All That Glitters Isn’t Gold: Tips for Sorting Through the Job Market

As students begin applying for summer internships, research opportunities or post-graduation positions, the Career Center has a few words of wisdom about discerning credible internships and job opportunities. While the majority of companies have genuine, quality opportunities, here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting companies to apply to and consider before accepting any offers.

1. Be diligent and research potential employers.
Students should take an active role in their future by researching the companies and specific opportunities in which they are interested. Check the legitimacy of the website. A lot can be learned by the way a company presents itself online. If a company seems illegitimate, go ahead and Google “Company Name + Scam.” Students can also check with organizations like the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. If anything found seems like a red flag, encourage students to redirect their time and energy towards a different employer. Students should try to contact individuals who have participated in the program before. The best way to understand what would be expected of an employee in that role is to talk to others who have done it. Utilize online forums and review sites to see what others are saying about the company.

2. Trust your instincts.
If a company, or the promises it is making, makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable, it’s probably because it’s a sketchy company. Your gut reaction towards a situation is often the best judgment. Students should not put themselves in situations where they feel uncomfortable with the individuals with whom they would be working or with the duties that would be expected. Reputable employers will want the best and brightest new hires, so if a company offers a position without requesting any sort of reference list or background check, one can assume they’re not quite as legitimate as they claim to be. If an interviewer can’t clearly articulate what the job duties will be or can’t offer a clear definition of what employee success looks like then students could find themselves working in limbo. Students work hard to be an asset to an organization and should not sell themselves short by accepting a position at an unorganized establishment.

3. All that glitters isn’t gold.
Truth be told, there are some shady companies out there who prey on college students. They’ll try and reel students in with bells and whistles: a too-good-to-be-true starting salary, competitive benefits, and promises of quick career growth. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

5. Not all employers are looking out for students’ best interests. Look for warning signs.
If a request for more information or asking valid questions about a company or open position and their response is “let me get back to you,” or “I’ll email you the details,” this should be a red flag. Legitimate companies will have no problem giving out information regarding the training or job duties employees would be expected to perform. If they are reluctant to give this information out, it might be because the truth will deter students from applying.

With these helpful tips, students can find success in securing relevant jobs and internships for their life after Truman.