Key Components:
- Interact with career information safely by avoiding Job Scams
- Learn about Generative AI and how it is changing your industries of interest
- Gain skill with Industry-Specific Technology
Avoiding Job Scams:
While the internet has expanded applicants’ ability to widely apply for jobs, it has also expanded scammers’ ability to target people. It’s important to be aware that job scams exist so that you can look for signs of fraud when you are searching for a job or internship.
Legal Disclaimer: As the internet evolves, scams evolve too. Career Development will make every effort to keep this resource updated with timely information. Even if you follow the tips below, it is possible to engage with a scam, so we recommend taking additional steps to verify employment offers. If you ever doubt an opportunity’s legitimacy, we recommend you trust your instincts and avoid engaging with it.
How to protect personal information?
Scammers want money, and they can use several different types of personal information to access your money. They can also use certain types of information to impersonate your identity, allowing them to open credit lines and other financial accounts in your name.
Personal information that you want to be protective of while online and during your job/internship search includes:
- Credit card and debit card numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Social Security numbers
- Any usernames and passwords
- Your driver’s license number
- Your passport number
Avoid sharing this information online, over the phone, or in writing, and never enter this information into ChatGPT or another generative AI system.
Do I ever share personal information during the job search process?
Unless you are applying for a government or national-security job, you are not required to include your Social Security number in any job application. If you are asked to provide your Social Security number so that the employer can conduct a background check, be aware that this typically happens very late in the application process: usually after you have interviewed and accepted a written job offer that is contingent on you passing a background check.
Similarly, the only time you would share your banking or financial information with an employer is after you are hired and you are preparing to set up direct deposit for your paychecks.
Protecting your email address and phone number:
Because many (but not all) job scams start by contacting you via email, text, or phone, be mindful of where you make your email address and phone number available online. Though you may not have 100% control over where your personal data is stored and who it is sold to, you can make conscientious choices like:
- Limiting the personal contact information you include on your LinkedIn, online portfolio, or social media sites
- Avoid putting your address, phone number, or email address into ChatGPT or any generative AI system
Why are Job Seekers Common Scam Targets?
Scammers typically look for targets who have emotional “weaknesses” that they can take advantage of. For example, many job seekers may feel negative emotions such as anxiety, stress, or discouragement about their job search. Scammers know that if they offer what looks like an outstanding opportunity to a job seeker in this mindset, that job seeker may be less inclined to look for signs of fraud because they are excited about the opportunity.
Additionally, all types of scammers tend to target people who have less knowledge or experience in a given area. This is why elderly people are disproportionately affected by phone- and tech-based scams: they typically have less knowledge of technology than the younger generations do. Similarly, this means that newer job seekers (or job seekers who are simply new to applying for roles online) may be more likely to be targets of job scams.
Learning Generative AI:
These tools are changing workplaces so learning about them is key to preparing for future careers. You are responsible for ensuring that anything you use in a job application, interview, or other career process is honest and truly represents you. To consider effective use of AI in career applications, please review the “ABCDEFs” adapted from Jeremy Schifeling’s The Job Insiders:
Gain Industry-Specific Technology Skills:
Check out the Labor Market Tool in our linked resources below. You can search for a specific job and learn what technology is most commonly used within that field. Use that information to choose internships, clinicals, and classes where you can learn these skills!
