In today's complex job market, recognizing legitimate employment is essential for safeguarding your rights and well-being. As part of our ongoing commitment to support people seeking employment in Romania, we have developed some animations that offer critical insights and practical advice on how to identify legitimate job offers and workplace exploitation.

How to recognize legitimate employment

Navigating the job market can be challenging, especially when fraudulent or exploitative job offers are increasingly sophisticated. To help you identify genuine employment opportunities, here are some key pieces of advice:

1. Beware of unrealistic job offers

One of the first signs that a job offer might not be legitimate is if it seems too good to be true. Be cautious if:

• it has a very high salary
• they approach you (and you did not apply)
• you get the job straight away
• there is no requirement for skill or experience, or language
• there is no detailed description of the job position
• they want you to travel/start as soon as possible
• there is no contract
• they promise accommodation and transport without providing other details or agreement relating to employment.

2. Ensure the presence of a formal contract

Before accepting any job offer, make sure there is a written contract that outlines your rights, obligations, salary, working hours, and other important terms. Never start working without a signed contract, as this is a common tactic used by fraudulent employers to exploit workers.

3. Research the company – you really need the below details to help you determine if it is a legitimate employment opportunity:

A) Is there a website?

• Is the website consistent with the job posting?
• Is the website professional?
• Is there contact information on the website?
• Are there jobs and career information on the website?

B) Does the company name check out?

• What is the company name?
• Is the company name registered?
• Is there a name and address of the potential employer?

C) What details about the position/job do you have?

• How much will you be paid?
• How often will you be paid?
• What are your working hours?
• Is there a contract?

4. Look out for signs of exploitation

Even after starting a job, it's important to remain vigilant for signs of exploitation. These can include:

• Employers withholding or removing your passport or identification document(s)
• Strict and unreasonable control over your activities.
• Limiting your freedom of movement.
• Refusal to provide clear payment terms or timely payment of wages.
• Threatening, hurting or intimidating you to stop you from leaving.
• Asking you to perform labour, services or commercial sex acts to repay debts.

If you experience any of these, it may indicate that your employment situation is not legitimate, and you should seek help immediately.

5. Know where to seek help

If you suspect that a job offer is not legitimate or if you believe you are being exploited, it is important to know where to turn for assistance.

In any emergency situation you should call the emergency number for Romania (and the EU). This is 112.

In non-emergency situations, you can:

• Call or go to the nearest embassy or consulate for your nationality
• Contact IOM Romania: +40212103050 (iombucarest@iom.int)
• Contact a trusted person and/or use the ‘safeword’ or phrase to alert your trusted person that you are in an unsafe situation if you are able (a secret ‘safeword’ or phrase that if you share with that person they know you’re in trouble and what that person should do if you share that ‘safeword’ or phrase with them or do not make contact at the agreed time.)
• Contact Romania’s National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (ANITP)’s information line 0 800 800 678
• Contact a local NGO or social service provider for help (where possible, find this beforehand)
• Run to a public place such as an institution, hospital, library, post office, etc.

Stay informed and vigilant

Recognizing legitimate employment is a critical skill. By following the advice outlined above, you can protect yourself from potential exploitation and ensure that your job search is both safe and successful. Stay informed, ask questions, and always trust your instincts when something doesn't feel right.

If you end in a situation of exploitation, remember it is not your fault, and there are people who can, and will help you.