How to Avoid Marketing Job Scams: The Only Advice You'll Ever Need

So, you’ve been dabbling in finding a job in marketing, you’ve probably come across those “marketing assistant” roles that you immediately get an interview for. 

You’re pumped! You feel like you’re finally moving forward in your job search.

You get on a call with the company, the interview is going well. until… 

The interviewer starts to describe what you’ll actually be doing, turns out, it’s a sales position and has nothing to do with marketing. 

It’s such a crappy realization, right?

Lucky for you, there are steps you can take to avoid falling for these marketing job scams ever again. 

Put Yourself in the Mind of a Scammer

If you wanted to mislead and get people to apply to your job posting, what would you do?

Scammers typically target vulnerable populations. As a job-seeker, you fall into that category.

Scammers also want to target the uneducated.

You might have a college degree, but if you're new to job-hunting you don't know what to expect from interviewers. Scammers are taking advantage of that.

Lastly, scammers need lots of targets and by posting highly desirable job openings. Marketing job scams are typically very common because everybody wants to work in marketing.

Job scams can come in many different shapes and sizes, to learn more about how to steer clear of those, check out this LinkedIn live about How to Spot Marketing Job Scams with Founder & CEO of Sky Society, Natalie Peters.

Before You Apply, Give the Company a Side-Eye

What’s the first thing you do when you see a job listing that excites you?

If you said, “Easy Apply,” you may be more likely to run into marketing job scams.

The best thing to do when you come across a marketing position that aligns with you is to spend a few minutes reading about the company and job description! That way, you know exactly what you’re walking into when you sit down for that interview and you don’t fall victim to any marketing job scams.

A great place to start your research is with the past employees.

You can search up the company on Indeed (learn how to do that here or, if you have past connections of someone in a similar position, reach out and ask their opinion on the company or job listing.

Another awesome way is to schedule a coffee chat with the recruiter! A coffee chat is a 15 minute phone call that lets you get more information about whatever company you want to apply for.

You can ask questions about what the job entails, or what the company values look like!

This will give you great insight and offer information that maybe wasn’t included in the job posting, bringing you one step closer to a scam free marketing position of your dreams.

Look Out for These Red Flags

Here are a few things that aren’t normal during the hiring process and could indicate it’s a scam. Run for the hills if:

• The hiring manager is texting you. We live in a digital world now, but no legit job will ONLY text you. There’ll be some kind of formal interview via Zoom or phone.
• They ask for a credit check. You aren’t applying for a new high-rise apartment or trying to get your dream Tesla. This is a job you’re applying for. There’s never a situation where a company will need your credit card info before hiring you.
• They offer you the role after one interview. It can be exciting when you’re getting an offer before even having to sit down for an interview, but, this is typical in marketing job scams. Usually, you’d go through 2 or more interviews before receiving an offer. 

Always remember, if something is too good to be true, it probably is!

Treat Your Job Search Like You’re Dating

If you were on Tinder looking for a relationship, would you swipe right on every single candidate? Hopefully not.

You’d take your time scrolling through their pictures (bonus points if one features a pet), reading their bio, you’d be picky.

The best way to avoid any marketing job scams is to search for jobs like you’re swiping on a dating app.

Be confident in what you want and confident in your skills.

YOU ARE VALUABLE and are worth more than you might think.

Final Thoughts on Avoiding Scam Marketing Jobs

if you want to stay away from deceptive jobs, ask yourself these questions:

• Is this hiring process moving suspiciously fast?

• Are they asking for personal information?

• Does the email match the domain of the actual company?

• Are they trying to interview you through text?

• Is what’s being offered too good to be true?

There you have it, the only advice you'll ever need to avoid marketing job scams.

Follow these steps and you'll be on your way to a secure career in marketing, with no need for deceiving job descriptions.

✍️ Written by Jalah Shelby