Unsure about a job opportunity that you've heard about?
There are some things to consider when investigating a company or a job opportunity. The central Careers Service encourages all students to thoroughly research each opportunity they are interested in. Our key tips are:
- Know what you are getting yourself in to.
- Do not transfer any money until you know more about the trustworthiness of the company.
- Understand the nature of the relationship between you and the organisation - who is paying who?
- Do not give out personal or financial details unless the organisation has been verified and only for the purpose of finalising a contract.
Red light - do not act
If the company requests any personal or financial information from you that is not related to the role or application. DO NOT give out:
- Your bank account or credit card information
- Passport number, tax file number, license, Medicare information.
The only time you should be handing over the above details is after you have been hired and are setting up payment and tax information or undergoing security clearance as required by government agencies.
Amber light - proceed with caution
When researching a company, think about:
- Whether their online presence is consistent - look at web search results, address/office information, whether basic information is correct on their website, employee email address domains, as a starter.
- Did they contact you (e.g. over phone or email) and you have no idea how they got your contact info?
- Did they contact you (e.g. over email or social media) and the message is riddled with mistakes?
- Is their ABN listed (if purporting to be an Australian company).
What are the factors I should take into account?
When looking into a role, we encourage you to enquire or think about:
- Transparency and willingness from the organisation to answer your enquiries.
- If a fee is involved (e.g. placement fee)
- Know what is included and excluded in this package - e.g. airfare, visa, support (pre, during and after?), accomodation?
- What is the refund policy?
- Who can deal with a complaint - will it be dealt with internally or externally?
What can you do to investigate?
- Ask for references from people who have used the product or worked there previously.
- Ask for copies of scanned documentation and licenses and follow up with the governing bodies about their legitimacy.
- Conduct a desktop investigation using Google, scam-watch websites, client reviews.
- If there is a company website, compare the contact numbers, email addresses etc., to what would appear when doing a Google on the company or in a company directory.
Careers Service Assistance
For general enquiries, you may contact the central Careers Service (careers@adelaide.edu.au) linking to the particular job opportunity you are concerned about.
Disclaimer
The University of Adelaide's CareerHub is a free-of-charge job posting service only and makes no recommendations regarding potential employers or student employees. All issues concerning the job postings are required to be handled directly between the student and the employer. While the Careers Service reviews all organisations and job listings, students must rely on their own enquiries including performing due diligence when applying for or accepting off campus employment including, for example, by requesting from each other references or any additional information needed to establish conditions, qualifications and credentials so as to ensure an overall fit.
The information contained in the employment advertisement has been provided by the employer and the University does not guarantee, or give any advice or recommendation concerning, the accuracy of the information contained therein. The University does not accept any responsibility for any liability which may arise, in any way, from any errors or omissions therein. In particular, the University is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions or any other aspect of off campus employment. The University also does not accept any responsibility to the employer for any liability that may arise from the employer’s decision to engage the student.
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