Physical Safety Tips for In-Person Interviews

The safety of our job seekers is of utmost importance. If you’re meeting a potential employer for an in-person interview, here are some helpful tips to consider:

Before Meeting In-Person:

Research the name of the company and the person who’s interviewing you.
A phone or video call can be a useful screening tool before meeting in person.

Meet in a Public Location

Insist on a public meeting place like a coffee shop, or the employer’s public-facing office or other business location.
Do not meet at someone’s residence, in a private location, or in a location that does not have a lot of foot traffic.
Look up the meeting location in advance to ensure it’s a safe, public location.

Communicate with Others

Let someone, such as a friend or family member, know where you’re going and who you are meeting.
Consider having someone go with you and stay nearby.
Make sure your phone is charged and accessible, in case you need to make an emergency call.

Be In Control of Your Transportation

Use your own method of transportation, so you can leave at your discretion.
Pay attention to potential escape routes and exits.

Secure Your Belongings

Keep your belongings with you and secure at all times.
Other than necessary items (such as your phone, wallet, keys), and documentation needed for the interview (such as your resume and other professional-related documents), don’t take anything valuable with you.

Trust Your Gut

Always trust your instincts.
If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious at any time, you should leave immediately.

Report All Suspicious Behavior

Immediately report any criminally suspicious behavior to local law enforcement agencies.
Notify our Trust and Safety Team of any suspicious behavior or questionable meeting locations by sending an email to trustandsafety@ziprecruiter.com.

If you would like more information or resources on how to recognize scams, understand the most common ones, and find tips for safeguarding yourself, you can learn more at ZipRecruiter Trust & Safety. For additional tips on looking for jobs and avoiding common job scams, you can find recommendations from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.