How do I recognize serious job offers?

A compelling job offer can quickly generate excitement: flexible working hours, above-average salary, work from anywhere. However, especially online, not everything that glitters is gold. In times of fake job ads, dubious placements, and hidden costs, it's more important than ever to distinguish between reputable and questionable offers. With these 10 tips, you'll recognize reputable job offers and protect yourself from unpleasant surprises. 

1. The Basics Must Be Correct 

A reputable job offer contains all essential details: position title, job description, requirements, work location, and company information. If key information is missing or unclear, you should be cautious. Example: An ad inviting you “to more freedom” and “above-average income” without specifying the field or tasks seems dubious. 

2. Realistic Salary Indications 

Does the salary sound too good to be true? Then it probably is. Reputable job offers either state a realistic range or are guided by industry-standard values. If you're supposedly earning CHF 6,000 a month for a simple job without qualifications and with flexible hours, it’s worth taking a closer look.

3. Clear Contact Persons 

A professional company provides you with a contact person with first and last names, company email address, and possibly a phone number. Pay attention to email addresses with the company domain (e.g. @unternehmen.ch instead of @gmail.com). If contact details are missing, or you're only contacted via messenger services, exercise caution. 

4. Language Matters 

Pay attention to spelling and tone. Reputable job offers are linguistically correct, well-structured, and contain no sensational promises. Example: A text with exclamation marks like “Earn 10,000 CHF a month without stress!!!” appears significantly less credible than a factually formulated ad. 

5. Verify Online Presence 

Is there an official website? An imprint? Reviews on Kununu or Google? Check their presence on LinkedIn or other platforms. A company that you can hardly find online or whose website only consists of a contact form could be problematic. 

6. Be Suspicious of Urgency 

Phrases like “Apply today only!” or “Last Chance” are meant to pressure you. Reputable companies give you time to review the offer at your leisure. If you're pushed to act immediately, it's better to keep your distance. 

7. No Upfront Payments 

Reputable employers never ask applicants for money. Neither for training nor for materials or software. If you're asked during the application process to pay a “security fee” or a starter package, you should question the offer immediately. 
 

8. Carefully Read Contracts and Terms 

An employment contract should be clear, complete, and without hidden clauses. Read everything carefully. The most important details are the working hours, probation period, notice period, and compensation. If you don't understand the contract or the employer refuses to send you a template in advance, be cautious. 

9. Pay Attention to the Application Process 

Are you accepted without an interview, or do you receive a confirmation within minutes of your application? That is unusual. Reputable employers conduct structured selection processes with interviews, tasks, or trial work. 

10. Trust Your Gut Feeling 

Often, you intuitively sense if something is not right. If an offer seems suspicious, there are too many inconsistencies, or the contact seems pushy, trust your instincts. It's better to question things once too often than to end up in a dubious situation. 

Conclusion: Be Cautious When Choosing a Job 

A good job offer stands out through transparency, realistic conditions, and professional communication. Dubious offers often reveal themselves through excessive promises, missing information, or suspicious practices. Use the above tips to make safe decisions and only apply for jobs that truly bring you benefits in the long run. 

If you're also looking for a reputable job, have a look here.