure follow our simple guide below and see if you should apply for that job.

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