is the job what it says it is?
How to spot a misleading job offer
Let’s face it, being approached about a job can be flattering.
A message lands in your inbox saying your CV has caught someone’s eye, there’s an exciting opportunity and they’d love to talk.
Most of these approaches are genuine, but some are designed to get you through the door before you find out what the job really involves, how you’ll be paid, or whether you’ll be employed at all.
It is not unusual for job seekers to hand in their notice for a ‘trainee’ role, only to discover on their first day they will be doing commission-only sales. These jobs aren’t always scams in the legal sense, and many are perfectly lawful, but being mislead about a job can still cost you your income, confidence and sometimes the job you left behind.
Whether you’ve been contacted directly or you’ve spotted an advert yourself, here’s how to spot the signs, questions to ask before you say yes, and what to do if a job turns out not to be what you were promised.
The warning signs
On their own, none of these mean a job is a bad one. But if you spot several together, slow down and ask more questions.
A vague or inflated job title
“Management trainee”, “marketing assistant”, ”client account executive” or “business development associate”, with very little about what you’d actually do each day.
Talk of “earnings” rather than salary
Phrases such as “guaranteed earnings”, “uncapped income”, “£35k+ in your first year” or “OTE” (on-target earnings), with no basic salary mentioned.
Big brands doing the selling
The message or advert leans on well-known brands rather than telling you about the company that would actually employ you.
An approach out of the blue
You’re contacted about a job you didn’t apply for, usually because the company has found your CV by searching a job boards’s CV database. That’s common practice in recruitment, but be wary if you’re told your CV was “forwarded” or “referred” by the job board, or if the role has little to do with your experience.
A very fast, easy hiring process
Often includes a short call, an “assessment”, then an offer, with almost no questions about your experience or a "meet and green” or “observation day” rather than an interview. Often in a group, sometimes with little notice of where you’ll be or what you’ll be doing.
Rapid promotion promises
“Run your own office within 12 months” or “management within weeks”, especially if promotion depends on recruiting and training others.
Hard to pin down company details
No landline, no full address, a website with missing contact details, or emails that go unanswered.
Questions to ask before you accept
Is there a basic salary, and if so, how much?
Get the actual figure not an “earning potential”
Will I be employed, or self-employed?
This affects your rights to minimum wage, holiday pay and sick pay
What will I actually be doing day-to-day?
Ask them describe a typical day. If the answer involves door-to-door sales, street or event sales, you want to know before you resign.
Where will I be working?
Ask for a full address of the office, and whether you’ll be expected to travel and at whose cost.
Who is my employer?
Get the company’s full registered name and company number, and check them for free on Companies House.
Can I have the offer and terms in writing?
Ask before you hand in your notice, not after.
Know your rights
Employment status can be complicated. If you’re unsure where you stand, Acas offers free confidential advice.
Here are a few basics that are worth knowing before you start any new job.
You are entitled to written terms from day one.
Employers and workers should get a written statement of their main terms, including pay, hours and holidays, on or before their first day
Your employment status
Your employment status depends on how the job really works, not what its called. Being labelled “self-employed” or an “independent contractor” doesn’t settle it. If you’re told when and where to work, managed day-to-day, and can’t send someone else in your place, you may legally be a worker or an employee.
National Minimum Wage
Workers are entitled to National Minimum Wage. That includes time spent on training and in the office, not just time selling.
What to do
If the job isn't what you were promised
It can feel awkward to walk away after a day or two, especially if you’ve already left your last job. But you don’t have to stay in a role that was misrepresented to you.
Resign in writing. Send a short email or letter to every contact you have. The HR address you were given, your manager and whoever recruited you. A text message to your manager is better than nothing. Keep copies of these, with the date.
You don’t need anyone to accept your resignation. If you can show you sent it, you’ve resigned, even if no one replies. Check your contract (if you have one) for any notice period.
Ask for what you’re owed. In the same message, ask for a copy of your contract and payment for the hours you’ve worked.
Protect your details. Don’t share any more personal or bank details than are needed to pay you.
What to do
Get help if you need it
Acas (0300 123 1100): free advice on pay, contracts and employment status.
JobsAware: free help if you think a job was misrepresented, and a place to report it.
Report Fraud (0300 123 2040): if you've been asked for money, or think your personal details have been misused.
The job board where you found the role, so they can look into the advert.
How we work at Meridian
We think you should know exactly what you’re signing up for before you accept the job. When you apply for a job through Meridian, you’ll get:
- A clear job description, with the pay rate or salary
- The name and location of the business you’ll be working for
- Honest answers to your questions, before you commit to anything.
We will never ask you for money to help you find work. All our vacancies are listed on our website, and if you’re ever unsure whether a job or message is genuinely from us, contact us at enquiries@meridianbs.co.uk and we’ll check for you.
For more on staying safe while job hunting, read our guide to protecting yourself from recruitment scams.
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