How do I avoid job interview scams?

Question

I keep getting interviews for companies that are looking for someone to invest to get a job. I also get interviews for high paying postions that get filled right before I walk in for the interview. BUT they want to hire me for a low paying position. How do I tell these people to quit wasting my time? They always tell me they have a position for me but never hire me. They just keep dragging my on and offering me low jobs while I wait.

Answer 1

I would say be a little more assertive.

How are these people finding you? Are you responding to their ads or is your resume available for public view on something like monster, hotjobs or careerbuilder? I would not have my resume be public on anything like monster because they don't screen their clients. Many positions advertised on these sites are not screened for validity, so be skeptical about them. What kind of adds are you applying for? Maybe rethink what kind of ads you are looking for. If someone calls you out of the blue from a company you have never heard of before, you should start to ask some qualifying questions and be less concerned about being nice. Do they want money up front? Is it commissioned sales? Is it multi-level marketing? How long have they been in business? Do they have a web site? What kind of job is it and what is the industry? Get some back bone and ask the questions. If they lie to you about their answers and have you come to the interview anyway then report them to the government and to the medium that advertised them.

I would apply directly to a company that you are interested in through its site.

Unfortunately their are many organizations out their that pray on naive job hunters. These people have forgotten more about manipulating people than your sweet mother ever told you. See if other people have complaints about the business. Very often these types of schemes hurt not only the new employees - but the clients and customers as well. The ripoffreport is an invaluable tool for checking on an organizations credibility. And below are a few more sites.

Good luck!

http://www.ripoffreport.com/
http://www.armydiller.com/financial-scam/avoidscam.htm
http://www.mlmsurvivor.com/
http://www.whatisgood.com/

Answer 2

I just went thru this mess as well. Avoid ANY jobs that makes you pay.

Usually temp agencies post those "SWEET" positions and when you get there they seem to be filled even though its been only a day. Those are meant to get people to come in and register.

You never want to tell companies not to call you, just simply turn the position down. You never know what might open up later.

If they tell you about a job, ask them when they are looking to fill it. Also it never hurts to follow up with them a few days later. It gives closure!

Answer 3

If you take a low paying job, you are probably going to be stuck there. They try and get people to come in by advertising for a good position, and when people come in, they offer them the lower position instead. These people know what they are doing most of the time. Just tell them that you are there for what they advertised for and if that is not what they are offering, then you are not interested. Tell them to have a nice day and leave if they don't give you what you want. Don't waste your time doing something that you do not want to do.

Answer 4

You are falling for some kind of scam. Don't bother going to the next interview. Likely going to try to get you to sell some junk on commission only.

Answer 5

Find out as much about the job as you can before you meet with a hiring manager and never pay for the privilege of an interview. If a company wanted you badly enough they wouldn't ask you to pay to interview with them.