@Drop cap Minion:Tough times bring out the best in people. It’s true. Many dedicated workers stay late at their jobs, putting in extra hours for no additional pay. Some sacrifice pay increases or even accept salary cuts in order to help their employers stay in business. Others take time to help friends and family members by introducing them to recruiters, bosses and networking contacts.
But hard times also draw out negativity and bad behavior. Thieves find new ways to steal. Unsavory businesses exploit struggling families and prey on the unemployed.
In times like these, when so many people feel vulnerable about their jobs and finances, it’s important to surround yourself with trustworthy, accountable people and protect yourself from scams.
Tip 1: Hold on tight to your cash (and credit cards). In job searching, there are a few items that require money, but not many. A good interview suit and pair of shoes, which can be bought at retail or secondhand stores. Resume paper and envelopes. Gas for the car (or bus fare) to travel to interview sites. You also need access to a phone or an e-mail account to stay in touch with employers. That’s about it.
Some job hunters shell out a bit more cash for additional services that may advance their employment efforts. If you are considering purchasing special services, only spend money when you expect something tangible in return. For instance, you might pay a resume writer for a professionally crafted document or compensate a job coach in exchange for time and career advice.
Tip 2: Resist buying services or memberships you don’t need.
Lately, I’ve come across several businesses that ask you to pay for access to help-wanted advertisements on the Internet. While these sites aren’t scams, they offer very little in return for your money. You can find countless job postings in the newspaper and online, without paying a monthly fee.
For the price of The Herald, you get a list of job postings, never mind timely information on local companies. For the cost of Internet service, you can research companies, browse online job boards and correspond with recruiters. Plus, there are many free resources in our area that help job hunters at all phases of the process — WorkSource, for one.
If you focus exclusively on advertised positions, you are missing out on tons of hidden opportunities. Many employers don’t buy ads at all, even for immediate openings. Give your job search a boost of energy by reaching out to companies directly.
Tip 3: If it looks like a scam …
Get-rich-quick and other scams tend to pick up momentum in tough times. Take this well-known advice: If something seems too good to be true, it is. Avoid suspicious ads, e-mail messages and work-at-home schemes. Never open your pocketbook unless you know exactly what you will receive for your money.
Job searching may be challenging, but it is still a straightforward process. Here’s how it unfolds: You present your talents and qualifications to employers. They consider your capabilities (and those of other job seekers), and offer positions to the individuals that meet their needs. That’s it.
No money should change hands between you and a potential employer (or recruiter). Ever.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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