Don't put your job search and your finances at risk!

Don't fall for job search scamsOne of the LinkedIn Groups I belong to is Job Search Tactics created by Ann Wagner, Denver Job Search Coach, creator of the audio series, How to Get a Great Job in the 21st Century: the Definitive Guide!

I ran across a comment section in the group that had some very good reminders about not giving up information too easily.

Watch out for job search scams

If you give up information before you are in the final interview, you may end up regretting it. The old adage,

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

is one you should always keep in mind.

What information should you think twice about before releasing?

  • Your drivers license.
  • Your social security number.
  • Authorization for your credit report.
  • Any bank account numbers
  • Any credit card details
  • Never, ever give a company money on a promise that if you give them up front money, you will be earning much more. Some companies want money so that you can ship packages for them. Don’t give them any. I know a young man who lost $1500 that way.

What research should you do about a company prior to applying?

If you want to work for a company, make sure that you know it is a legitimate company prior to applying. It is all too  easy for phishing scams to mimic real companies. If you have been online for any length of time, you will have gotten PayPal or Credit Card emails that look surprisingly like the real thing. Look for misspellings or the omission of critical details to verify if the information is authentic.

You really want to do your homework before you apply anywhere. Google your job search targets. Get all the information you can in advance.

In this economic climate, it is easy to think that you need to apply to as many places as possible but my Design Resumes clients have been able to find new positions in their fields by using networking and targeted job search. By personalizing all aspects of your job search you will increase your effectiveness, get re-employed quicker, and avoid scams.

Stuck in your job search or just ready to move on or up from your existing position? Julie Walraven, a Wausau, Wisconsin-based professional resume writer and career marketing strategist, can help you get ready for your next role! To find out how, Click here!

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2 Comments

  1. Marshia Hobson on March 14, 2012 at 1:36 am

    Thanks for the warning. I had not thought about this tactic.



  2. Dee Reat on March 14, 2012 at 5:37 am

    These really are some of the basics and most frequent scam examples out there. You think that nobody would fall for that but then again, they are still happening, so they must be still working!



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