The Sneaky Tricks Scammers Use to Fool Job Seekers and Take Their Money

The Sneaky Tricks Scammers Use to Fool Job Seekers and Take Their MoneyThe Sneaky Tricks Scammers Use to Fool Job Seekers and Take Their Money In a perfect world, an employer pays you, not the other way around. The netz is ripe with job scams that seem too good to be true but are designed to take your money instead.Consumer Affairs notes that good old-fashioned check fraud is still a preferred method scammers use to steal money. But tricks are becoming much more advanced these days. Scammers absolutely troll job boards looking for their next victim. The company might be real, but the job offer is fake . So how can you discern between a legitimate job offer and scam expertly designed to steal your money? Here are eight signs to watch for and what you can do if you fall victim to a scam.Job scammers often attempt to speed up the process of identity theft and fraud by offering you a job instantaneously. And while such a strong interest from a fhigkeit employer does wonde rs for your ego, a costly money trap does not. Real employers will go through the application process methodically, meaning theyll typically conduct a phone interview , an in-person interview and a follow-up before ever submitting a job offer. If youre guaranteed a job - no application required - its probably a scam.Hopeful job seekers are the perfect target for scammers looking to score a little cash from a desperate candidate. Less-than-honorable career consultants or recruiters may employ a sneaky bait-and-switch tactic to sell you services rather than recruit you for legitimate job openings.In this instance, theyll hook you by saying theyre impressed with your resume and offer to help you find a job, but proceed to only pitch costly products, services and training sessions that help improve your candidacy. Most career consultants are valid, but if theyre not putting words into action, it could mean they have no openings available and are just after your money.Sometimes con a rtists will guarantee job placement - but only if you cough up a few bucks first. This is a telltale sign of a job scam because legitimate employers will almost never ask you to fund training materials, certification fees, credit reports or other onboarding expenses during the application process. Steer clear of nearly anything that asks for money upfront. Understand that these people will likely take your money and disappear forever.Certain positions lend themselves to job scams more than others. The Better Business Bureau warns you to be wary of work-from-home, secret shopper or direct sales positions that require little to no special training. Scammers often pair generic job titles with high pay in their fake ads to attract a bounty of applicants. The promise of large paychecks for little work is likely a scam, as is the possibility of a six-figure income off-the-bat. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.People casually asking you to provide confidential information through a job posting is almost always a sign of a scam. What used to be a no-brainer is now a gray area, as nearly everyone asks for your Social Security number or credit information these days. Some scammers request your drivers license number, bank account or credit card information flippantly. With this info, theyre well on their way to committing identity theft.Use your best judgment in these scenarios and understand that its best to be overly cautious with your private info. Until youre sure the employer is real, this information should remain confidential.A job posting with glaring grammatical and spelling errors should always be viewed as suspicious. Real human resource professionals will take great pains to post positions that portray the company properly. But even if a job description is mistake-free, scammers often sneak faulty email addresses and contact information into the text to trick you.Always research the email address provided. Never trust a scammer who uses a personal email address from a Yahoo, AOL, Gmail or Hotmail account to communicate. Frauds also occasionally use fake domains that mimic company names. Just because it sounds appropriate, doesnt mean that it is. Know that any font of imitation can be caught by proofreading the email provided.Jobs that fall from the sky will seem like an answered prayer. But being contacted by a company you never applied with could be a scam. Job seekers who want to protect their money should be extra wary of communicating with these scammers and conduct thorough research to ensure the company is authentic.Seventy-six percent of organizations report being the victim of a phishing attack. A proper phishing scam goes like this You get an email saying their company has a client with open positions they need to fill. As luck would have it, your resume catches their attention and your qualifications are a perfect match for the client in need. They provide you a link that redirects you to the job description and application form where you are required to fill out a form of personal information to move forward.This is a sneaky trick scammers use to collect your personal information and sell it to a third party. The Federal Trade Commission warns all job seekers to be wary of emails containing links and job inquiries you cant apply for directly. Usually, theres no real client or job opening available in these types of scams.The FTC offers a few tips for avoiding fake job scams. Your local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau can help you vet potential scams and tell you if any prior complaints have been filed against a company. A thorough internet search will also reveal any prior fishy activity or complaints.Domain White Pages will tell you when a website was created, offering you additional insight on validity. If the website is less than a year old but the company has been around for decades, be on your guard. Should you uncover a sneak job scam, rep ort it to the FTC by filing a complaint.This article was originally published on The Cheat Sheet . It is reprinted with permission.

How to Be a Passive Job Seeker

How to Be a Passive Job SeekerHow to Be a Passive Job Seeker2How to Be a Passive Job SeekerThey feel proud of their companies, enjoy their work, get compensated fairly and like their colleagues, saysRobin Silverman, senior consultant, talent management withRight Management, a global leader in talent and career management workforce solutions. They have neither the time nor the desire to engage in an active job search.Still, they are aware of the fact that companies need to adapt to a rapidly changing global marketplace. Mergers, acquisitions, and layoffs continue to be part of the corporate landscape in both good times and bad. New companies emerge from an agile, collaborative field that support startups as never before. Global markets are readily accessible to all via the web, and sources of funding have multiplied. In other words, both threats and opportunities are everywhere.And those are among reasons being a passive job seeker could be a smart idea for professionals at every stag e of their career.What does a passive job seeker look like?A passive job seeker is open to an invitation to discuss a possible job opening. These opportunities- and discussions- often come from connecting or networking with other industry professionals, former employers, recruiters inside an existing company, or from individual recruiting firms.Passive job seekers accept calls and emails from recruiters and other company executives, regardless of whether or not theyre interested in a particular job, says Silverman. Even when they are happy in their current job, they may have reason to believe that big changes are ahead for their company and they do not want to possibly be laid off, says Silverman.In addition, passive job seekers could be professionals who also fall under behauptung categories, says SilvermanThey may feel their careers are topping out in their current job, and want to see how and where else they might use their strengths.They may have interests that are not being met in their current job.Or they may simply want to learn what the market is paying/providing for similar jobs so they can better negotiate with their current employers.Recruiters use social media (LinkedIn/Twitter), Google searches, company websites, and conference marketing materials to see who the leaders are within a company/industry. Competition is keen among recruiters these days, as there is a global talent shortage, particularly in certain fields like sales, engineering, and management, says Silverman. In theManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Report for Q2 2015, 22 percent of the 18,000 North American firms surveyed anticipated a need to increase their staff. Globally, the hiring outlook was positive in 40 of 42 countries.Companies are hungry for top talent, and thanks to technology, can source and engage it anywhere on the planet, says Silverman.Dos and Donts for the Passive Job SeekerIf you are a passive job seeker, there are some basic guidelines to follow. Silverman offers a few dos and donts to considerDosDO stay visible in your company/industry.DO keep your LinkedIn profile up to date.DO keep your resume current at all times.DO keep your member profile current.DO keep your network active and help others when you can.DO be professional and courteous, even when turning down an opportunity.DO feel free to recommend others (outside your own company only) who might be possible candidates for any job you decline.DontsDONT post anything about passive job hunting on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or any other social media sites. Employers frequently watch these for signs of employee disengagement, says Silverman.DONT use passive job seeking to threaten your current employer, as in Ive had other offers. They are likely to tell you to go take them and show you the door.DONT use passive job seeking as a topic of conversation in the office. It can promote disengagement and gossip, both of which can have a negative impact on business results.DONT quit and stay with your current employer. If you find that youre mora interested in passive job seeking than working, its time to move to active job-seeking status.Passive job seeking is not for everyone, but for those who are looking for unseen opportunities, it has promise, says Silverman.Readers, have you ever been a passive job seeker? Share with us in the comment section below

Top Career Tips After Graduation

Top Career Tips After Graduation Top Career Tips After Graduation The competition to get post-graduate jobs gets tougher each year. If you have just graduated it is important to do everything in your power to kickstart your career. You have spent years studying and preparing yourself for your working life, now it is time to press on.You may feel anxious as you haven’t lined up a job after graduation, you might be worried that your lack of professional experience will make it difficult to get a job, or you may not have a clear idea about what industry you want to work in.Don’t worry, today’s top professionals were once in your position. Life after graduation can be challenging but this is nothing to fear.What to do after graduation with no work experience? Follow these career tips for fresh graduates to maximize your chances of landing, and nailing, the all-important first job after college. The first thing to focus on is writing the perfect student resumeResume tips after graduation: tailor it for each positionYour resume is the most importan t tool you have to sell yourself to employers. Start by focusing on your accomplishments, qualifications, and experience to write an attractive, professional-looking resume.Follow tips for writing a winning resume and make sure yours is updated and up-to-scratch. The next trick is to tailor your resume for each position you apply for, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all resume.Read carefully through each job description and highlight the keywords and phrases. Then build them into your resume. This will show the employer that you meet the requirements and are the ideal candidate for the job. Using a resume builder allows you to quickly chop-and-change your resume for each job.Career advice after graduationWhat do you want to doNow you’ve graduated it’s time to really think about what you want to do with your life. You may already have a clear idea, if not it is time to make some very important career decisions.What kind of work do you enjoy doing? What are your strength s? When looking for a job, don’t just take the first job that comes along. Make a plan which will put you on the path that you want to be on.Focus on long-term goalsThis is one of the most important career tips for graduates. Look for a job which will open doors for you. This stage of your career should be about development so keep this in mind.Of course the salary is a big factor in your decision, but the job which pays the most in the short-term may not be the right one for you. See the value of each position not only in monetary terms, but also as an investment of your time and a chance to grow and develop skills.Be patientAlthough some graduates have a job lined up before they’ve graduated and others find something instantly, don’t worry if this is not the case for you. Don’t let yourself be disheartened.Sometimes sending resumes and writing cover letters can feel like a fruitless task. It isn’t. Stay positive, do everything in your power and keep going. You will get t here.Use your contacts and continue to networkLife after college is different, making friends is not as easy as it was. The plus side is that, as a fresh graduate, you are likely to know countless other students as well as ex-professors.Use this to your advantage. Stay in touch with as many friends as possible as this will help to uncover job leads. A recommendation to an employer from a friend is invaluable and may just land you the job.Research and fully prepare for job interviewsJob interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re not used to them. The more you prepare the more confident you’ll feel. The trick is to anticipate the job interview questions.Make sure you research the company as much as possible. Follow job interview tips to prepare yourself fully. This will help to avoid panicky moments where you are scrambling for answers on the spot.Consider internshipsSometimes it can pay off, in the long run, to do an internship after graduating. The experience you g ain can be extremely valuable and lead to something better.However, make sure it’s worth your time. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions regarding the training and development. If you’re not learning anything the internship is of little value.Keep learningJust because you’ve finished college it doesn’t mean you should stop learning. Most jobs require numerous abilities and it’s important to keep your skillset up-to-date. This is one of the key career tips for recent graduatesYou can learn many skills online. Many jobs require the ability to use certain programs, teach yourself how to learn them using online resources and add them to your resume. You may also consider doing on of the many courses after graduation.Starting your first job after graduationMake a positive first impression when you start a new job. Stay positive and enthusiastic.If the work you are doing is too straightforward and simple, ask for more stimulating tasks and for more responsibilities. Your n ew boss will be impressed by your attitude and the job will be more interesting.

Why peoples fitness posts make us feel bad about ourselves

Why people's fitness posts make us feel bad about ourselves Why people's fitness posts make us feel bad about ourselves When you scroll through your Instagram and see friends and coworkers posting about finishing that marathon or meeting that weight loss goal, their happiness about their accomplishment can come at a cost to your mental wellbeing. This is the dark side of #fitspo (fitness inspiration) that a new study published in the journal Health Communication discovered.Researchers Tricia Burke and  Stephen Rains found that the more exercise-related posts you see in your feed, the more self-conscious and concerned about your weight you can become, which can result in an unhealthy body image. “Although people might have positive intentions with regard to posting about exercise online (e.g., promoting accountability and motivation), these posts can result in observers’ body dissatisfaction,” the study concluded.Exercise posts increase our weight concernHow badly you felt about someone’s gym selfie depended on how you viewed the people in your social media feed. When researchers recruited 232 people to count the number of exercise-related posts they saw on their favorite social media platform, they found that people who felt they were similar to those frequent exercise posters were especially prone to feeling self-conscious.“Similarity heightens social comparison, so if the person posting about exercise is someone who’s in your age group, has a similar build or a similar background, you might think that’s a pretty good reference, and that might spark in you even greater weight concern,”  Rains, one of the authors, of the study, said.But a marathon selfie is not always going to send you in a downward spiral about yourself. The researchers found that for people who make upward comparisons, or people who saw the exercisers as superior to them, they developed more positive exercise attitudes. ‘If my awesome friend could wake up early to run, why can’t I?’ becomes your motivating mantra to hold yourself accountable.“With upward social comparisons, you tend to compare yourself to those you perceive as superior to you,” Burke said. “So, for example, if you’re in a classroom, you’d compare yourself to the smartest kid in class. In terms of exercise, if a person is posting a lot about exercise, they must be really fit, so you’re using that as a motivator.”We measure ourselves by other people’s success. Sometimes, it can be motivating to observe your buddy’s fitness journey from afar. But sometimes, it may be better to opt out and unfollow.

Account Sales Representative Job Description Sample

Account Sales Representative Job Description Sample Account Sales Representative Job Description Sample Account Sales Representative Job Description Sample Thisaccount sales representativesample job description can assist in your creating a job application that will attract job candidates who are qualified for the job. Feel free to revise this job description to meet your specific job duties and job requirements. Account Sales Representative Job Responsibilities: Generates revenue by developing market potential through forecasting, lead generation, qualification, and closing sales; recommending new products and services. Account Sales Representative Job Duties: Identifies market potential by qualifying accounts. Initiates sales process by scheduling appointments; making initial presentation; understanding account requirements. Closes sales by building rapport with potential account; explaining product and service capabilities; overcoming objections; preparing contracts. Expands sales in existing accounts by introducing new products and services; developing new applications. Contributes information to market strategy by monitoring competitive products and reactions from accounts. Recommends new products and services by evaluating current product results; identifying needs to be filled. Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities. Accomplishes marketing and organization mission by completing related results as needed. Account Sales Representative Skills and Qualifications: Presentation Skills, Internal Communications, Informing Others, Verbal Communication, Closing Skills, Motivation for Sales, Sales Planning, Territory Management, Prospecting Skills, Persistence, Meeting Sales Goals. Employers: Post a job in minutes to reach candidates everywhere. Job Seekers: Search Account Sales Representative Jobs and apply on now. Learn more aboutthe hiring process: The 50 Toughest Interview Questions Block Out Biases During the Interview Resume Search: Spotting Exceptional Talent

How to Write Your Formal Letter of Resignation

How to Write Your Formal Letter of Resignation How to Write Your Formal Letter of Resignation A new position has come along and the time has come to write your formal letter of resignation. We will show you a polite, classy and professional resignation letter template below and why it is important. Keep your letter for resignation concise There is no need to reminisce about the good times or get emotional and creative. This is also not the time or place to take stabs at the company. Instead, stay on topic and let them know the following: “Dear [insert name], Please accept this formal letter of resignation from my position as [insert job title]. My last day with the company will officially be [insert date].” It is a good idea to give your company two weeks notice in your letter for resignation. Give your company a chance to prepare for your departure. It is the right thing to do for your colleagues. Remember your manners There is an odd psychology behind saying, “Thank you”. Whether you leave the company for good reasons or not, you should always say, “Thank you”. It shows you are appreciative, not petty, and professional. Try writing something like this: “Thank you for the opportunity to work in this position. Over the last [insert number of years] I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with all of you. I’ve learned [insert valuable lessons you learned], which will stay with me throughout my career.” The above section of a formal letter of resignation shows that you appreciate the people you work with and the time spent with them. It will leave them hoping to work with you again, one day. Note how you will help in the job transition A great career skill to have is knowing how to leave a position while transferring into a new role. Companies with toxic work cultures often inspire employees to leave in negative, dramatic fashion. This is not you. You want to remain professional in your formal letter of resignation. If it is hard for you, just stick to the template offered so far and below: “In my final two weeks, I will do my very best to make my transition as seamless as possible. I will finish all job duties and train staff to take over for me. If there is anything you think I need to do in the next two weeks, please let me know how I can help you. Cheers to your continued success. Thank you again, [insert your name]” The most important thing to remember about your formal letter of resignation is to exit with your head held high. You want to be remembered as a classy, professional colleague. As the saying goes, “Always leave them wanting more.” Your formal resignation will show everyone that you are a true professional to be missed! How to Write Your Formal Letter of Resignation A new position has come along and the time has come to write your formal letter of resignation. We will show you a polite, classy and professional resignation letter template below and why it is important. Keep your letter for resignation concise There is no need to reminisce about the good times or get emotional and creative. This is also not the time or place to take stabs at the company. Instead, stay on topic and let them know the following: “Dear [insert name], Please accept this formal letter of resignation from my position as [insert job title]. My last day with the company will officially be [insert date].” It is a good idea to give your company two weeks notice in your letter for resignation. Give your company a chance to prepare for your departure. It is the right thing to do for your colleagues. Remember your manners There is an odd psychology behind saying, “Thank you”. Whether you leave the company for good reasons or not, you should always say, “Thank you”. It shows you are appreciative, not petty, and professional. Try writing something like this: “Thank you for the opportunity to work in this position. Over the last [insert number of years] I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with all of you. I’ve learned [insert valuable lessons you learned], which will stay with me throughout my career.” The above section of a formal letter of resignation shows that you appreciate the people you work with and the time spent with them. It will leave them hoping to work with you again, one day. Note how you will help in the job transition A great career skill to have is knowing how to leave a position while transferring into a new role. Companies with toxic work cultures often inspire employees to leave in negative, dramatic fashion. This is not you. You want to remain professional in your formal letter of resignation. If it is hard for you, just stick to the template offered so far and below: “In my final two weeks, I will do my very best to make my transition as seamless as possible. I will finish all job duties and train staff to take over for me. If there is anything you think I need to do in the next two weeks, please let me know how I can help you. Cheers to your continued success. Thank you again, [insert your name]” The most important thing to remember about your formal letter of resignation is to exit with your head held high. You want to be remembered as a classy, professional colleague. As the saying goes, “Always leave them wanting more.” Your formal resignation will show everyone that you are a true professional to be missed!

Get paid to hang out with a bunch of cute cats on a Greek island

Get paid to hang out with a bunch of cute cats on a Greek island Get paid to hang out with a bunch of cute cats on a Greek island Move over, “Mamma Mia” - we’ve found a new Greek island dream. There’s a group on the tiny island of Syros looking for a cat caretaker and we’re all over it.God’s Little People Cat Rescue  on the Greek Cycladic island of Syros is a cat sanctuary and adoption center that houses 55 rescue cats and feeds an entire colony of stray cats on the island.Now, we’d be tempted by anywhere calling itself a cat sanctuary, but we gotta say this is a pretty plush deal. In addition to getting paid for your cat labor (four hours a day), you’ll get a little seaside house with a view of the Aegean Sea and a peaceful garden.Your cat duties would include caring for 55 cats - bonus points if you’re a vet - and generally loving felines. The  job description on Facebook reads,  â€œYou will at times be expected to trap or handle a feral or non-sociable cat, so knowing something about a cats psychology too is important + cat-whispering skills should come natural to you.”The shelter has two policies animal lovers love: no cages and no killing. A big part of the job is working with local vets on the island to make sure all the kitties stay in tip-top shape.“You’ll no doubt thrive best if you are the type of person who appreciates nature and likes tranquility - and rest comfortably in your own company,” said the job posting. “That said, you’ll never feel lonely in the company of the cats and you’ll be expected to live with a small handful of cats in your house.”The posting also makes sure to clarify that this  is not  a joke and that cat lovers should definitely apply. The job would start in November and last six months. Six months living among the kitties on a Greek island? PurrrfectThis post  was originally published on  Swirled.com  in the Thrive section, which covers valuable career and personal finance content for Millennials.