With the rise of remote work and online job boards, it can be difficult to tell which job postings are legitimate or scams. LinkedIn is one of the largest professional networking sites, with over 740 million members worldwide. While most jobs posted on LinkedIn are authentic, there are still some scammers trying to take advantage of job seekers. In this article, we’ll explore how to spot fake LinkedIn job postings and signs of legitimate openings.
Look for Recruiters and Company Verification
One of the best ways to verify a LinkedIn job posting is real is to look for signs it was shared by an official recruiter or hiring manager. Legitimate companies will have employees who post and share jobs on their behalf. The job will include the name and profile of the actual recruiter, not just a generic company page. For example, you may see “Jane Smith, Recruiting Manager at XYZ Company.” This adds more credibility versus an anonymous job ad.
Along with a named recruiter, real jobs will be posted and listed under an authentic, verified company page. LinkedIn verifies company pages through an application process to ensure it is an actual business. There will be a blue “verified” checkmark badge on their company name and information. Watch out for fake company pages impersonating real businesses.
Research the Company Outside of LinkedIn
In addition to checking for verification on LinkedIn, you should also research the company and job externally. Search for the company website and cross-reference any job listings or openings listed there. If it is a public company, you may find press releases that mention their hiring needs or new positions. This provides confirming evidence that the role does indeed exist.
You can also lookup the company on respected business directories like Better Business Bureau, Glassdoor, or Google Business Profile. Real organizations will have detailed information, ratings, and reviews across multiple external sites. There is more risk if you can only find sparse details about a company posting a lot of jobs.
Assess the Job Description
Carefully reading the job description is another way to detect fake LinkedIn job postings. Real companies will put thought and effort into listing responsibilities, requirements, skills, and details about the role. It will align with information on their corporate website. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Generic, overly broad descriptions. Real postings will have specific duties.
- Too-good-to-be-true compensation or benefits outside industry norms.
- Spelling or grammatical errors.
- Role does not match company size or industry.
- Lack of clear job title.
Legitimate postings will also include logistical details like job location (for non-remote roles), department, hiring manager name, and application instructions. Fake job posts tend to be vague or incomplete when it comes to these types of details.
Watch Out for Employment Scams
Some fake LinkedIn jobs turn out to be full-on employment scams. Here are some common job and recruiter scams to watch out for:
- Fake checks or money transfers – The “employer” mails you a check to purchase equipment or pay for training. The check later bounces but now you owe the bank.
- Upfront fees – Job offers unexpected fees for background checks, training materials or certifications.
- Personal information phishing – Scammers gather your SSN, bank details claiming they need to set up payroll.
- Job application spam – Applying to a fake job leads to more spam job offers clogging your inbox.
Real recruiters will never ask for sensitive information upfront or require you to pay anything out-of-pocket to start a job. Be wary of any unusual financial requests or transfers.
Ask Detailed Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about any job offer that gives you pause. Here are examples of details to inquire about:
- Ask for a full job description including duties, required skills, reporting structure.
- Request a detailed compensation package – salary, benefits, paid time off.
- Confirm the exact work location or remote work arrangement.
- Ask about the hiring timeline, interview process, start date logistics.
- Who is the hiring manager? What team will this role be part of?
- Is this a new role? What happened to the previous employee?
A legitimate company will happily answer these questions. Scammers may deflect or encourage applying before supplying more information. Push back if a recruiter seems reluctant to provide key details.
Cross-Check Details From Recruiter and Company
When speaking with both the recruiter and company, pay attention for any inconsistencies in what they tell you. For example, the role title, salary, or manager name may change. Real recruiters will coordinate with the hiring team and HR department. Any mixed messages could suggest a fishy job.
Search for LinkedIn Reviews
Before applying, search LinkedIn for company and recruiter reviews. While it is possible to fake reviews, the majority of feedback will be honest. Look for red flags like:
- No reviews or only very recent reviews.
- Identical 5-star reviews that look copy/pasted.
- Reviews referencing scams, inaccurate job details, or ignoring applicants.
Genuine recruiters and companies will likely have a mix of 3-5 star reviews over months or years. No company is perfect, so some negative reviews are normal and humanizing. But consistent, detailed complaints are a significant warning.
Trust Your Instincts
If a job offer still seems suspicious or too good to be true after going through these checks, listen to your gut. Keep looking for new roles and do not submit personal information or payments. Report the job to LinkedIn if you believe it is a scam so they can remove the posting.
Conclusion
While most LinkedIn jobs are legitimate, scams do happen. Protect yourself by thoroughly vetting employers, looking for verified profiles, and asking for details. With careful attention to detail, you can identify real job opportunities and avoid falling victim to employment scams.
