Tips for Secure Job Hunting in the Digital Finance Sector

The rapid pace of technological transformation and digitalization has brought significant changes to Indonesia's job market. President Joko Widodo, speaking at the opening of the Indonesian Economics Scholars Association (ISEI) Congress in September 2024, noted that advancements in technology, such as automation and artificial intelligence (AI), could potentially eliminate up to 85 million jobs by 2025. However, Indonesia remains optimistic, thanks to its demographic bonus, which is expected to peak in 2030, providing opportunities for adaptation and resilience.

This optimism is supported by a decline in Indonesia's open unemployment rate (TPT) over the past few years. Data from Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) in February 2024 shows a TPT of 4.82%, marking continuous improvement. At the same time, specific sectors, particularly the digital finance industry, are creating promising career prospects amid these challenges.

Indonesia is strategically positioned to bolster its digital finance sector, driven by widespread adoption of technology across industries. The digitalization of services such as fintech, digital payments, and tech-based investment platforms not only generates significant opportunities but also demands skilled professionals, such as in technology, data analysis, and risk management. This shift illustrates how technological progress drives the creation of new skills essential for industry growth.

Further optimism comes from the Aon Global Risk Management Survey, released in November 2024. The report projects that financial services salaries in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, will increase by up to 4.8% in 2025, a higher rate than the previous year. This reflects the confidence of industry leaders in driving market growth through technological innovation and improving competitiveness. Investing in skilled human resources is a vital step toward achieving sustainable digital transformation.

With growing demand, companies are actively seeking professionals with specialized skills to manage digital financial solutions. Therefore, job seekers should take proactive steps to enhance their competencies and broaden their knowledge to thrive in this evolving industry and secure the best career opportunities.

Safe Practices for Job Hunting

Although the digital finance sector offers promising prospects, job seekers must be cautious of the increasing prevalence of job scams, especially on social media and online job platforms.

One of the most common scams involves fake recruiters posing as representatives of reputable local or multinational companies. These scammers often use company logos, names, and fabricated information to deceive victims into providing personal data or even money for recruitment processes.

With social media becoming a popular job-hunting tool, scammers can easily target victims. For this reason, job seekers need to adopt the right strategies to ensure they only apply for roles from legitimate sources.

To help you avoid falling victim to scams, here are some key steps to follow for a safer job search:

1. Verify Company Legitimacy

Before applying, confirm that the job posting is from a legitimate company. Check the company’s official website and read reviews or references from reliable sources. The Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) offers verified job listings on its official portal at karirhub.kemnaker.go.id.

2. Use Trusted Job Platforms

Rely on credible job platforms such as LinkedIn, Jobstreet, or official company websites. Ensure the platform employs strong data protection measures and cybersecurity protocols. To avoid unverified sites, check for "https://" and a padlock icon in the URL. Research the platform's reputation and avoid clicking on unfamiliar or suspicious links.

3. Be Wary of Unrealistic Offers

If you receive an offer with excessively high salaries or benefits that seem too good to be true, proceed with caution and conduct further verification. Quick hiring processes with minimal interviews or vague verification procedures can indicate a scam. Always investigate the company’s background and look for reviews from former employees.

4. Do Not Share Personal Data or Money

Legitimate companies will never ask for payments or sensitive personal information, such as bank account details or ID numbers, as part of the recruitment process. If such requests are made, it’s likely a scam. Always verify the legitimacy of the job posting before sharing any personal information.

5. Cross-Check with Official Contacts

If you receive a job offer via email or direct message, verify the details through the company’s official website or contact their HR department. Reputable companies provide official contact information on their websites or verified social media accounts.

6. Report Job Scams to Authorities

If you suspect a job scam, report it immediately to the relevant authorities. Kemnaker offers complaint channels through its official website or hotline at 1500630. They also collaborate with law enforcement to investigate fraudulent job postings.

The digital finance industry presents abundant career opportunities amidst continuous technological advancements. However, job seekers must remain vigilant against the growing threat of scams. By following these safe practices, you can protect yourself and focus on exploring legitimate career opportunities with confidence.