Job seekers often ask me, how do you know if the job listing is legitimate? One thing I’d hate for a job seeker to encounter is a fake listing that ends up soliciting hard earned money. This article will show you ways to spot an employment scam.

You might find yourself in one of three scenarios –

1. You’re browsing job listings online and questioning their legitimacy.

2. You’re in contact with an employer, but your exchange feels suspicious.

3. You’ve been hired for a job that you question is real.

Find the category you’re in and read on about how to handle your case.

 

Is this job a fake listing?

What to beware of when browsing jobs…

• Look for common scam keywords. Scam listings include words such as, no experience necessary, work from home, get rich fast. Some common scam job titles include, envelope stuffing, shipping manager, wire transfer, rebate processor, Sales, Sports Marketing.

• Avoid listings that overuse exclamations and CAPS LOCK.
• Be aware of vague or inconsistent contact information. Some scams use a legitimate company name, but the employer’s email address is from a free email client versus a company email address.

Example of an illegitimate listing:

Sports Marketing Analyst.

Job Requirements: Minimum age 18; phone number; regular bank account (checking/ savings). ***IMMEDIATE HIRE*** We Will Train!
Entry Level – $500 – $1000 Weekly. 5 positions left.
Start your Career in Sports Marketing!!!

 

Am I in the process of a job scam?

Red flags to look for in the hiring process…

You should not be required to pay to start work. Some common scams include:

• Training. Paying upfront fees before your employment, such as for your training or training materials.
• Paperwork. Paying to process your new hire paperwork.
• Credit Report/Background Check. Paying to get a credit report or background check done, with the prospect of an interview if the reports come out well.
• Purchase a product. Requiring the applicant to purchase the company’s product, with a promise to reimburse at a later time.

Other scams involve the scammer sending you a sum of money and then asking that you send a percent back:

• Send back money. These scans work by sending the job seeker a fake check to cash. They’ll deposit the check and while it’s processing in the bank, the company will say there’s a mistake in the amount they sent and ask to be sent ¾ or more of the amount back. The job seeker believes the money is already in the bank, so they send back the requested amount; in a few days, the fake check will bounce.

Some scams try to obtain your personal information:

• Fill out additional forms. You have not yet received a job offer, but are being asked to fill out an online application with sensitive information, such as bank information.
• Set up Direct Deposit. If you have no been hired, there is no need to set up a direct deposit account. Be suspicious if an “employer” asks you to set up a direct deposit account before an interview.

 

Is my current job fake?

Signs that you have accepted a fake job…

If you find yourself questioning whether or not your current job is real, consider if it sounds like these common work-at-home job scams. Usually, you’ll never have met the employer and are asked to perform a specific and routine set of duties. Some of these include:

• Reshipping packages that the employer has sent to your house (Usually these are stolen packages, and once you reship them, you can be held liable for the theft).
• Assembly Jobs selling craft kits that you’ve assembled. You’ll be required to spend money on the package to get you started…and never be reimbursed.
• Posting ads and getting paid when others sign-up through your ad.

If you have any suspicions of the job, run an engine search to see if anyone has listed the company as a scam. If nothing shows up, then check with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov

I hope these tips have helped you in achieving a safer job search. If you have any friends or family who are job searching, make sure to share this article and keep them safe!

 

 

 

It’s easy for employers to get distracted this week and month. The country is gearing up to celebrate as July 4 rounds the corner, and as the weather is getting warmer, employers are off to take their summer vacations.

What does this mean for your job search?

 

If you’ve been in a long job search, I say take a little break on July 4 weekend.

Treat yourself to something nice and get your mind off of the job search. Sometimes it helps to step away from a project, and then come back when your mind is refreshed – This will help you see things in a newer perspective. Just as college students are advised to take a day away from their papers before coming back to proofread, your job search can also benefit from a new pair of eyes.

If you’re committed to working throughout the holidays, I suggest: Apply to the job as soon as you see it.

Once the job is posted, this is a clear sign to you that this employer is active, even when everyone else is on vacation. This can signal a need to fill a position as soon as possible.

Also, since this is the time of year where many people are taking a break, this means that there are less applicants to compete with, and you’re more likely to capture the attention of the recruiter.

If you’re going to any July 4 social gatherings, take this time to network.

The holidays always encourage people to throw parties and social gatherings for their friends. Treat these as a good time to meet new faces, and also as networking opportunities. You might not like to share that you’re unemployed, but you can frame it in a way that shows you are productively spending this time to explore a new opportunity, such as a career change.

Many jobs aren’t posted online, so the best way to hear about some opportunities is through word of mouth. Referrals are also a smart way to get your resume to the top of the pile, as employers are more likely to trust a candidate suggested by a current successful employer.

Regardless of how you approach your job search, make sure to enjoy the fireworks and warm weather!

You’ve been working for a couple of years now when you find yourself back in the job search.  Except this time around, you realize that common job practices that landed you your previous job aren’t exactly the same anymore! Old job search techniques have changed and now you need to revise what you know about job search today. Here’s where you can start!

 

1. The “objective” section in front of the resume is now ineffective.

Why? Employers are hiring because they want to solve a business need and therefore, they’re not looking to find out what they can do for you. They want to know what you can do for them. Make it about what you are bringing to the table to address their business needs. The objective statement that proclaims your career goals shows that you are “self-focused” instead of “company-focused”.

2. Targeting your resume and cover letter is important to stand out from the multitude of applicants.

It’s the digital age and what that means is: more eyes on job postings and MORE applicants. The ease of applying online also means that for every one job posting out there, there’s more competition. What can you do? TARGET your resume and cover letter for the job posting. Many companies these days use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) – They run your application through a system that looks for relevant keywords and other traits to screen candidates. Therefore, don’t assume that a human will read and interpret your resume to determine fit. You need to make sure that your resume is unique to each job posting.

3. Personalizing your job search helps you gain a human connection.

Don’t write “To whom it may concern” or “To hiring manager” in your cover letter. Since you know the company name, conduct some research. Look on LinkedIn or the company website to find the name of someone in the hiring department. Even if it’s wrong, it shows initiative in finding a human contact over the generic “To hiring manager”.

4. Employers are examining candidates on social media.

Employers can easily look up candidates through their search engine and they’re curious to see how these candidates portray themselves on social media. Therefore, make sure that your online identity strengthens your candidacy.  Type your name into the search engine and see what channels show up. If you have Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites that you might use for personal uses, take a look at your privacy settings – What can the public see? Are there pictures that would affect your professional image?

5. Thank you notes are still in!

Thank you notes used to be written by hand, but it’s still appreciated when an employer receives an electronic thank you note. It shows your interest in the company and is also, another opportunity to show up on the employer’s radar. Make sure you do this to cinch the deal!

 

 

 

I know it’s not easy. During your job search, you apply, apply, and apply. The hope is that if it all matches up, you’ll get the call back. However, days, weeks, and then months can pass and you’re still not hearing anything back.  It’s understandably frustrating when you feel that your efforts are not amounting to any quantifiable results. All of this can lead to feeling a lack of control, a broken spirit, and strong frustrations.

Yet these very traits become the ones that repel employers, and the job search process gets further impeded – It all becomes a vicious cycle that needs to be broken. And it can be.

Learn how to take the reins of these frustrations into your own hands, and become better at managing job search frustration.

1. Allow yourself to express these frustrations.

• Be honest to yourself, face it, and accept it. “I’m unemployed, it’s frustrating, and I hate it.” Write it out, talk to a friend – be able to express the frustration.

• Then accept it. “I am frustrated, but I’m not the only job seeker who feels this way.”

Avoidance will keep you from doing the things you need to shake the frustration.

2. Explore what makes you feel productive.

• Don’t stop doing the things you love. Set aside time to watch your favorite shows, take a walk in the park, etc. Make sure that you continue exercising, eating right, and relaxing.

• Volunteer or take a class. Volunteering can boost your confidence and remind you that you’re valuable. Taking a class can increase skills that attract a future position.

• Challenge yourself to do something new. Try a mini project where you explore something new each day. Maybe it’s trying out the delicious looking café down the block or learning a new sport.

3. Set good habits and keep bad habits away.

• Set an alarm. Wake up and sleep at the same times each day. Don’t allow yourself to sleep in because you’ll wake up feeling as if most of your day has passed by aimlessly.
  

• Organize your day. It’s easier to feel a sense of control over your life if you establish a routine. Set up hours that you will work on your job search (applying to jobs, responding to emails), exercise, eat, sleep, etc. The key is to stick to a consistent schedule.

• Be aware of habits that would worsen your job search. These can include over-eating, excessive shopping, gambling, or excessive drinking. They help you temporarily feel better and cope with the frustrating job search, but can increase negative consequences (debt, health issues, etc.)

4. Make a plan to tackle your job search and keep revising this plan until success.

• Examine your tactics. If you’ve been unemployed for a while now, maybe there is something you need to fix about your approach. Take a look at revising your resume. Are there any grammatical errors? Is there a better format?

• Start getting feedback: After a failed job prospect, ask the employer for feedback. While they may not always give you details, sometimes asking can give you a glimpse of constructive criticism that you can benefit from.

• Sign up for free automatic updates through StartWire. Know the status of your job applications so that you can gauge your expectations and know when to move on if the job has been filled.

 

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.” – Walter Elliott

 

The healthcare field is one of the most recession-resistant industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment projections for the next 7 years, healthcare is an industry seeing one of the fastest job growths by 2020. It’s not a surprise that with most of the population living longer than ever, there is a paralleled increase in the need for healthcare. In response, many job seekers are increasingly interested in finding a job within the healthcare industry.

If you’re interested in transitioning to a career in healthcare, or if you’re exploring whether this transition is a good fit for you, read below for several suggestions to help in your career transition plans.

 

Step 1: Determining whether a healthcare profession is a good fit for you.

Successfully transitioning into a new career involves some self-reflection. You don’t want to only go after jobs with high growth yet low job satisfaction and fit.  Ask yourself:

• What is my primary motivation to pursue a healthcare profession?
  • Knowing your primary motivation at the very start can help you stay on track when you’re in the midst of obtaining your healthcare career.
• What kind of job environment do I excel in?
• What are my interests and how do they align with my skill-sets?
• How will a healthcare career impact my family and long term goals?
  • Some healthcare positions involve long schooling and work hours, so figure out if this is possible for you.

Having a good sense of the kind of work environment you excel in, your strongest skill-sets, and your primary motivations in a career can help you decide the right healthcare position for you.

Step 2: Researching different healthcare professions for best fit.

Be strategic. Look for “transferable skills” when trying to find the appropriate healthcare profession. Ask yourself, what are skills I currently have that can easily transfer to the healthcare field? Even in the healthcare industry, there’s a need for accountants, administrative assistants, and IT to name a few. For example, if you have experience in IT, you might do well in a medical IT role.

Also, consider how much time you’re willing to dedicate before entering this field. Some occupations require 3 months of training, whereas others require years of schooling.

Below are 3 popular positions to consider. Visit their occupation profiles to learn more about what the position entails.

• Registered Nurses
• Medical Assistants
• Physical Therapists

Step 3: Research and Network within the Medical Industry.

The best way to break into the healthcare industry is to be on top of industry news and be a part of the network of medical professionals. With always changing healthcare laws and medical advances, it’s good to keep up with the buzz in order to figure out who is hiring and who can help recommend you for a position.

Networking also helps you to find out more about your new career interest. Speak to those who currently work in the profession and learn what the job is really like day-to-day. A good source to find contacts is through LinkedIn. Ask for an informational interview and use these sessions to better understand your fit for the profession. Maybe these connections might be the referral you need to your next healthcare profession.

 

 

Do you need to make a resume? Are you looking to revise your current resume?

A resume is an important piece to the job search process. Your resume stands as the first professional impression you give to employers. This first impression can make or break your chances of being considered for the position. For those of you looking to create that good first impression, we’re here to help with the basics of creating a resume.

 

Follow this simple guide to learn how to construct a resume from scratch:

1) List your contact information at top.

Include your name, address, phone number, and email.

 

2)  Use proper formatting.

• Use 1″ margins
• Use standard font (Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman)
• Bold your name and section headings
• You can use size 14 font for headings, 12 for all other text

 

3) Choose the type of resume you want to create.

• Chronological Resume:

The chronological resume lists your employment history, starting with the most recent position.

This type of resume is best for job seekers with very little or no employment gaps and can show a steady progression in their work history.

• Functional Resume:

The functional resume focuses on your skills and experience.

This type of resume works for people who have gaps in their employment history and prefer to focus their resume on specific skill sets.

For example: If the position is customer services oriented, your headline might be “Customer Service/Sales Experience”

• Combination Resume:

The combination resume is exactly how it sounds- It combines both your skills and your employment history. It lists your skills/experience first, then your employment history.

This type of resume is good when you want to show employers skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for right at the top of your resume.

 

4) Next, use the samples below as a template and add your own unique work experiences and/or skills:

Add additional sections if relevant (Computer Skills: Software, Languages, Operating Systems; Accomplishments: Awards, Honors, Publications; Languages; Certifications).

 

Here is a SAMPLE Chronological Resume

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Janice Kendley
15 State St. Boston, MA 02112| 555-555-5555 | kendleyj@example.com

Experience

Microsoft Corporation, NY, NY                                                                  February 2012 – Present

Executive Assistant

• Processing invoices and correspondence to meet end-of-month sales review
• Overseeing the scheduling of two hundred attendee meetings weekly
• (List a major accomplishment) Oversaw travel arrangements for Board of Directors during 2012’s Leadership Conference, resulting in an average net saving of $1,000/attendee.

 

AT&T, Woburn, MA                                                                                June 2010 – February 2012

Sales & Marketing Leader

• Represented AT&T products to over 1,500 customers at field events, conferences, and seminars.
• (List a major accomplishment) Garnered $8,000 in profits from sales of cellular devices.

 

Martha’s Bakery, Hartford, CT                                                                       May 2009 – June 2010

HR Assistant

• Managed store operations including scheduling, inventory, and customer service.
• (List a major accomplishment) Reduced wasted inventory through overseeing installation of new freezers, which increased inventory by 35%.

 

Education

University of Richmond, Richmond, VA
B.A. Psychology; Minor, History

 

Special Skills

• Software/Applications: MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop
• Languages: Proficient in Spanish

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Here is a SAMPLE Functional Resume. Note how the resume is divided by functions/skills, instead of a chronological work history.

 

Janice Kendley
15 State St. Boston, MA 02112 | 555-555-5555 | kendleyj@example.com

Education

University of Richmond, Richmond, VA
B.A. Psychology; Minor, History

Relevant Experience

Sales and Leadership (Note: Here is where you list a MAJOR SKILL)

• Represented AT&T products to over 1,500 customers at field events, conferences, and seminars. (An accomplishment that shows this skill.)
• Garnered $8,000 in profits from sales of cellular devices.
• Answered customer service inquiries related to billing, plan upgrades, and technical assistance.
• Maintained routine checks of store operations involving inventory and employee scheduling.

Writing/Editing Content

• Writing content and editing manuscript for final review by editor.
• Posted content and daily status updates for social media, such as Twitter and Facebook.
• Managing a tracking system to ensure newsletter progress and provide management with periodic status updates.

Employment History

AT&T — Woburn, MA

  Sales & Marketing Leader, June 2010 – February 2012

Noah’s Publishing –Boston, MA

  Editorial Intern, June 2011 – August 2011

Martha’s Bakery, CT  

  Cashier, February 2010 – December 2010

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5) Always make sure to proofread for punctuation, grammar, spelling errors, and incorrect contact information! Have someone else read over your resume to double check for any errors.

 

 

What goes on behind the curtains of the hiring decision is usually murky for those that are job seeking. Most of the times, we apply to a job and hope that the application lands in the right hands. What really is going behind this curtain? We’re going to go behind the curtains and show you the work that recruiters are a part of, and.. how you can use this to get hired faster!

Be the first in line.

It’s simple. To get hired faster, your goal should be to eliminate time wasted in scrolling through old job applications. You want to apply to fresh jobs- the fresher the better. You may say, well what if I’m qualified for this listing, but it’s 3 weeks old? Does this mean I should pass it by? By all means, apply to it! But if you’re in a job search with very limited time (which most job seekers have), and you’re seeking efficiency, it really increases your chances of getting hired if you mainly target new listings.

Why is it important to apply to fresh jobs?

When you apply to a job early, you’re casting your hook at a time when the fish are hungry and biting. Here is what goes on at the recruiter’s side:

The recruiter’s goal is to get a hire completed as fast as possible. Their goal is to bring a candidate to the employer and move on to their next recruiting assignment. So what this means is, if they find good enough candidates in the first 1-2 weeks of a job posting, they’ll move on to interviews. Once they find qualified candidates from the interviews, they’ll bring these people to the employer for a final hiring decision. What happens to those who find the job posting 2 weeks past the posting date? These later applications don’t get read.

A StartWire survey conducted amongst new hires show that 50% of new hires applied within the first week of a job posting.

Where can you apply to fresh jobs?

There are job listings that show you exactly how many hours or days ago that the job was posted.  StartWire’s also taken upon itself to only post job listings that are 2 weeks old.  Results from the StartWire survey also inspired the creation of StartWire’s Express Apply Jobs, which allow all job seekers to quickly locate a job of interest, and then apply within 60 seconds.  Once a resume is uploaded to their StartWire account, the Express Apply feature sends their resume directly to the employer without needing to fill out any job applications. How’s that for efficiency?

Another great tip is to sign up for job alerts. Most job search sites send job alerts when new openings come out. Ever see an interesting job and put off applying thinking it’ll still be there?  Next time you see a new listing, don’t procrastinate! Apply as soon as possible. It just might be your next job.

 

 

Let’s talk cover letters. If you’re like most people I know, you enjoy writing cover letters about as much as you like going to the dentist – or, worse yet – going in for a root canal. Finding the right words to describe how your skills fit with a job can be cumbersome – just like taking dental x-rays from odd angles with foreign objects in your mouth!

But cover letters don’t have to be awkward. The very best cover letters showcase your fit for a job and say why you are interested in working for an organization – all while providing your prospective employer with a glimpse of your personality and talent. (You can spot a bad cover letter quickly if all of the sentences start with “I.”)

Here’s a foolproof way you can write a great cover letter in 30 minutes or less:  Anticipate the questions employers will have for you, and answer them.

Recruiters and hiring managers want to know the answer to 4 questions:

1. How did you hear of the job?

This may seem like a silly interest since it has little to do with you, but employers want to know how you learned about the job – it tells them if their advertising is working.

2. How do you meet the position requirements?

Because employers often hire for more than one position at a time – it never hurts to briefly summarize the job requirements before showcasing your experience.

3. Why are you interested in the job?

Although it may not often seem like it, employers are as eager to hire employees who want to work for them as you are to get a job. You need to go beyond “I need a job” and state what particularly interests you about the company and the position.

4. Will they like you?

Do you say thank you? Is your overall tone friendly?

Here’s how this looks in a letter:

Your Address (Leave name and cell phone off the top of your letter)

City, State Zip

Today’s Date

Person’s Name
Title
Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code (Or Country)

Dear Search Committee:

Through my friend (insert name or other source of job listing), I learned that (company name) is accepting applications for a (insert position title). I write to apply for the position.

Based on the position description, I understand you are looking for someone who can do (insert one job function/responsibility), (insert another responsibility) and (insert another responsibility). I offer you a demonstrated ability to perform these tasks as can be seen through my work with (insert name of past employer). In this role, I (summarize relevant experience here).

I am especially interested in working for you due to (insert reason other than high pay or free lunch, show you’ve looked up the company). This opportunity also is a strong match for my career goals of (provide information that relates to the job opening and if appropriate share a brief example of how the position matches your interests.)

Thanks in advance for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
Name

And that’s it: short, sweet and to the point.

 

At StartWire, we believe you deserve to be treated well by your potential employers, regardless of whether you are selected for the job! This is why we offer a free way to get status updates on your job applications from over 7,000 companies.

We also think you should communicate with your potential employer to make sure that they’ve seen your application. This is why we recommend you follow-up with employers to confirm your application within two weeks. If you’ve received an interview, we also advocate for thoughtful thank you notes.

But what should you do if you don’t hear back from the employer at all after you’ve sent in your application, or if the feedback you receive simply says “you are no longer under consideration”?

We think it’s worth following up with every employer you apply to — at least once. Here’s our short guide on what to say and when in awkward situations:

 

If you’ve applied for a job and it’s been re-posted:

• Don’t assume the employer isn’t interested. Instead, call HR or the hiring manager and summarize your skills: “I see you’ve re-listed the Director of Marketing position that I applied for in June. I’m (name) and I have over 10 years experience in the field. Would you like for me to submit my credentials again?”
• When to do this: Within three days of the job being re-posted. (Note: All jobs on the StartWire site are less than two weeks old. Do not be alarmed if they are re-posted. Employers often re-post simply to receive fresh interest in the job listing while a search is under way.
• When not to do this: If you’ve given up on the job, and have decided you are no longer interested.

If you’ve been told you are no longer “under consideration”:

• What to say: Thank you for letting me know of your decision on my application. While disappointed, I remain interested in exploring other opportunities at your company especially as I am so impressed with your work in __________. I continue to feel that I could contribute in ________ department. What’s the best way to stay in touch? And in the interim, is there anything I can do for you to help increase awareness of your _____________ (insert product or service that organization is known for)?
• When to do this: Within three days of receiving your rejection letter. Read our past articles to learn how to respond if you think you were seen as overqualified or under-qualified.
• When not to do this: If you don’t like the company or feel that you wouldn’t want to work for them, either!

If you haven’t heard back after an interview:

• What to say: Thanks again for your consideration for __________ position. I am writing to let you know that I remain interested. Please let me know if you have need of receiving any additional materials.
• When to do this: Follow-up on your thank you note either two business days before the anticipated decision deadline or shortly after the deadline date has passed.
• When not to do this: If you’ve followed up once by phone and e-mail, don’t follow-up again. You don’t want to be seen as a stalker or desperately needing this job. (Note: Apply for other jobs while you wait to hear back, too!)
  There’s one exception to this rule: If you receive another job offer, you can call and let them know you have the offer — and you can say, “I remain interested in your job, but need to let the organization that has extended me an offer know by ______ date. Can you tell me whether or not this fits into your hiring timeline for the position?” (If they really want you, they will often speed up the process, but don’t make up an offer just to make it happen.)

Do you have any questions or thoughts on these strategies? What’s worked for you? Share.

 

 

 

IT’S COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS SEASON, AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS. THE REAL WORLD AWAITS, BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE TERRIBLE. HERE ARE WAYS TO SHARPEN THAT POST-COLLEGE JOB SEARCH.

It’s graduation season and employment is weighing heavily on the minds of college grads across America–some, in fact, have said they’ve already given up on the job hunt.

For those worried grads, the job outlook is mixed. The good news is that despite the tough job market, unemployment for college graduates in April was 3.9 percent–nearly half of the overall unemployment rate of 7.5 percent, according to the Labor Department report released last week. However, there is evidence that the reduction was driven by high-skilled job seekers (those with Bachelor’s degrees) moving into low-skill jobs, such as file clerks, waitresses, and, of course, baristas.

Certainly, the intended profession that you selected in college may be more difficult to land these days and the career path may look a little differently than you imagined freshman year, but great opportunities are still out there for the savvy job seeker. Here are five common mistakes new college grads make in their quest for a job and smarter ways to navigate a post-graduation job search in today’s market… [Read more]

The above article is StartWire’s guest post at Fast Company. Continue reading at Fast Company.