With unemployment, the big elephant in the room, weighing down on most Kenyans, it's hard to find a person who doesn't have friend or family member who is in dire need for a job. Not an upgrade, just a minimum wage job to at least put food on the table. Such has become the way of life.
Consequently, as we search the inter-webs, local publication and notice boards across the country for open vacancies that may fit our skill sets, there is need for caution against the trap of con-men who push out fake job vacancy posters; no doubt banking on their desperation.

Here is a list of red flags to look out for with job vacancies

Unpaid probation periods

As if it is not enough that the average Kenyan Job seeker is looking to put food on the table, unpaid probation periods means they would have to dig deeper into their already shallow pockets to cater for transport and lunch money over the probation period. Such terms of work, especially the kind that lack fixed or agreed upon terms upon completion of the probation period may put the job seeker into a deeper financial pit than what he/she is already in. Job seekers be warned!

Job Posts That demand personal information (Bank Information) or Money

With great technology comes great risk. No one is safe. The cyberspace is no longer an all-friendly one. For the average Kenyan job seeker, unless you have a certified and confirmed letter of appointment, please keep your account details to yourself. Passwords on the other hand should never be shared with anyone.
Exchange of financial favors for work should not be anything the average job seeker should engage in. Not only is it unlawful, but it damages your integrity. And should it turn out badly, chances of legal justice are slim to none.

Unrealistic Salary Figures

As an average Kenyan job seeker, it is important to have an idea of how much minimum wage is or should be and what room you have for negotiation. In recent times, Kenyan inter webs have been awash with job posts with ridiculously high salary promises (5-8k daily). These are downright red-flags that the average job seeker should see from a mile away.

Shallow Job Descriptions

Regular job descriptions should be clearly and well-done so that the applicant can be not only access their competence but to also know what kind of company they're signing up for. Job vacancies that give shady or half-baked job descriptions, or hide the location of the job often come with surprises in the end.

Credibility of the hiring company

Did you know Kenya enjoys the second fastest internet in Africa? Well, next time you're interested in a job vacancy, take your time and put this very fast internet to some good use.
Unless it's a personal business, a credible company should have a trail of information on the internet. Something that shows insight about the company and its culture. Even a simple website. Also look out for personalized business emails- they show professionalism. Companies that communicate using normal email addresses could be a red-flag.

Very long work hours

While many would prefer a job post that indicates the prospect of long working hours in advance, this could also be a red flag; an indication of a poor work-life balance that will definitely come at a cost. A company that exemplifies long working hours without time or money compensation could have bigger skeletons in its closet and may not be worth the risk.
In Kenya, like the world at large, information on the internet should be handled with a pinch of salt. Some may be true but others, not so much. So, as an average Kenyan job seeker, identify a few verified sources from which you can source for information pertaining job adverts.
Also remember not to send anyone money in exchange for a job, let your skill set do the talking not that mobile money transfer!

About The Author

Author
Omani Joy

Subscribe to our newsletters

  • Events
  • Movies
  • KenyaBuzz Kids
  • Whatsapp/Telegram

    The latest buzz and hottest trends in a bite-size daily message