hiresphere.co.uk Reviews

1. Invalid SSL Certificate

• SSL Certificate Not Valid:
  • The website’s SSL certificate is invalid, which means that the connection to the site is not secure.
  • Red Flag: An invalid or absent SSL certificate can put users’ personal information at risk during transmission. Legitimate businesses ensure their websites are secure to protect user data.

2. Company Information Verification

• Company Registration Number:
  • The company is listed as Recruitment Planet LTD trading as Hire Sphere with the company number 14757576.
  • Verification:
    • As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, I cannot verify this company number.
    • Recommendation: Check the UK’s Companies House registry to confirm if the company is legally registered under this number.
• Physical Address:
  • The address provided is 3 London Bridge Street News, London SE1 9SG.
  • Inconsistencies:
    • The address seems unusual, specifically the inclusion of “News” after “Street.”
    • The correct address format should be 3 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG, which is known as The News Building, housing several media companies.
    • Red Flag: Misrepresentation or inaccuracies in the address may indicate a lack of a physical presence at the stated location.

3. Contact Information

• Phone Number:
  • The provided phone number is 0203 369 2164.
  • Verification:
    • The number follows the format for London phone numbers.
    • However, without calling, it’s not possible to verify if it connects to Hire Sphere.
    • Red Flag: Scammers may use virtual phone numbers to appear legitimate.
• Email Address:
  • The contact email is info@hiresphere.co.uk.
  • Observation:
    • Using a domain-specific email is standard for legitimate businesses.
    • Note: The validity of the email depends on the domain’s legitimacy.

4. Website Content and Professionalism

• Professional Appearance:
  • The website appears professionally designed with clear navigation and detailed information about services offered.
  • Observation:
    • A professional website can lend credibility but should not be the sole factor in determining legitimacy.
• Job Listings:
  • Positions listed include roles like Software Developer, Data Analyst, UX Designer, etc., with competitive salaries.
  • Concern:
    • The roles are described generically without specific company names, job descriptions, or requirements.
    • Red Flag: Legitimate recruitment agencies typically provide more detailed job postings.

5. Lack of Online Presence and Reviews

• No Independent Reviews or Testimonials:
  • There are no customer or client testimonials on the website or on independent platforms.
  • Red Flag: Established businesses often have reviews or feedback from clients or candidates.
• Limited Online Presence:
  • Searches for Hire Sphere and Recruitment Planet LTD yield limited results outside the website itself.
  • Red Flag: A minimal online footprint may indicate a new or unestablished business.

6. Domain Registration and Age

• Domain Age:
  • Without access to current WHOIS data, I cannot determine the domain’s registration date.
  • Recommendation: Check the domain’s registration date to see how long the website has been operational. New domains may indicate a recently established business.

7. Policies and Legal Information

• Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy:
  • The website provides links to these policies.
  • Observation:
    • Reviewing these documents for completeness and compliance with UK laws is essential.
    • Red Flag: If policies are missing, incomplete, or copied from other sites, it may indicate unprofessionalism.

8. Unrealistic Claims

• Experience Claimed:
  • The website mentions “over 20 years of recruitment experience.”
  • Inconsistency:
    • If the company was recently registered, this claim may refer to individual staff experience rather than the company’s existence.
    • Recommendation: Verify staff credentials and company history.

9. Recruitment Practices

• No Cost to Candidates:
  • The website states that their services are free to candidates, which is standard practice.
  • Observation:
    • Legitimate agencies earn fees from client companies, not candidates.
• Request for CV Submission:
  • Candidates are encouraged to send their CVs.
  • Red Flag:
    • Without proper data protection measures, submitting personal information may pose risks.
    • Recommendation: Ensure that the company complies with GDPR and handles personal data securely.

10. Absence of Social Media Presence

• No Links to Social Media Profiles:
  • The website does not provide links to LinkedIn, Twitter, or other social media platforms.
  • Observation:
    • Recruitment agencies typically maintain active social media profiles for networking and sharing opportunities.
    • Red Flag: Lack of social media presence may indicate limited engagement with the professional community.

11. Technical Issues

• SSL Certificate Invalid:
  • As mentioned, the SSL certificate is not valid.
  • Implications:
    • Data transmitted between the user’s browser and the website is not encrypted, posing security risks.
    • Browsers may warn users that the site is not secure.
    • Recommendation: Avoid submitting personal information until the SSL certificate issue is resolved.

12. Similarity to Known Scam Patterns

• Generic Job Descriptions:
  • Posting attractive job listings without specific details is a tactic sometimes used to collect personal data.
• Urgency and Encouragement to Apply Quickly:
  • While not explicitly stated, any pressure to submit information rapidly can be a red flag.

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Recommendations

• Verify Company Registration:
  • Check the UK’s Companies House registry to confirm the existence of Recruitment Planet LTD with company number 14757576.
  • Verify if Hire Sphere is a registered trading name.
• Validate Physical Address:
  • Confirm whether the address 3 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG is associated with Hire Sphere.
  • If possible, visit the location or use online maps to view the premises.
• Contact the Company:
  • Call the provided phone number to assess the professionalism and legitimacy of the response.
  • Inquire about specific job listings and request detailed job descriptions.
• Check for Online Reviews and Presence:
  • Search for reviews or feedback from other candidates or clients who have used Hire Sphere’s services.
  • Look for any news articles, press releases, or professional profiles related to the company.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Information:
  • Do not submit your CV or personal data until you are confident in the company’s legitimacy.
  • Ensure that any data provided is handled in compliance with GDPR.
• Wait for SSL Certificate Resolution:
  • Refrain from interacting with the website until the SSL certificate issue is fixed.
  • A secure connection is crucial for protecting your information.
• Consult Professional Networks:
  • Reach out to contacts in the tech industry to see if they have heard of Hire Sphere.
  • Use platforms like LinkedIn to verify the company’s existence and reputation.

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Final Thoughts

While Hire Sphere presents itself as a professional recruitment agency, several red flags warrant caution. The invalid SSL certificate, discrepancies in company information, and lack of verifiable presence suggest that further investigation is necessary before engaging with the company. Always prioritize the security of your personal information and conduct thorough due diligence when interacting with potential employers or recruitment agencies.

the reasons behind this review :
Insufficient information provided to make a determination. Additional details about the website\'s services, user reviews, and security measures are needed to assess its legitimacy.