Be safe when jobseeking

What should I know?

What you should do

• Find out as much as you can about the company before the interview, especially if there are no details in the job advert
• Always be careful about applying for jobs that seem to offer a wage that is over and above the going rate for that particular type of work
• For jobs that offer accommodation with them, always make sure you check out the accommodation before accepting the job. If possible, don't go alone, even if this means a friend or family member has to wait outside for you
• Try to arrange for someone to collect you from the interview, especially if it takes place outside working hours
• Tell a friend or relative where you are going and what time you expect to be back
• Make sure that the interview takes place at the employer's premises or, if not, in a suitable public place

What you should not do

• Never dial a premium rate number (prefixed 070 or 090) to find out more information about a job vacancy
• Never give an employer your personal financial details until you actually start the job
• Do not give out other personal details, such as your national insurance number and date of birth to an employer or recruitment agency until you have a legitimate job offer
• Do not pay any fees upfront for help with job searches or training, find out more about the employer or recruitment agency first to ensure that they are a genuine organisation
• Don't agree to continue an interview over drinks or a meal, even if it seems to be going very well
• Don't let the interviewer direct the conversation towards personal subjects that have nothing to do with the job
• Don't accept a lift home from the interviewer.

 Help with job interviews (146.76kb)

Get help with PDF's