Undergraduate Blog / Career Development

Looks Like A Duck

Ever see a job posting, that sounds too good to be true? (“Work from home part time and make $100,000!”)

Maybe something in the posting or on the website sounds too vague?  Or not quite right?

Well if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Every year, we get reports of a number of different firms with strange or unorthodox hiring practices.  Sometimes the hiring practices seems fine, but the job is sketchy.  Other times, the company seems fine, but the hiring practices are sketchy.  Either way, if it doesn’t feel right,  it probably isn’t.

Do your due diligence!
Research the firm!
Read company reviews!

If the job description sounds vague, feel free to ask questions.  Ask the recruiter what you can expect in the interview.  Find out if there are any Babson alum that work for the organization.  Ask what type of work you will be expected to do.  If the employer brushes you off or won’t answer your basic questions over the phone, something might be fishy.  

CCD tries to keep these organizations from posting to Career Connections, but many times they change names and can be hard to keep track of.   Plus, they may still show up on other job boards that you are using. Check out sites like ripoffreports.com or the Better Business Bureau.  Often times if you google the name of the company and “reviews” i.e. “Company X reviews” you can find out some good information.  If you have more questions or are unsure about a company, swing by CCD Drop in hours and check in with a counselor. 

Remember, if the organization looks shady, feels shady, or sounds shady… chances are, it’s a little slim shady.