Hey There 👋 

Happy Better Yourself Friday, and welcome to the month of May! 🌼 This time of year is full of fresh opportunities, which include the likeness of new applications, new goals, and new chances to level up. But as the job hunt heats up, it’s more important than ever to stay smart and scam-proof.

Unfortunately, job scams are becoming more common, especially among students and recent graduates eager to land their first role. So this week, we're diving into how you can spot red flags, protect your personal info, and stay on the path to legit success. 🚨

🚩 3 Common Red Flags to Watch Out For

The first one: Vague Descriptions & “Too Good to Be True” Offers. If the job ad promises sky-high pay for minimal work, or you can’t quite figure out what the job even is... it’s probably not real. Real employers are clear about the role, expectations, and required qualifications. If they’re being vague or dodging your questions, walk away.

Look out for phrases like:

• "No experience necessary – earn R10,000 a week!"

• "Work from anywhere, no skills needed!"

A good rule? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The second one: Requests for Money = 🚫 RUN. No legitimate company will ever ask you to pay upfront for training, software, uniforms, or to “secure the job.” Scammers often pressure candidates to act fast and send money to avoid “losing the offer.” Don’t fall for it.

If a job asks for your banking info before you’ve signed a formal contract, or asks you to pay for materials, it’s a no from us.

Lastly, Do Your Research Before You Apply. Before you hit apply, take a few minutes to look up the company. Visit their website. Check their LinkedIn. Look for employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed. ⚠️ If there’s no trace of them online, no company address, or if their email address seems sketchy (like a Gmail or suspicious-looking domain), that’s a major red flag.

Remember, your time and energy are valuable. Every job application you send should move you closer to your goals, not waste your time or put your personal data at risk.

So without further ado, here’s another installment of Better Yourself Friday

Let's Gerrit!

💡 Great Tips for Mahala

Jobs and employment scams

​Job and employment scams deceive individuals by offering high-paying jobs with minimal effort, often requiring upfront payments for training or equipment. Scammers may impersonate reputable companies or recruitment agencies, contacting victims via text or encrypted messaging apps.

Warning signs include vague job descriptions, requests for personal information, and pressure to act quickly. To protect yourself, research companies thoroughly, avoid sharing sensitive information with unverified sources, and never pay money to secure a job. Let’s remain vigilant, always. 🤍

🍵 Olwethu's Corner

We absolutely love the insight and wisdom that OM Insider shares on LinkedIn, as it focuses on giving us quality advice on a frequent basis. 😄

With that being said, go ahead and take a look at it for yourself.

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