Timely Reminder about Industry Job Scams

In 2009, Jody Elliott was featured in an article The Brisbane Times discussing the number of scam websites promising job opportunities or offering information relating to resource industry job opportunities that required individuals to pay.  At the recent request of a number of subscribers, we’re re-posting our advice given a number of these ‘services’ unfortunately continue to operate. 

The following tips are provided to ensure the security of your information as you apply for positions advertised on line, or seek information. 

• Think twice about opportunities that seem too good to be true – typically they are.  Seems obvious, but in this environment of uncertainty, people are more vulnerable.
• Never provide your Tax File Number, bank account or credit card details as part of a job application.  Same for your marital status, date of birth or drivers license number.  This information is not required for recruitment purposes.  Never include a photo because it could be lifted and re-used.  Again, it is not required for recruitment purposes.
• Never pay to lodge an application, to receive ‘job alerts’ or for information about jobs – the relevant employer will always have these advertised freely on the right websites, like their own website or on bona-fide job boards.
• A bona-fide site will ask you to verify your email address, password and username either within the site or by activating a link in an email sent to you from the site (check the URL when you do this to ensure it is coming from the same site you have lodged your details with).  Never respond to an email asking you to reply with typed information.
• For your career area of interest, do your homework.  For example, in the resource sector, there are a number of tickets or licenses which are necessary for certain roles.  Go to industry sites like the Chamber of Minerals and Energy to learn about role specific requirements and then look on the National Training Authority website for providers (we’ve also provided details in our Inside Guide).  All training in the resource sector, for example, must be done by a nationally accredited training provider, not provided off a website by buying a manual and certificate.
• Do your homework on the website provider – look for credible links or support by industry.  We have subscribers who have checked us out by going to the employers featured on our website.  This is good!
• Some will offer a service, like sell a guide or do your resume.  These might be good services, but be clear about what you are paying for and about providing payment up front.  This is your choice, but be aware of the risk.  If you are having your resume done, the person guiding you should not be proposing a ‘one size’ fits all approach – they should be teaching you about the fundamentals of building a targeted resume each time.  We’ve also seen some sites offering a resume service that are riddled with spelling errors. 
• The Australian Government has a number of online databases you can also access which list, this is always worth checking.

Essentially, people should not be asking you - a candidate - for money to access information about jobs or to obtain a job. Bottom Line

The following article appeared in the Brisbane Times on 30 January by journalist Shannon Molloy and continues to be a timely warning as people search for jobs online.

____________________________________________________________________

Australia's mining industry is riddled with con artists who run phantom online recruitment services, according to one industry insider.

Jody Elliott is a former human resources manager for BHP Billiton and now runs a free information website for applicants seeking work in the mining industry.

Part of her motivation for launching www.theresourcechannel.com.au was the staggering number of questionable operators who charged job seekers for inside information and training courses that are worthless.

Fair Trading authorities in Queensland are investigating the activities of convicted scammer Roger Temple Bell, who ran www.minejobsaustralia.com until recently.

The Cairns man was convicted last year of breaching the Fair Trading Act after charging job seekers $50 to submit their resumes for positions in a gold mine that never existed.

A series of recent complaints has turned the spotlight on Temple Bell once more, after he sold training manuals that he claimed could fast-track employment opportunities at two new mining operations in the Bowen Basin.

Ms Elliott said the warning signs of employment scams were often obvious, but the lure of wealth and lifestyle could lead people to believe anything.

"I am often concerned and distressed at the number of candidates I meet who have been ripped off by a number of people, by paying money for information and training guides that have no value whatsoever.

"There is one website that sells inside guides on getting a job and they even offer to create resumes for job seekers, but the information offered contains a number of spelling mistakes.

"You would hope people would wise up to something like that."

Other services promising high-paying jobs in the industry should be avoided at all costs, especially during times of economic uncertainty, she said.

"Under no circumstances at any point in time is there ever a guaranteed job in the industry ... if these jobs existed, you wouldn't have to pay for a foot in the door.

"Hiring is about finding the best person for the role, not the person who pays for it."

People looking for work in the mining sector should research the required qualifications and find an accredited training provider. Quick solutions that seemed too good to be true probably are and could leave the job seeker hundreds or thousands of dollars out of pocket, she said.

Ms Elliott's website offers free job information and listings and is backed by companies such as BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Santos, Inpex and HWE Mining.