“Is This a Scam?” A Guide to Job Hunting for College Grads
From commencement to career- are you ready?!
For those of you that are about to enter the real world- Congratulations! I am sure you are glad to never have to take a final exam or write an essay again! While this is certainly a time for celebration, this can also be a time where predatory companies take advantage of recent college grads who are desperate to find a job. Here are some red flags of what to look out for…
Weekly or Monthly Contracts
Weekly and/or Monthly contracts read as temporary work and often times will not offer the benefits needed for survival in the read world (health insurance, retirement planning). On the subject, you also be wary of positions that are 100% commission based as those positions might not not be as lucrative as you are led to believe they are.
No Benefits: Healthcare, Retirement Savings, Vacation, etc.
If a company is not willing to offer you standard benefits from day 1, be weary. Sometimes it will take 30 days before you will have access to healthcare coverage by an employer based on the contract they have with their provider. If that is the case, ask your employer to cover COBRA benefits coverage to cover the gap in healthcare coverage as a term of a sign on bonus.
Pro tip: When going through the interview process, ask the prospective company for a list of benefits offered.
What does "normal" look like? Some of the standard benefits include healthcare coverage (medical, dental and vision), 2 weeks vacation, paid training, paid sick/injury/hazard leave (days vary but usually starts with a week), life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement planning (401K, stock plans, Roth IRAs, pension plans)
...or Highlighting "The Wrong" Benefits
Actual screenshot of a company promoting their benefits to graduates
The above is a screenshot from a company targeting college students to join their organization after college. If a company is highlighting free snacks, sports games, billiard rooms, kegs in the kitchen,"yatch" trips (which by the way, the correct spelling is "yacht"). You are more likely working for a company where they will require a 50+ hour work week with minimal financial gain. If the company is more focused on the parties than the profit and your career path, you need to ask yourself if you are looking to work at a frat house or a place that is going to grow your career.
No Interviews
If you have not had the opportunity to interview with multiple people- including your manager and potential colleagues, run. This isn't just about the company interviewing you, YOU need to interview THEM.
Also, you don't want to work somewhere where they are just letting anyone in without vetting the employees and ensure they are qualified to do the job, right? What does that say about how they will handle personnel issues (raises, promotions, training) and how they see the future of the company operating?
Not Being able to speak to potential peers... or bad Glassdoor reviews!
If you are interviewing, always ask to speak with a future teammate before accepting the position. This is an opportunity for you to see if the culture and opportunity is "as advertised."
When managers have been resistant to do that due to "corporate policy" or to minimize distractions from month/quarter/year end... consider that a flag. Also, do your own research on sites like Glassdoor.com which allows employees to post anonymous reviews about their company. Though sometimes you have to take it with a grain of salt, as the internet can be savage in reviews once anonymity comes into play. If you see similar themes within glassdoor reviews, then it leans to be more reputable.
Job hunting as a college graduate can be both exciting and overwhelming, but it’s essential to approach every opportunity with a healthy dose of skepticism. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and the last thing you want is to fall victim to a fake job offer when you’re just starting your career.
Remember, legitimate companies won’t ask for money upfront, won’t conduct interviews via messaging apps, and will always provide clear details about their hiring process and your job responsibilities. If something feels off, trust your instincts and dig deeper. Verify company information, connect with current employees on LinkedIn, and never hesitate to ask questions.
Your first job should set the stage for your professional growth—not leave you feeling duped. By staying vigilant and informed, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the job market confidently and land an opportunity that aligns with your goals and values.
Stay proactive, stay curious, and most importantly, stay safe.
