Last update:November 22, 2024, 6:42 p.m. IST

By researching job postings, verifying the poster’s identity, and being mindful of the information you share, you can protect yourself and ensure a safe job search experience.

A large number of job seekers are turning to social media to connect with potential employers. (Getty Images)

Written by Aditi Jha:

Starting a job search can be both exciting and challenging, especially when navigating the vast online landscape. A large number of job seekers are turning to social media, including LinkedIn, to connect with potential employers and explore new career opportunities. The platform has improved its features to help you avoid scams and bad actors and find a job that matches your aspirations. By researching job postings, verifying the poster’s identity, and being mindful of the information you share, you can protect yourself and ensure a safe job search experience.

Here are some job tips and tools to help job seekers in their search:

1. Check verified information on job postings

A verification badge on a job posting means that there is verified information about the company or job posting. This includes whether the poster is affiliated with an official company page, has verified their association with a particular workplace, or has verified their identity through one of our identity verification partners.

2. Be careful what you share

Consider what personal information is asked of you. Never give out your banking details before the onboarding process.

3. Say “no” to suspicious requests

Scammers may use tactics that legitimate employers wouldn’t, like asking you to download encrypted software for an interview or offering you high-paying jobs for little work. Job offers after a single remote interview very rarely constitute a legitimate offer. You can report spam and inappropriate content.

4. Enable Message Warnings

Consider enabling LinkedIn’s optional automated harmful content detection, which can detect potentially dangerous scams.

5. Look for red flags

Be wary of job offers that seem too good to be true or require upfront payments. Common scams include roles such as mystery shopper, corporate identity thief, or personal assistant. Additionally, be wary of anyone asking you to send money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or invest.

6. Filter by jobs with verifications

You can now filter your job search to only show jobs with verifications. The filter allows you to search exclusively for jobs posted by companies with a verified LinkedIn page and for current job postings associated with those companies. When enabled, only jobs with these checks will appear in your search results and the filter will be visible in the search header.

7. Content creators can support job seekers with authentic advice

Many job seekers turn to trusted voices on LinkedIn, such as Verified Members and Top Voices, for career advice and inspiration. When reviewing organic or sponsored content, look for clear labels like #ad, #sponsored, or #partner as indicators of paid partnerships. We encourage creators to comply with applicable laws and platform guidelines to ensure the transparency and authenticity of their endorsements.

The importance of security in the job search process cannot be overstated. Prioritizing verification, protecting personal information, and remaining alert to suspicious requests are essential to protecting your search. By leveraging LinkedIn’s tools and following these tips, job seekers can improve their security and make informed decisions as they pursue new career opportunities. We continue to integrate authenticity signals throughout the LinkedIn ecosystem, helping you navigate your job search with confidence.

(The author is Head of Legal and Public Policy, LinkedIn India)