How to Identify Authentic Overseas Job Consultants

Skilled workers across the world aspire to pursue lucrative career pathways in developed economies owing to profitable job prospects, employment benefits, healthy work environments, fair labor laws, and most importantly – the possibility of obtaining permanent residence in the country where their prospective employer is located. However, these jobs may not be easily accessible to aspirants who wish to be considered for a coveted position in a foreign enterprise. For this purpose, many job seekers avail the services of overseas job consultants.

Certain job consultancies indulge in fraudulent practices to take advantage of skilled professionals who might be easily lured into scams such as money laundering, reshipping fraud, work-from-home scams, fake pyramid schemes, advance-fee fraud, or premium-rate phone scams. To avoid inauthentic job consultancies, an aspirant must look out for certain warning signals that indicate the credibility of an organization, or lack thereof.

Payment

A job portal or platform can charge a certain fee to provide access to an exclusive range of job offers that would otherwise not be available to the job seeker. However, if an international recruiter, employer or representative demands money in exchange of a job offer – or advance payment before being hired – it is a clear indicator of the inauthenticity of that organization.

False Promises and Guarantees

A consultancy that provides a 100% guarantee of placement for jobs in Canada, USA, UK, Australia, or any other country; is making a promise that they might not be able to deliver. An honest organization will inform the job seeker that while the chances of success may be high, a foreign employer will only issue a job offer if the prospective employee possesses the required skill set to meet their requirements.

Confidential Information

Collecting information such as bank account details or personal credentials for the purpose of a ‘fund transfer’ is a common ploy used by fraudulent recruiters. Some operators demand confidential information from job seekers on the pretext of a job offer, and use this information for identity theft.

Unrealistic Timelines

If a consultancy claims that they can enable the job seeker to secure a job offer and move abroad to pursue the opportunity – all within a few days or weeks – it is false advertising. In reality, the process for obtaining a valid document such as a Canada work permit or working visa Australia is complex and time-consuming. It could take several months or more than a year to complete the visa process, obtain clearances and the final visa approval, before the employee can commence their new job overseas.

Lack of Legitimacy

The job seeker should be cautious if the employer or consultancy:

• Has been reported and listed as a fraudulent organization by a regulatory authority such as the Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, etc.
• Cannot be traced online
• Does not have a corporate office premises, contact information or genuine marketing material
• Does not possess the required manpower licenses or valid registration
• Offers a ‘backdoor option’ for recruitment
• Does not provide complete job details in the offer letter
• Offers the job very promptly without a proper interview and screening process
• Offers a job that the recipient did not apply for, or which does not match the skills and profile of the job seeker

Authentic overseas job consultants will not resort to gimmicks. A legitimate job portal will provide genuine services in a transparent and ethical manner. Their objective is to simply connect skilled workers who have the ability to fill certain job vacancies abroad with their prospective employers, and provide a platform for mutual interaction without any disguised interests.