4 ways to spot a fake job posting on LinkedIn

Published April 25, 2024 1:26 PM EDT 2 Min Read

Woman frustrated while searching for jobs. — Adobe Stock

Over 61 million people use LinkedIn to find new jobs each week, according to the platform’s internal data. But even one of the most reputable job search platforms isn’t safe from scams — and it’s up to job seekers to learn how to apply with caution.

In 2022, LinkedIn blocked 16.4 million accounts they suspected of being scammers, and restricted an additional 5.4 million as a proactive measure before they had even been reported by users. Another 190,000 accounts were wiped from the site after LinkedIn users officially flagged them.

Example: A job posting for an entry-level position that offers an unusually high salary and extravagant perks without requiring any relevant experience.

Why it’s fake: “One of the first indicators of a fake job offer is an overly vague or unrealistic job description,” Cooke said. “Scammers often use generic language or promise unrealistic perks to lure in candidates. Be wary of job postings that guarantee high salaries or rapid career advancement with minimal qualifications.”

Paola Peralta

Associate Editor

Paola Peralta is an Associate Editor at Employee Benefit News and has been with the team for five years. She is a proud UCF journalism graduate who got her start through a Dow Jones News Fund … Read full bio

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