In our digital age, more and more elements of our daily lives are moving online, including job recruitment. As convenient as it may be in some instances, it can also expose us to a number of unfortunate things such as an increasing number of fake job scams. Diesel mechanics and technicians are in extremely high demand across North America with more than 278,800 individuals being formally employed in the industry according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With such a high demand for suitably-qualified individuals comes an increase in fake job offers and other related scams. It is important for anyone looking to be employed in the diesel mechanic trade to be able to spot fake job scams and avoid them at all costs. The following are all tell-tale signs that you should look out for when searching for a trade-related job.
It sounds too good to be true
If there is one saying that will always be relevant in our lives it is the one that states if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Receiving a job offer for a heavy equipment mechanic claiming to pay $100 an hour, has very little chance of being a legitimate offer. If you have received an email with such an offer, or have come across it on the internet, you need to be very cautious before proceeding with an application. On average, a heavy equipment mechanic earns anywhere between $20 and $45 an hour in North America – any job that offers almost double that will probably turn out to be a scam. Apart from exorbitant salaries other warning signs to look out for include extravagant job perks, minimal working hours and an authoritative job title that requires virtually no industry experience according to the offer. Remember that a legitimate job will always pay in accordance to experience and trade skills.
Unclear job description
The diesel mechanic trade consists of various highly-specialized positions involving both new and used vehicles and any real job offers pertaining to the industry will be as specific. Job scammers often try to make their offers appear legitimate by listing a number of very vague, general job requirements that do not include a single industry-related skill. Requirements that involve age, valid passport, the ability to work flexible working hours and a good credit rating are usually indicative of a scam. In the mechanical trade, a genuine job offer will include requirements ranging from CDL/ASE certifications, the ability to troubleshoot mechanical problems as well as being able to carry out preventative maintenance. If the requirements and key responsibilities are not included in the offer, inquire about them. If you still don’t receive the required information, walk away from the offer as you are probably being scammed.
Your interview will be conducted online
Job scammers like conducting interviews online via platforms such as Skype or Yahoo Messenger. If you are invited to an online interview you are more than likely about to fall victim to a fake job scam. Any legitimate employer within the mechanical industry will have a business premise from which they operate. Unlike many jobs that do offer telecommute options, mechanics involve physical work to be conducted either in a workshop or at the premises of the client. The majority of legitimate companies will conduct an interview face-to-face unless they are located overseas. If that is the case you need to take extra precautions to determine whether the job is legit before you find yourself stranded in a foreign country with no job, no home ,and no money.
As a job seeker, you have every right to question the terms of a job offer that you may be interested in. Ask as many questions as what is needed to set your mind at ease and do sufficient research to establish whether the offer is legit or a scam. If you are not happy with the feedback received from the ‘employer’ or if your gut instinct tells you something is amiss it may be better to simply walk away from the offer and seek one that is unquestionably legitimate.
