Jobseekers, proceed with caution
Craigslist is a unique site with 700 local sites in 70 countries
offering 80 million classified ads to the people in those locations. On
Craigslist, you can find everything from jobs to places to live (for
sale and rent) and many things to purchase.
Craigslist Has Advantages
Craigslist is different from traditional job boards in four important ways:
- Jobs posted on Craigslist are often not posted elsewhere.
- Posting jobs is free or inexpensive (compared with a traditional job board) for employers.
- Small and very small employers use Craigslist more often than large employers.
- Craigslist jobs are presented in chronological order based on posting date and time.
Keep those characteristics in mind as you hunt for your new job on Craigslist.
Do a Search of All "Jobs"
The most effective way to find a job on Craigslist is to search the
entire "jobs" category so you don't miss a job that was posted in a
subcategory (e.g. "admin / office" etc.) you wouldn't check. Simply
click on the "jobs" title at the top of the Craigslist homepage for your
location. Then, type your query at the top of the "jobs" category page.
When you get to the results of your first search, you can fine-tune by
clicking on the "search titles only" or choosing another option with
choices like "internship" or "part-time." Check the left column on the
search results page for these and more options. Craigslist will show you
search results in the usual reverse-chronological order with the newest
at the top. If the results are limited, Craigslist will also search
"nearby" locations to find you more opportunities.
Caution!
Like most websites that accept postings from the public, some of the
jobs you find on Craigslist are bogus, so keep your guard up. Be careful
if:
- No employer name is visible. Some legitimate
employers do post "blind ads" with no indication of who they are to
protect their intentions from competitors or even current employees. But
be wary if the employer's name, address, and contact information is not
given. - You need to pay them. The posting wants
you to invest some money before "qualifying" for the job. Recruiters are
paid by employers to find good candidates, and employees are paid by
employers. So, no one should be collecting money from you. - They offer you a job without any screening or interviews. The employer is willing to hire you immediately, based only on your interest in the job, and wants
you provide your Social Security Number and/or bank account number
before even interviewing you for the job. That very important personal
information is the last information provided, after you have interviewed for the job, are sure that the employer is real, and have been given a formal job offer.
Remember, if the job doesn't feel right to you or the people are a little scary, trust your instincts, and skip the opportunity!
Research Before You Apply
The Internet is your best defense. Don't be in such a hurry to apply for
a job that you skip taking the time to be sure that the employer and
the job are legitimate.
Who and where is that business? Look for postings that include the
employer's name, address, and phone number. Then search on that
information to be sure that the employer is "real." Is the address given
for an office building or an empty lot or something else inappropriate?
Does that employer have a website that describes the business? If you
only find job postings when you do the search, skip the opportunity.
Legitimate businesses must do more than relentlessly hire people. They
must generate revenue to pay those employees.
Apply Very Carefully
When you respond, use an email address specifically for your job search.
Best is a a free email address from Yahoo, Microsoft, or Google--but,
of course, not a "cute" address like HotMama@example.com or
YankeesStink@example.com. Avoid using an address associated with your
current employer (great way to lose your job or have a very
uncomfortable talk with your boss).
Limit Personal Information Sharing
Don't share your home address or home phone number when you apply. Stick
to your job search email address in your initial contact with the
employer. Once you are sure that the job is legitimate, you can share
more information, although I would protect my home address for as long
as possible.
Meet Only in a Populated, Public Location
Even to meet someone who works out of their home, the first meeting or
job interview should be in a populated public place, like a coffee shop
or a public library. Don't meet someone in their apartment or house for
your first meeting.
Bottom Line
Craigslist can be very helpful for finding a job. Many of the successful
job seekers I speak with found their jobs on Craigslist. But be
cautious with Craigslist--as you should be with any job posting, whether
you find it online or on your local public library's bulletin board.
The bad guys and gals are out there.
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