Personal Reflection Exercise: Keep Your Career Separate

My career is separate from my identity.

Like most other working professionals, I spend a great deal of my time in my workplace. This is because I work in a demanding field and I want to ensure that my position is secure in the present, competitive job market.

My career is certainly an important part of my life. However, my career and my life are two completely separate entities.

Today, I can confidently say that I am the same person that I was several years before I accepted my position with my current employer.

I wholeheartedly believe that many professionals become too involved in upholding their corporate images while off of the clock.

I am only paid for a predetermined amount of time each week. My employer gets exactly what he pays for. When I am on the clock, I give my employer 100% effort. Once that time is up, I indulge in the activities that make me happy.

Status is important in this society. However, both my accomplishments and my personality determine my status. My career choice is simply an interesting part of my life.

I am a spouse, a parent, someone's child, a friend, and the life of the party. I am an individual that is defined by far more than a paycheck or a sign-in ID.

Today, I focus on non-work related aspects of my life. My family makes me the person I am. My hobbies and interests are components of my personality. However, my chosen career field is simply the way I maintain my quality of life.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I flaunt my career in order to make others respect me?
2. Have I allowed my career to consume too much of my personal time?
3. When I introduce myself, is my work the first thing I talk about?

Build Your Own List of Recruiters For Your Job Search

Now that you understand how recruiters can be important in your job search, you can build your own list of recruiters using two tools from Kennedy Information, LLC:

The first is the “Directory of Executive and Professional Recruiters.”

Available in paperback from Amazon.com, or online at recruiterredbook.com, the “Directory of Executive and Professional Recruiters” provides detailed listings about contingency and retained recruiters across 120+ industries and 84 job functions. An online edition is available for $59.95 for a one-year subscription. If you purchase a print edition of the Directory, you can also receive six months of free access to the online edition.





The listing will give you contact information for the recruiting firm, including email address and website (when available). It will also let you know which type of recruiting firm it is (contingency or retained) — and whether there is a salary minimum for candidates they work with. Many search firms will also provide a description or summary of their services or specialties, including job functions and industries they serve. Some search firms will also describe the type of services they offer in addition to recruiting — including career management, management consulting, outplacement, and/or temporary and contract staffing.

Kennedy Information also offers its “Select Recruiters” service, which allows jobseekers to customize a search to target recruiters. It is available in one-month, three-month, and one-year subscriptions. 

You can use the “Select Recruiters” service to create reports and spreadsheets to create email and snail mail (print) merges.

Use Your Resume to Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Click Here to Learn More About Leveraging LinkedIn For Your Job Search

Your LinkedIn profile should align with your resume, although the two should not be exactly the same. The work history listed in your profile should definitely match up with your resume — this is an easy check for prospective employers to make. However, your profile should complement — not duplicate — your resume.

The most important pieces of your LinkedIn profile are your profile Headline and your LinkedIn Summary. These two things are the first items a prospective employer will review. While the resume uses third-person language, your LinkedIn Summary should be a first-person narrative that appeals to a prospective employer’s needs by identifying what makes you a good candidate.

You should also use the same accomplishments that are on your resume in your LinkedIn profile, although you can elaborate on them a bit more in the Experience section. If you’ve prepared Challenge-Action-Result (CAR) statements for interviews, you may want to integrate these your LinkedIn profile in the Experience section.

Finally, make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete. Post your photo, fill out all of the sections (including current and former positions and your education), populate the Skills & Expertise section, and request (and offer) Recommendations. LinkedIn profiles that are “complete” receive 40% more opportunities than incomplete profiles.

Personal Reflection Exercise: Face-to-Face Networking

I enjoy networking face-to-face.

Networking face-to-face is an activity I enjoy. I look forward to personal meetings where I can look into the eyes of those with whom I communicate. Making eye contact with the person with whom I am speaking is exciting for me.

There is an intangible human element of connection that can only be felt when in the presence of others. I enjoy meeting new people and listening to their stories. When I meet people in person, I find that I we have more in common than I imagined.

I am better able to understand what someone is saying when we are face-to-face. Body language and gestures speak volumes to me. Likewise, I can communicate more easily to them when we are in person.

I release myself from anxiety of being in front of people because I am fully worthy of enjoying personal interactions. I am just as intelligent and capable as those with whom I interact. The people with whom I network respect my ideas.

Speaking to others over the phone or through Internet messages is superficial and prevents me from getting to know the real person behind the voice. Live meetings allow me to get to know a person better and truly feel their passion.

I enjoy networking because it eliminates questions or doubts about tone of voice, humor, and attitudes that are often misinterpreted when communicating through print. I feel that I am better understood when I communicate face-to-face with others.

Today, I choose to set up an in-person meeting with members of my network. I rise above the comfort of technology to add a human element to our communication.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What keeps me from networking face-to-face?
2. Whom could I set up a meeting with today?
3. Why should I feel more comfortable in face-to-face meetings?

Who Should You Give Your Resume To?

Who Should You Give Your Resume To?

• Personal Contacts: friends, relatives/cousins, neighbors, parents of your children’s friends, parents of your friends, relatives of your friends, everyone on your Christmas card list 

• Community Contacts: civic and political leaders, clergy, chamber of commerce members, librarians 

• Club Members: social club, country club, swim club, health club, town club, other fans of your favorite sports team, collecting club, sports club, professional associations, trade association members, job search club members, sorority/fraternity contacts 

• Professional Contacts: your accountant, physician, real estate agent, financial advisor, attorney, banker, dentist, insurance agent, travel agent, mortgage broker 

• Work Contacts: current and previous co-workers and managers, employees of competitor companies, customers, vendors, suppliers, salespeople, former co-workers or other contacts in your industry who are retired, venture capitalists 

• Educational contacts: people you meet at conferences, conventions, seminars, and workshops, current and former classmates (elementary, middle, high school, college, graduate school), PTA members, former professors, college career center staff, alumni association contacts, coaches, school advisors, adult education course teachers

Need a professionally written resume? Visit NeedaResumeWriter.com.

Finding a Job Is A Lot Like Dating

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Finding a job is a lot like dating — it’s about finding a match between two parties (you and the company). It’s not just about money — although that is important. It’s also about helping the company meet a need that it has.

Companies hire because of their needs. This is true for all jobs — from an entry-level administrative position to the CEO’s job.

Understand the emotional motivation behind the job opening. What problem is the company trying to solve? Solving the problem can be about saving time, or building customer relationships. Positioning yourself to solve a problem.

You must find a way to stand out in a crowded job search. If you’re not known for something, you won’t be known for anything. One size does not fit all. 

The question you want to answer for the employer is, “Why should you hire me?” When employers are hiring, they really want to know: “Why should I choose you instead of someone else?” Positioning is an important part of answering this question. You can’t be all things to all employers, so you need to figure out what sets you apart.

Personal positioning is unique to you. Figure out what makes you different. Consistency in this messaging will help you throughout the job search and interview process.

You may have heard that you need to “brand yourself” in order to be successful in your career. While “branding” (which is defined as “to make an indelible mark or impression on somebody or something”) is a valuable strategy, you may be more comfortable with the idea of simply positioning yourself to be successful in your job search and career.

Many jobseekers don’t realize they have already positioned themselves — they just haven’t articulated it yet. Maybe you’re known as “the sales manager that makes quota, no matter what’s going on in the economy,” or “the engineer that can speak in language the customer understands.” That’s your positioning.

To cultivate the positioning that will help you reach your career goals, you must understand and be able to communicate what makes you exceptional and compelling.

You need to express: “I am this.” Someone who is reading your résumé or LinkedIn profile should be able to recognize you in it.

The most difficult part about positioning is sounding original. Be specific about what distinguishes you. Your positioning is not your job title. Also, if your position could be said about almost anyone with your same job title, it needs work.

It’s important for a jobseeker to stand out from the pool of applicants in order to receive serious consideration as a candidate. Personal positioning allows you to establish a clear message of who you are, the experience you have, and how you can be an asset to the employer.

Make sure your personal positioning aligns with your target company’s wants, needs, and/or values. Remember: Employers hire for their reasons, not yours!

Get Your Resume In the Hands of a Recruiter

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Working with a recruiter may be one strategy you consider in your job search. You may be approached by a recruiter (sometimes called a “headhunter”), or you may wish to make contact yourself. While you may find your next job through a recruiter, it’s important to understand that recruiters aren’t in the business of finding jobs for jobseekers — instead, they are in the business of making a match between what their client (the employer) needs, and the candidate (jobseeker) they want to place in a job opening.

Jobseekers do not pay fees to search firms. Recruiters are paid by the companies who hire them to fill a position. Because search firms don’t work for you (the jobseeker), don’t expect them to be overly responsive when you contact them. If you are a fit for a current or future opening, they may add you to their database of candidates. You will hear back from them if they have a position that fits your qualifications, or to ask you to recommend other people who might be interested in the job. Otherwise, you probably won’t hear from them at all.

There are different types of recruiters, and it’s important to understand the differences.

• Internal Recruiters / In-House Recruiters / Corporate Recruiters. These individuals work for the employer and are usually a part of the human resources staff. They only facilitate placements of candidates within their organization. (They don’t place candidates for positions outside of their employer.) 

• Contingency Recruiter. This recruiter is only paid if the candidate they want to place is hired by the client organization (thus the use of the word “contingent” in the title). They are paid on commission for job placements. If their candidate isn’t hired, they don’t get paid. Contingency recruiters most often work for employment agencies and staffing firms. 

• Retained Recruiter. These individuals are paid by the client company regardless of whether or not their candidate is hired. These recruiters are most likely to help place candidates in six-figure jobs, and may handle extremely sensitive (confidential) placements, like for large public companies as well as high-profile university or sporting organization positions. 

Approximately two-thirds of all recruiters are contingency recruiters, while the remaining one-third are retained recruiters. Retained firms are hired by a client company for a specific assignment for a specific amount of time — typically, 90 to 120 days. Usually, only one search firm is hired by the client company for a job opening. Retained recruiters are more often used to fill high-level positions (salaries of $100,000 and above). The search firm will assemble a short list of candidates that will be presented to the client company.

Contingency firms are typically used for positions in the $40,000 to $100,000 range. Because contingency recruiters are paid only when their candidate is selected (and hired!), they are competing with other recruiters to provide candidates for each assignment. Keep in mind that you might be one of several candidates being presented by your recruiter to the client company. Remember that if you are trying to keep your job search quiet, you may not want your résumé widely distributed by the recruiting firm — something that may happen if you work with contingency recruiters. Be sure to talk with your recruiter about this. You can work with more than one recruiter at a time — however, be sure to let the recruiters know you are working with other recruiters so they don’t present you for the same position. This can result in a situation where you are not considered at all for the opening, because the client company doesn’t want to get in the middle of a fight between recruiters about who deserves the commission.

Remember: the recruiter is paid by the employer, not the jobseeker. This means that the recruiter is looking for the best fit between the client’s needs and the jobseeker’s qualifications. Recruiters will not place candidates looking to make a career change. Instead, the recruiter is usually working from a list of requirements: years of experience in the position/field, certifications, special skills, competency in specific areas (i.e., computer applications), fluency in a specific language, degrees or specific training, etc. If you’re not a match, you won’t be recommended to the prospective employer.

When making contact with a recruiter about an advertised opportunity, make sure you meet at least 90% of the requirements listed for the position. Otherwise, you’re wasting your time — and the recruiter’s time — because “the match” is critical. If you don’t meet the criteria, you won’t make the cut. Recruiters — especially contingency recruiters — only present candidates who are “hire-able,” because they won’t get paid if they don’t make the placement.

Research to Prepare For the Interview

The goal of the resume is to get you a job interview. Once you secure an interview, researching and preparing for the interview is important. Like studying for a test, some of the information you can prepare ahead of time — and some of it is important to review just to be better prepared in general. Believe it or not, many job candidates don’t prepare for job interviews. Spending just 30-60 minutes (at a minimum) can improve your chances of securing a job offer.

Research on the company can be vital information that you can use to your advantage in the interview. It will also shape your ability to answer the interviewer’s questions, and can give you a strategic advantage when it comes to salary negotiation.

Think about a job interview from the employer’s perspective. They are looking for the best fit — skills, experience, education — and, most importantly, fit with the company’s culture. Focusing on the needs and preferences of the company can help you identify which aspects of your work history and background will best serve your future employer.

Like Zig Ziglar said, “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”

By understanding a company’s needs, you can identify how you can help them in the job you’re seeking — and demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the position.

If it’s a sales job, you’ll want to show them how you can:

• Increase sales, revenue, and profits 
• Secure new business while retaining existing customers 

If you’re applying for an information technology position, you’ll want to demonstrate your:

• Ability to solve problems 
• Skill in helping the company save money on their technology needs 

In her book “Resume Magic,” author Susan Britton Whitcomb suggests jobseekers target what she calls “employer buying motivators.” These include the company’s desire to:

• Make money 
• Save money 
• Save time 
• Make work easier 
• Solve a specific problem 
• Be more competitive 
• Build relationships / an image 
• Expand business 
• Attract new customers 
• Retain existing customers 

Keep these in mind as you prepare for the interview.

Research Targeted Employers

Now that you've brainstormed your dream employer and clarified your ideal job, now it's time to identify possible employers. How can you research these companies? 

The simplest way to start your research is on a search engine, like Google or Bing. Google the company. Visit their website, but also look for news releases they’ve published (these can spotlight new products and services that might lead to new job opportunities in the near future), and links to trade industries and other sources that can give you additional insight into the company from third parties. Publicly-traded companies also must file all kinds of disclosure documents. You can search the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s EDGAR database for some of these documents:

http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/webusers.htm




Glassdoor is another excellent resource for “insider” company research. You can learn about the company from current and former employees.

In the green bar at the top of the home page of the site, select “Companies” from the drop-down menu to locate information on a specific employer. (Membership in Glassdoor is free, as long as you contribution information to their database.)

Other ideas: 

Find trade groups and associations within an industry, and look for participating companies. Then, check out the directory of members to identify possible employers. How can you find these groups? You can conduct a Google search, check on LinkedIn for people in similar industries and see what Groups they belong to, or use the ASAE’s free online search directory (http://www.asaecenter.org/Community/Directories/associationsearch.cfm). You can also purchase a book like “WEDDLE’s Guide to Association Web Sites” ($49.95) available online from WEDDLE’s bookstore. (Now in its fourth edition, the reference guide lists web sites for more than 3,000 associations, including whether the site offers a job board, résumé database, discussion forum, and/or bulletin board).

Search the Yellow Pages (or the online equivalent) and make a list of potential employers to research further. If you can identify the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code or North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for an industry, you can search for companies within that classification that meet your criteria. (SIC and NAICS codes are assigned by the U.S. government to identify the primary business of the company, and these classifications cover all types of economic activities, including agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, mining, construction, manufacturing, transportation, communications, utility, trade, finance, insurance, real estate, personal and business services, repair, recreation, and public administration.) You can use the U.S. Census Bureau’s website to research and look up SIC and NAICS codes: http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/)

Research possible employers using mailing list/database companies. Running a search on companies using a site like InfoUSA (http://www.infousa.com/) can not only help you generate a target list of employers, but you can also purchase the data in the form of a mailing list or email list, which you can then use to make contact for unadvertised opportunities.

Four Things You Must Do On LinkedIn

To get the most out of your LinkedIn profile, make sure you do these four things:

• Complete Your Profile. Your profile is the “front door” to your LinkedIn account. First impressions matter — so make sure you’ve made your profile as complete as possible. As an added benefit, your LinkedIn profile generally ranks high in Google search results for your name, so make sure your profile is up-to-date, accurate, and complete. 

POWER TIP: Your LinkedIn profile should complement — not duplicate — your résumé. Be especially careful to ensure the two are in sync, as prospective employers are likely to Google you and will compare the two.

• Grow Your Connections. There are two schools of thought when it comes to LinkedIn connections. You can choose to connect selectively, accepting invitations only from those you know and trust, or you can use LinkedIn to grow the network of people you know. You can connect with people you meet through Groups and get introduced to people you don’t yet know offline. 

POWER TIP: The power of networking lies in “friends of friends,” so the larger your network, the easier it will be to connect with someone you don’t know (yet). Remember the principal of “six degrees of separation.”

• Give To Get. Authentic, genuine Recommendations can make or break a LinkedIn profile (just like references can for a job candidate). Instead of sending out those presumptuous LinkedIn “Can You Endorse Me?” emails, select a handful of people in your network and write Recommendations for them, without asking for one in return. You will be surprised at how many people will reciprocate. 

POWER TIP: Make sure your Recommendations are specific and detailed. When reading the Recommendation, you should be able to tell exactly who it was written about. Quantify accomplishments (with percentages, numbers, and dollar amounts) as much as possible.

• Get Involved. Join some LinkedIn Groups. Groups are the “water cooler” of the social site. You can find Groups for school and university alumni, your former and current employers, trade groups, industry associations, and more. 

POWER TIP: One way to establish yourself as an expert on LinkedIn is to start your own Group. For example, you might consider starting an online job club centered around your industry or geographic proximity.

Want to learn more about Leveraging LinkedIn For Your Job Search? 

Excel in Your Performance Review

Do you feel nervous before your annual employee performance review? If the mere thought of this meeting makes your palms sweaty, relax! Here are some tips to help you prepare for this important annual meeting!

• Understand how your job fits into the big picture. Show your supervisor that you understand the goals of the company and how your job promotes those goals. Make yourself a valuable asset by working cohesively with your colleagues to increase productivity and profits.

• Seek regular feedback. Avoid letting feedback get saved up for once a year. If your supervisor doesn't share his views very often, ask if he is satisfied with the way you're doing key tasks. Implement any suggestions that you receive to show that you're eager to improve.

• Encourage two-way conversation. Listen actively to what your supervisor says. Ask for clarification if you have any questions. Accept constructive criticism gracefully.

• Take initiative. Identify needs and approach your supervisor with alternative solutions to choose from. Impress your supervisor with your willingness to go the extra mile. Look for opportunities to get additional training and broaden your skills.

• Be friendly and supportive. You may not choose to socialize with your supervisor outside of work, but it's important to maintain a friendly and supportive atmosphere on the job. Having a cordial relationship will help make your performance review and all your communications run more smoothly.

• Prepare for the meeting. Bring written notes and documentation with you. Having written materials will help you look and feel more organized. You'll also be less likely to forget any important topics you want to bring up. Outline your accomplishments from the past year. Prepare responses for any criticism that you can anticipate and share discussion points for outlining your future goals.

• Stay calm. Even if the review turns negative, try to keep your composure. If you feel overwhelmed, let your supervisor know that you'll reflect on the information you've been given instead of making any hasty remarks that you might regret.

• Evaluate the criticism you receive. Welcome constructive criticism that can help further your career and make you a better employee. If you receive negative comments that you don't believe are justified, talk them over with a trusted friend or family member. They may help you to be more open-minded. (Remember that supervisors are human so they sometimes mix their personal preferences in with more valid observations.)

• Focus on the future. Annual performance appraisals review the past year, but you also need to consider the coming years. Ensure you come out of your session with measurable and specific goals that you can focus on for improvement. Develop a timeline that will enable you to monitor your progress. You'll achieve more and be all set to ace your next performance appraisal too.

Performance reviews are often tense, and the current economic downturn increases the pressure on many companies. With the right preparation, you can improve the process for yourself!

Dress For Success To Get the Job

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The resume will get you the interview ... but how the interview goes will determine if you get the job. One important component of interview success is how you dress. The way you present yourself to a prospective employer when you meet them can have a significant impact on whether you get a job offer.

Yes, a firm handshake is necessary, but it's only a start. You must also dress the part of the professional you are.

Follow these steps to dress for the interview:

• Modesty is the key. While it may be okay to wear a low cut V-neck to a night out on the town, it's far from appropriate attire for the office. Practice modesty. You'll impress your potential employer and ensure that they feel comfortable interviewing you.
• Refrain from wearing anything that is too low cut or too tight. Your shirt should show very little to no cleavage, and your skirt should hit your knee. It's okay to wear a skirt without stockings, but it's wise to cover up.
• When in doubt, overdress. If your future coworkers wear casual attire, that's their choice. However, it's likely holding them back from advancing further or receiving promotions. Stand out in a good way by overdressing for the job. If possible, take note of what management wears and try to style your clothing according to their formality. 
• If you look assertive and professional, you'll be treated as such. If your attire is on par with that of the higher-ups in the company, they're more likely to think highly of you. In turn, you'll be in a favorable position for a promotion. (Of course, a professional is only part of the equation. Ensure that both the quality of your work and your appearance are excellent in order to fast track your career.)
• Wear the right shoes. Women are generally encouraged to wear heels to work. However, appropriate heels for work are different than ones you'd wear to a night on the town. (Heels that are 2.5" to 3.5" are considered appropriate. If you're in a creative environment, you can likely go as high as 4". But, avoid shoes that go over the 5" mark in all office environments. Solid colors are standard. Avoid patterned, glittery shoes with all of the bells and whistles. As with any other attire, conservative is best.
• Proper grooming. When entering a professional workplace, you must look like a professional. Therefore, your hair should be styled appropriately, your fingernails should be clean and well groomed, and body odor should be under control. Men: Get a haircut regularly and comb your hair every morning before work. Shave your face and ensure that your fingernails are clean. Ladies: Consider blowing your hair straight and curling it with an iron or donning a chic up-do, like a chignon. And of course, where makeup is concerned, less is more. 

If you want to be taken seriously in the interview, your attire must complement your resume and career communication materials. When in doubt, overdress and dress conservatively.

Want Your Dream Job? Know What You Want!

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If you want your ideal job, clarify what is the position you’d most like to have. Answer these questions:

• What are possible job titles for the type of position I want? (The same position might have different names at different companies; the more job titles you can identify for the type of work you want to do, the easier it will be for you to research your dream opportunity.) 
• What is a typical day like in your ideal position? Would it involve meetings? Would you be working independently on projects, as part of a team, or both? Would they be short-term projects, or long-term projects? 
• What type of reporting structure would you prefer? Who would you report to? Who would report to you? 
• How much would you be making in this position? Compensation can be an important consideration. Don’t just identify a target salary — remember that benefits and other non-cash compensation are part of the total package.

Discover the Career of Your Dreams

Do you work in a job that doesn't satisfy you? It's easy to feel stuck because your job is providing you with security. It's a scary thing to leave that security for the pursuit of your passion!

At the same time, there are steps you can take today to build the career you truly desire. Your passion for your new career can catapult you to success and unlock your dreams.

Confucius said, "Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." Heed his advice and you'll be glad you left your old job behind!

Here are some strategies that can help you transition to your dream career:

• Get focused. It's important to have a plan in place. Write down the specific job you'd like to have and the steps you need to take in order to get there.

• Assign a timeline. Be sure to give yourself a realistic timeline. As much as you'd like to start your dream job right away, you don't want to risk stressing yourself out about it.

• Consider the financial cost. If your dream career involves owning your own business, it's important to figure out how much this is going to cost you. Research your options, such as how you can save up the money or obtain a small business loan. 

• Seek advice. Look to people who already have your dream career and discuss your options with them. If this isn't feasible, find websites or message boards online that pertain to the field. 

Time Management
Your current job probably already takes up a great deal of your time, so it's important to manage your time well if you're going to launch a new career. Set aside an hour or two each day to work toward your dream career.

Case Studies
Here are some examples of how others have been able to transition to their dream career. It's refreshing to see how, with some smart action, you too can reach your career goals.

Harry's story:
Harry is a businessman worked a 9-5 job, Monday through Friday. At night and sometimes on weekends, he learned about online business and outsourcing. He saved up money and soon launched his very own online business, having learned the ropes while he was saving up the money. Eventually his online income reached a level where he could leave his 9-5 job and work full time for his new business.

Betty's story:
Betty is a stay-at-home mom, and cares for her children all day. She decided she wanted to make and sell crafts. So she started making the craft items she enjoyed when the children were quiet or asleep. Then she learned how to use websites like eBay and Etsy to market and sell her crafts. Now she enjoys relaxing while she makes her crafts and earns a solid income stream by selling them online.

The common element in these two examples is the fact that these people were willing to work and do whatever it takes to find their vision of success. It's easy to say that most people who start their own business fail, however, just like everything in life, if you keep getting up and trying, you'll eventually reach your goals!

Plan your transition, work your plan, and soon you'll discover that you've acquired the career of your dreams!

Getting Tricked is No Treat in Your Job Search

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Taking advantage of jobseekers -- especially unemployed jobseekers -- is a low blow. Like stealing candy from a baby. On Halloween. But it is happening with increasing frequency, and jobseekers need to be aware of common scams that target those looking for new jobs.

Want to Work From Home? If you've ever thought of working from home, you've probably seen one of these "pay to play" schemes. The premise is great: Earn hundreds or thousands of dollars each week from the comfort of your own kitchen table. But this is a "pay to play" scheme. You're asked to buy a special "kit" that outlines how to make money (sometimes, all you get in return for your $40 investment is a letter telling you how to place ads just like the one you responded to, recruiting other unsuspecting buyers to purchase the "system"). Or you might receive supplies to assemble a product that you assemble and sell back to the company. Sounds great, but the product has to meet the company's "specifications" -- which your submissions rarely (if ever!) do. Other "pay to play" tricks require you to pay a subscription fee to access a website where work-at-home job opportunities may be posted. (If you are looking for legitimate work-at-home opportunities, check out these resources.)

Love to Shop? Mystery shopper opportunities are touted as a great way to earn extra income. While there are legitimate mystery shopper opportunities available, they are a lot harder to come by than simply responding to a Craigslist advertisement. When an unsuspecting aspiring mystery shopper responds to the Craigslist ad, the "company" sends him or her a check to cover "expenses" and asks the person to "mystery shop" a wire transfer service. The individual deposits the check into his or her bank account and wires a portion of the amount to a specified contact, keeping the balance as their "mystery shopping fee." In this mystery shopper scam, you're notified a few days later by your bank that the check you deposited was fraudulent or has bounced. You're then liable for covering the full amount of the deposit (and the money you wired is long gone), plus you'll owe bank fees. This "trick" also is used to "mystery shop" products. In the "product purchase scam," you're wired money and asked to deposit it in your account and turn right around and purchase a product online -- from a eBay, Amazon, or a retail company's website -- and then ship it to a designated contact. The scam is the same -- the wired amount bounces and the product has been shipped elsewhere, so you can't return it and get your money back.

Shipping and Receiving. Related to the product purchase scam. Only, in this case, you're the person receiving the purchased products from the individual in the product purchase scam. You don't know that the products you received were the result of a scam. You're recruited to receive products, check for damage, and ship the purchase to a third party. These are often advertised as "quality assurance" positions but really you're helping "launder" the products for the recipient, by putting more people in between the original purchase and the final recipient. But you may find yourself scammed as well, because the payment you receive (often in the form of a fake cashier's check) will bounce when you deposit it too. And once again, the product will be long gone. (Plus, the victim in the "product purchase scam" may have reported you and your address to the authorities and you may be investigated for receipt of "stolen" property since the original victim didn't receive valid payment for the products they were instructed to ship to you. It can be a real mess.) Or, if you're not part of the "product purchase scam," you may be a "reshipper" -- receiving merchandise that is purchased using stolen credit cards (you don't know this, of course).

Work on Commission. If you have sales-related keywords in your resume, you may find yourself receiving "job offers" to work on commission. While some of these might be legitimate, many of them are not. Be wary of commission-only job offers. And NEVER, NEVER pay a fee to apply for a position. Conduct a Google search on the company and/or job title to check the legitimacy of the position being offered.

Help Accessing the "Hidden Job Market." You can hire resume writers and career coaches to help you find a position -- but be aware that not all job agents are legitimate. There is an entire industry of scam artists that prey on the insecurities of the unemployed -- especially high-level professionals, managers, and executives -- and their need to find new jobs. Some of these firms represent themselves as employment agencies or recruiters, but they charge thousands of dollars ($5,000 to $12,000 on average) for help accessing the "hidden job market." Some of these firms even represent themselves as recruiters or hiring managers, inviting you to come for an "interview" that turns into a sales pitch. Indications that it's a scam are when you're asked to provide detailed financial information as part of the application process, you're asked to "qualify" to become a client of the firm, or your spouse is asked to meet with the recruiter. These companies often attract unsuspecting victims by placing ads disguised as job postings. This "Ask the Headhunter" article for more details on this scam.

Getting tricked is no treat when you're looking for a new job. Here are some tips to help you keep from falling for job search scams:

• You should not have to pay to apply for a position (with the exception that companies can require you to pay a small fee for them to purchase a background check before hiring).

• Do not disclose any personal or sensitive information in job applications, including your social security number or banking or financial information. You will likely need to provide your social security information to a legitimate employer, but only after you've been offered the job.

• The pay seems too good to be true. Entry-level work-at-home positions in particular, pay close to minimum wage -- not $30 per hour or $1000 a week. If it seems like you're getting paid a lot to do very little, be careful!

• Never, never receive a payment and then send part (or all) of it to another company without allowing it to fully clear your bank. This can take several weeks. Some forged cashier's checks or money orders are very realistic looking, and can even fool bank employees. If you receive money and are asked to send payment, wait until the check has FULLY cleared (this can take 3-4 weeks). If the person who sent it to you is impatient, ask yourself why that is! (Scam! Fraud!)

• If it's too easy to get the job, it's probably not legitimate. Watch out for employers who don't carefully check credentials. Legitimate employers will ask about your skills, experience, education, and other factors. Scammers don't spend the same amount of time vetting employees.

• If it's hard to get ahold of someone at the company, watch out! If the company appears to be new, check credentials carefully. Google the company. If the company's address, phone number, and website appear to be focused on recruiting employees -- not customers -- run! Also be on the lookout for a company that has a name similar to -- but not exactly the same -- as a well-known, legitimate company.

Jobseekers -- don't be tricked while you search for your next job opportunity!

What other scams do you know of that target jobseekers? Post your comments below!

And check out these Halloween-themed posts:
Stop Scaring the Gatekeepers
What Do You Fear Most About Your Career Change?

Want Your Dream Job? Identify Your Dream Employer

If you don’t already have a list of your “dream employers,” you can compile one by asking yourself the following questions:

• What industry is my target employer in? 
• What kind of company do I want to work for? (public, private, nonprofit? Startup or well-established company?) 
• Do I want to work for a small company, a larger employer — or somewhere in between? (Identify size by number of employees – 1 to 20, 21 to 50, 51-100, more than 100, more than 500?) 
• Ownership structure: Do I want to work for a family-owned company? A sole proprietorship? A multinational company with an international parent company? A franchise? A company with a centralized ownership group? A corporate entity? 
• Where do I want to work (geographic preferences — like a particular city or state, or even companies within a certain proximity to your home). Do I want to work for a company that offers telecommuting, so it doesn’t matter where I live in relation to where the company is located? 
• What about company culture? (An organization’s culture is defined as “widely shared values that provide unity and cooperation to achieve common goals.”) What is important to me in terms of the company’s mission, commitment to employees, sense of fun, emphasis on learning, leadership style, systems and processes, recruiting/hiring methodology, etc.

Don't Let Your Resume Go To Waste

Where most jobseekers fall short in maximizing their resume is that they simply use the resume to apply for positions they see advertised — on job boards and company websites, in newspapers and trade journals, and through recommendations from friends.

When applying for positions, don’t just send in your resume and hope for a callback. Instead, maximize your chances of securing an interview by making a personal contact within the company. You can use online networking sites like LinkedIn, BranchOut, and Glassdoor to identify possible contacts. You may find that you already know someone who works for the employer (or you know someone who knows someone), or you can identify a hiring manager by name by researching the company. (Start with a simple Google search, and check out the company’s website.)

Don’t stop with simply applying for jobs you see advertised. You can also use the resume to apply for unadvertised positions. This involves researching companies you’d like to work for, finding a contact at the company (again, using LinkedIn, BranchOut, and Glassdoor), and sending your resume with an introductory letter outlining why you’d like to work for the company. When you have a clear picture of the type of position you want — and the company you’d like to work for — it gives you a real direction for your job search. You know who to target and where to apply, and if you’re approaching a company that isn’t currently advertising an opening, you’re also not competing with dozens — or hundreds, or thousands — of other jobseekers.

Personal Reflection Exercise: Plant the Seed

I am planting the seeds to a successful career and a stress-free life.

I am planting the seeds to a successful career and a stress-free life by having a clear picture of where I am going and how I plan to get there.

I am aware of the fact that plans change along the way and that growing and developing my inner self may well lead to a shift in my dreams and goals. I am open to this and have let go of the idea that I need to have my entire life chiseled in stone!

I have taken the time to discover my interests and skills. I have consulted with those older and wiser than myself who can see what I am naturally equipped to do and be.

I have laid out plans for what I hope to achieve in life and how I plan to get there.

I invest in developing my skills and obtaining the resources that I need to be successful.

I have let go of the idea that having a good life is something that just happens. I know that it requires conscious thought and planning. Anything less wastes time and energy and leaves me wandering in circles.

Because I have allowed myself the time to prepare and am equipping myself with the skills and resources I need to achieve my goals, I can move forward confidently and free of stress.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I have a clear understanding of my skills and interests?
2. Have I taken the time to develop my goals and to plan how to reach them?
3. Am I willing to invest in my own success?

Setting Goals for Your Career

Setting goals for yourself is important, especially when it comes to your career. To achieve maximum success, you should ensure that your goals are realistic and achievable.

Read on for real life success stories and some easy-to-follow steps that could help you get on the fast track in your career.

What Are Your Goals?
To set attainable career goals, ask yourself the following questions:

• In 5 years time, I want to be…
• I want to be earning…
• What skills will I need to do this?
• Will I need to change my career to achieve this?

By asking yourself the simple questions above, you'll begin to get a clearer idea of what you want from your career and what you'll need to do to achieve it.

What Are Your Strengths And Skills?
Sarah's story...

Sarah was a receptionist at a shipping firm, but she wanted to be the executive assistant (EA) to the company CEO one day. Sarah knew that she had the key strengths required to be an EA, but she wasn't sure how to land her dream role.

She began helping the other EAs with some minor administrative tasks, but her extra work was going unnoticed.

Sarah decided to take action to make sure her work was no longer ignored and told her manager about her goal. She also asked if there were any in-house training programs she could take to improve her current skills.

The manager put Sarah into a training program, and in just three months she became the executive assistant to a director in the company. She's still got a little way to go to achieve her main aim, but she's taken the first steps to getting there.

The lesson…

Determine your key strengths and make a list. Your strengths don't necessarily need to be work related, just include all of your strong points. You never know which strengths will fit into which position.

Once you know your skills, you'll know what you're capable of achieving. Then take action to make the most of your strengths!

Changing Careers With Your Current Skills
Bill's story…

Bill had been an account manager for almost 7 years but he needed a change. He liked his company and got along well with his colleagues, but he wanted a more challenging role.

In reflection, Bill decided that he wanted to continue using his management skills and build upon them, but it was unlikely that this was going to happen at his current job, so he decided to change his career.

He now works as a sales manager for a much larger corporation. His new target-based role gives him the challenge he was looking for.

The lesson…

In order to successfully change careers to capitalize on your skill set, start by looking at your current role and think about what you'd most like to change. This will give you a great idea of what you don't want to do in your next job so you can find an opportunity more suited to your desires.

Obtaining New Skills To Go For Your Dreams
Jan's story...

Jan had no higher education and worked full-time in a clothing store. She had been working at the store since high school, but always wanted a career in fashion. She loved clothes, but just didn't want to sell them.

Jan knew that she had a very small chance of landing a job in the fashion industry with her current skills and experience, so she decided to pursue additional training. She was able to keep her current job part-time, which now supports her fashion and design training.

The lesson…

When deciding on a new career, be realistic. For example, if you want to be a teacher, yet you have no teaching credentials, it's going to be tough to make that transition without further training. Think about what you want, but also determine what you must do to make it achievable.

These stories exemplify how you can successfully reach for your career goals, regardless of your current situation. The key is to decide what you really want and then take appropriate action to make it happen. When you do these things, success will be yours!

Lost Your Job? Here's What To Do

Because of the economy -- not because of any fault of their own -- many people are landing in the unemployment line. If you've lost your job, you may be happy to discover that there are specific actions you can take to cope with this challenge and get back on your feet.

Keep in mind that, while it's certainly distressing to lose your job, it has the potential to bring you an exciting new beginning. The right attitude can help you immensely in seeing this hardship through!

Here are some things you can do to minimize the damage and come out on top:

• Openly discuss your job loss with your spouse. Since this affects both of you, be sure to make plans together and agree on implementing changes in your spending habits to lessen the impact.

• Evaluate where you stand financially. Determine how much savings you can rely on and what bills are coming due around the corner. Draw up a short-term financial plan to follow while you figure things out. And don't wait to start your job search. 

• Check with your previous employer. Even though your job has ended, the final details are important to your financial future. Be sure you understand your insurance options, such as COBRA, so that you and your family can remain covered without any lapses during your search for a new job. Ask if you can receive a severance package. If one is available, find out every detail, such as beginning and ending dates for each of the benefits. Account for every dollar closely.

• Apply for unemployment benefits from your state. Most states offer online applications to help expedite the process and get you enrolled quickly. Unemployment benefits can bring in some much-needed income while you're job hunting.

• Update your resume. If you don't have a resume -- or you need help updating it, reach out to a professional resume writer. A resume writer can also help you strategize how to talk about your job loss in an interview.

• Develop an unflagging optimism about this opportunity you've been given. Yes, this is a very difficult time, and it would be easy to be discouraged and down. But your attitude is important in the job search. Offer positive, affirming thoughts to yourself and your family to keep everyone's spirit high. Positive thinking can make a huge difference on how quickly you find the right job. Enthusiasm will impress prospective employers much more than if you sink into a negative outlook and carry it with you (even unintentionally) during interviews.

• Talk about your unemployment with your kids, too. Your children should know that times are a little tougher and that you need to cut back on spending. Reassure them that things will be okay and use age-appropriate information so as not to stress or scare them.

• Consider all options. Many times in life, what initially appears to be negative ends up being a blessing in disguise, and losing your job is no exception. Perhaps you weren't completely happy with your job, but were hesitant to leave it. Now that the decision has been made for you, you finally have the opportunity to try out a new profession or company. The possibilities are endless. You can even use a layoff as an opportunity to explore a new area of the country, travel the world for a new job, or work online. (But again, don't put off your job search in the meantime!)

You can find success in the face of adversity. As long as you think positively and work hard, don't be surprised if you come out of this entire experience better off than you were before!

Four Things To Set You Apart In Your Job Search

Unfortunately, with the current state of the economy, many people find themselves looking for a job. If that includes you, it's important that you stand out from the crowd. You have to prove to your prospective employer that hiring you would be adding an asset to their company.

These suggestions may make finding that job just a bit easier:

• Social networking. Social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter can all help you with your job search. Many people use these sites to chat with long lost friends or find old loves, but they are also great places to find employment as well by making connections. It won't help overnight, but work to build relationships and let your network know you're looking for work.

• Offer your services for free. Okay, I know what you're thinking: why should you work for free when you don't have a job? Aren't you supposed to be making money with your skills and talents? Yes, but offering your services for free for can actually work in your favor and set you apart from your competition. Are you a talented childcare professional looking to get your foot in the door of a local child care center? Or an awesome chef who would love to work in a new restaurant in town? Offer to work for them for a week for free. If you're pleased with your work, you may be hired on permanently. The most important thing is to remember that you have to be a top-notch volunteer for that entire week. You want them to discover what an asset you would be as a paid employee.

• Write to prospective employers. Compose a letter to businesses that you're seriously interested in. In the letter, highlight how you'll boost business for the company and discuss what you would bring to the table. Focus on the value you can bring to their company -- helping them make money, save money, save time, or solve a specific problem. You're not begging for a job. Lay out your case. Make sure the letter is professional, grammatically correct, and confident.

• Do it the old fashioned way. In this generation of emails and online applicant tracking systems, your resume can easily get lost in the shuffle. Something to consider is to dress professionally and hit the pavement. Introduce yourself, shake hands, and hand them a well-prepared resume package. Building relationships with someone is an important part in standing above the crowd. It also allows a manager to put a face to a resume rather than just see a resume come across email. Though it may take a bit of footwork and perseverance, this may be your perfect way to make an impression when applying for a coveted job. (Note: This works better in small companies than in Fortune 100 companies where it would be hard to get past the security guard at the front desk.)

Looking for a job today can be challenging, but thinking a bit differently than other job hunters may be all you need to get that position you've been hoping for. Stand out from your competition with these great tips, and be the one who lands the job!