A Guide for Filipinos on Finding Legitimate Jobs in Austria
Not all job opportunities are perfect, and when something sounds too good to be true, it often is. This is a lesson many job seekers—especially those seeking employment abroad like in Austria—learn the hard way. Falling for job hiring scams can be a challenging and disheartening experience.
If you’re a Filipino worker looking for legitimate opportunities in Austria, you need to be vigilant and well-informed. You should also consider working with an overseas employment agency in the Philippines to find legitimate jobs. In this blog, we’ll explore the intricacies of detecting job scams and share valuable insights on how to navigate the job market in Austria safely.
Prevalence of Job Scams
Job scams are prevalent in the Philippines due to a number of factors, including:
• Economic conditions
High levels of unemployment and underemployment in the Philippines can make individuals desperate for job opportunities, making them more vulnerable to scams.
• Limited job opportunities
Limited availability of well-paying jobs in certain regions or industries can lead individuals to consider offers that seem too good to be true.
• Desire for overseas employment
A 2023 survey found that 17% of Filipinos aspire to live abroad while another 7% want to work overseas, often for higher wages and better opportunities. Scammers exploit this desire by offering fraud job offers.
• Lack of information
Some job seekers may not be well-informed about the legitimate job market, labor laws, or recruitment procedures, making it easier for scammers to deceive them.
• Trust in referrals
Filipinos often rely on referrals from friends or family members when seeking job opportunities. Scammers pose as trusted contacts to exploit these networks and commit employment fraud.
• Poor internet literacy
Despite 83% of the Philippine population knowing how to use the internet, many are still not well-versed in online safety. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) even confirmed that Filipinos use the internet mainly for social media rather than for learning. This illiteracy makes them more susceptible to job scams.
• Emotional manipulation
Scammers use emotional manipulation techniques, such as promising a better life for the job seeker and their family, to make them more likely to take risks. Since Filipinos religiously follow filial piety, they sometimes jump to a promising opportunity without looking much into it.
5 Warning Signs of a Job Hiring Scam
1. Generic email address and sketchy social media accounts
Scammers often send fake job offers by email using generic email addresses to contact potential victims. For example, they may use email addresses that are similar to the email addresses of legitimate companies, but with slight differences. They may also use social media accounts that have few followers and no activity.
2. Request for too much personal information
Legitimate companies will only ask for personal information necessary to process your job application. Scammers, on the other hand, may ask for a lot of data, such as your birthday, address, passport number, and bank account information. They may also ask for sensitive information, such as your credit card number or PIN.
3. Too good to be true
If a job posting promises a high salary, easy work, or travel opportunities, it’s likely a phishing job scam. Legitimate companies will pay a fair salary for the work they require. They will also have a clear job description and realistic expectations for their employees.
4. Request for fees
Legitimate companies will never ask you to pay a fee to apply for a job or to secure a job offer. Scammers, on the other hand, may ask you to pay for training, visas, or other expenses. They may also ask you to pay for a background check or a security deposit.
There are legitimate recruitment agencies in the Philippines that are 100% Non-fee Charging Companies such as Staffhouse International Resources. We do not collect any fees for placement fees, processing fees, seminar fees, or any fees whatsoever from our applicants.
5. Unprofessional communication
Scammers often use unprofessional language and grammar in their communications. They may also make spelling and grammatical errors. Legitimate companies will communicate professionally and will be careful to avoid making mistakes.
3 Ways to Validate an Employer in Austria
If you plan to pursue a job in Austria, it’s crucial to check if your potential employers are legitimate and trustworthy. Here are some ways to validate one.
1. Check the company website The company website is a good place to start your research. Look for the following information:
a. Is the website professional and well-maintained?
b. Does the website have a clear mission statement and values? c. Does the website list the company’s address and contact information? d. Does the website have a privacy policy and terms of use? e. Does the website have a blog or news section?
2. Research reviews Once you’ve checked the company website, you can start researching reviews about them on platforms such as Glassdoor, Indeed, and Reddit.
When reading reviews, be sure to look for the following:
a. Are the reviews recent?
b. Are the reviews from a variety of sources?
c. Do the reviews mention specific aspects of the company’s culture or work environment?
d. Are the reviews positive or negative?
e. If you see a lot of negative reviews, it’s a good idea to be cautious about working for the company.
3. Verify through authorities
You can also verify the company through Austrian authorities. The Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) has a database of all registered businesses in Austria. You can search the database to see if the company you’re interested in is legitimate.
You can also contact the Austrian Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMGS) to inquire about the company’s registration status.
3 Ways to Find Legitimate Job Offers in Austria
Take the time and effort to find legitimate jobs in Austria through the following methods to ensure you don’t waste time on scams and pursue lucrative opportunities.
1. Network
Networking is a great way to find legitimate jobs in Austria. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues who live and work in the country. They may be able to put you in touch with potential employers.
You can also attend industry events and meetups to meet people in your field, learn about job opportunities, and make connections with potential employers.
2. Job Boards
You can rely on job boards in Austria for a list of legitimate jobs and companies. Some of the most popular ones include:
a. e-AMS
b. AMS Jobseekers Austria
c. EURES
d. Indeed
e. Absolventen
3. Consult recruitment agencies
Given that finding and landing a job in Austria requires more work than just sending an application, you can also consider working with a recruitment agency. They have the skills, tools, and expertise to match you with the right employer. They can also help you complete the requirements and secure the necessary visa for your employment abroad.
Start the Next Chapter of Your Career with Us
Finding a legitimate job overseas is challenging. But with the right knowledge and the help of a reputable recruitment agency, you can secure a successful career abroad.
When you’re ready to start a new job or career in Austria, feel free to work with Staffhouse International Resources. We’re a DMW-registered overseas employment agency in the Philippines equipped with the right tools and networks to help you find a legitimate job. Staffhouse is a 100% non-fee charging recruitment company offering a wide range of recruitmentservices to employers and job seekers.
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