Article Category : Job Seekers

While identity theft is nothing new, the Web has opened up whole new world of opportunity for identity thieves.According to the FBI, identity theft is the top online fraud. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission says that identity theft is it’s number one source of consumer complaints - 42 percent of all complaints, in 2001.

The thief will use your personal information to open credit card accounts, cell phone accounts, open bank accounts in your name and write bad checks-leaving the victim with the bills and ruined credit ratings. Identity thieves may pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers and even government agencies to get you to reveal your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, financial account numbers and identifying information.

In a recent article (http://www.msnbc.com/news/830411.asp), MSNBC reported the case of a man who fell victim to a fraudulent job listing that was posted at Monster.com. According to the article:

“It was just the job lead Jim needed: a marketing manager position with Arthur Gallagher, a leading international insurance broker. And only days after Jim responded to the job posting on Monster.com, a human resources director sent along a promising e-mail. We’re interested in you, the note said. The salary is negotiable, the clients big. In fact, the clients are so valuable and sensitive that you’ll have to submit to a background check as part of the interview process. Eager for work, Jim complied- and sent off just about every key to his digital identity, including his age, height, weight, Social Security number, bank account numbers, even his mother’s maiden name.”

Jim spent the day canceling his credit cards, checking his balances and contacting the credit bureaus, but he’s concerned that his information is now “out there”.

There are warning signs that can tip you off to fraudulent job listings. While these items don’t necessarily mean that the listing is a scam, they are indications that you should do further checking.

–Incorrect grammar and spelling errors

–Phone or fax number area codes don’t match the address given

–Unrealistic salary

Online job databases are not the only places that identity thieves cruise for personal information. In recent indictments across the U.S., individuals have been charged with obtaining and using personal information through various ways. In Miami, two individuals were indicted for illegally tapping the computer networks of restaurants using the cover of a dummy corporation. A clerical worker at the New York State Insurance Fund pilfered office files and used stolen identities (of people across the country as well as fellow office workers) to obtain goods and services. A phlebotomist at Kaiser Permanente admitted to using the personal information of patients and employees in order to open credit card accounts in various names.

Recently, an FTC investigation into a work-at-home scheme spawned an incredible “scam-within-a-scam” when a man pretending to be an FTC employee emailed hundreds of the scam’s victims. He requested personal information stating that it was to be used as evidence in the case.

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the chances of becoming a victim, you can minimize the risk by putting the following to practice:

–If a would-be employer asks you for any personal information you should ask them for their contact information and then separately look up the company’s information and contact them to verify that they actually exist. While it’s not unusual for an employer to ask for certain work-related information (like your work history and former employers), it is not appropriate for them to ask for personal information (like a social security number) unless you are actually being hired (and you’ve checked them out to make sure they’re legitimate). Even then, you should never be asked for financial information such as a credit card number.

–On online resumes, never include your social security number and keep even your work history brief.

–Check your credit card statements often. Believe it or not, many people never even check them!

–Be sure to follow up with creditors if your bill doesn’t arrive on time. A missing credit card bill may mean that an identity thief has changed your billing address to cover their tracks.

–Order your credit report from one of the major credit bureaus each year and verify that everything is correct.

What to do if you’ve been a victim of identity theft:

The FTC maintains Consumer Sentinels Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, the nations repository for identity theft complaints. The FTC established the Identity Theft Toll-Free Hotline, 1.877.IDTHEFT (1.877.438.4338) and the ID Theft Website (www.consumer.gov/idtheft) to give identity theft victims a central place to report their problems and receive helpful information.

The Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). You can use their online system to file a complaint.
http://www1.ifccfbi.gov/index.asp

Sharon Davis is the owner of http://www.2Work-At-Home.Com, http://www.WorkAtHomeArticles.net and the Editor of the site’s monthly ezine, America’s Home. In her spare time she reminisces about what it was like to have spare time. To subscribe to her free ezine, click Here: http://www.2work-at-home.com/subscribe.shtml

This article may be reproduced providing it is published in it’s entirety, including the author’s bio. For a text version via autoresponder, send a blank email to mailto:identity@sendfree.com

Is Your Job Search Guided by the Controller or the Controllee?

Article Category : Job Seekers

I’ll define what I mean by these terms. “The Controller” is a job seeker that is ruled by doing everything right. He/she has read all of the appropriate books, done a good job composing a resume, but is still unemployed.”The Controllee” has also read all of the best books about the job search, has a credible resume, but is still without work.

What can each of them do to make their job search campaign: WORK.

The person who is controlling what they think is a good campaign is not stopping to: Polish and have great inter-personal skills; doesn’t send a thank you note and doesn’t ask for the job.

The person who is being controlled

by the process needs to assess their campaign and see what they are leaving out. Is their networking going well, is their sufficient follow-up? Is there room made for the unexpected and spontaneous? (Flaws that the controlling person needs to be aware of too.)

These are my remedies. Plan, plan, plan, follow-up, send out thank you cards, give as much as you take; and look at most rejections with a bag of salt. By all means have some fun with the whole danged search! Flexible people get most jobs.

c, 2004

Marilyn J. Tellez, M.A.
Certified Job & Career Transition Coach
Email: doitnow@nwinfo.net
Web: http://www.doitnowcareers.info

Make em READ Your Cover Letter Using This Killer Secret!

Article Category : Job Seekers

Got your attention? Great. That was my intention. Who wouldn’t want to read on when the title promises a ‘killer secret.’If I hadn’t nabbed you in the first three seconds, however, I’d have lost you. People read and decide just like that. A job interviewer does the same thing. Read and toss.

Read and toss. But that doesn’t have to happen to your cover letter. You can grab and keep his or her attention with a smashing title or headline. This technique is one of the best-kept secrets in the career industry. Most job-hunters focus on their credentials, instead of focusing on the hiring manager they want to meet in person.

Make him or her read your complete cover letter from start to finish without blinking.

How does this little secret separate your cover letter from all the others? Great question! The answer? Most people don’t know about it, so they can’t use it. But now you know, so by putting a powerful headline at the top of your cover letter, it will rise to the top of the pile on the interviewer’s desk. In fact, he or she may stop right there, and ignore the other letters. It can lead to the appointment you’re after and the job you want.

What happens if you skip it? Your cover letter might hit the trash can faster than you’d hear these dreadful words, “thanks, but no thanks.” You can avoid this disaster by creating a hot headline that will assure your cover letter the attention it deserves. If you’re trying to land a job interview, what could be more important than pinning the reader to your every word? He or she will want to shake your hand, discuss the job opening, and possibly make it yours. Anyone with your creativity will be a ‘keeper.’

Convinced? I hope so. Here’s what to do. Just above the greeting in your cover letter (Dear Mrs. Smith), place your ‘killer’ headline in bold-face print and center it on the page. (Two lines maximum).

Here are THREE examples of excellent cover letter headlines:

THE reason why I think I’m the right candidate for the job opening of [insert job opening title here] at [company name].

Why I believe I’m an excellent match for the position of [insert job opening title here] at [company name].

I would love the opportunity to be interviewed for the position of [insert job opening title here] at [company name].

With a headline like one of the above, what do you think the hiring manager will do? He or she will read, decide, and call you for an appointment. Exercise the ‘muscle’ of a strong headline at the beginning of your next job-search cover letter and watch your calendar fill up with interviews for the job that is just right for you.

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the new, “Amazing Cover Letter Creator.” Jimmy has written several career-related books and his unique, “think-outside-the-job-search-box” style, make his articles a job-seeker favorite. Jimmy is regularly published on some of the Internet’s largest career web sites.

Who else wants their phone ringing off the hook with more quality job interviews? Visit Jimmy on the web right now at http://www.Amazing-Cover-Letters.com for your ‘instant’ cover letter today.

Job Search Secret #1

Article Category : Job Seekers

The job search secret that is so powerful it will blow your socks off is simple - if you think you want or need a Career Change all you have to do is understand this Job Search Secret:It’s simple - Change your Thinking.

When you’re looking for the new job or career move it’s easy to think that ‘they’ hold all the cards. But I want you to try and change the way you think about things. This one simple technique is the job search secret that will power you to truly deserved success.

Some examples of how you might change your thinking:

“They don’t hire you for the sake of it; they hire you to help them make a profit!”

“OK you want a job but you’ve got something they want and after all, this is your career we’re talking about.”

So try this:

Instead of thinking they’re in charge, why not try ‘I’m in charge’

Instead of waiting to be chosen, work out what you want and go and present some proposals to companies you choose;

Instead of dreading interviews, think of them as your way of influencing key decision-makers;

Instead of daily scouring the adverts desperately, read them as detailed sources of inside information;

Instead of worrying about vacancies or job openings, think of them as needs waiting to be met or problems without a solution - yet;

Instead of thinking you have to accept their offered terms, know that you can negotiate;

Instead of them getting what they want, you both get what you want.

If you’re now thinking “I can’t do that” then stick with me and I’ll show you you can, all you need to do is visit my website for clear, comprehensive guidance which is totally free.

This is the essence of my job search secret.

Start by valuing yourself, be proud of your achievements and your abilities; then don’t lose any more time - use this career change information to build upon the job search secret and provide the answers. That’s why I’ve written it so I hope you will make good use of it.

With his background of over 25 years running businesses, and as a Career Coach and Consultant in many sectors, Peter Fisher is well placed to guide job seekers through the steps needed in order to achieve that all important new position. He has personally coached thousands of individuals to career success.

He writes a distillation of these years of experience with all the essential facts and actions you must complete in order to achieve your own success. He is very clear that you shouldn’t be misled by others into thinking of “acing interviews” or “finessing” your way into a business; the most sustainable and fulfilling roles are gained through understanding your own specific needs and creating your strategy accordingly.

You can learn more about his dynamic and comprehensive approach to career change, with every page dedicated to helping serious career changers if you go to http://www.your-career-change.com/index.html

Category : Job-Search-secret

Preparation is Key - Careers Employment

Article Category : Job Seekers

Interviewing for a new job, or a promotion, can be a stressful situation. However, Preparation is the KEY! When preparing for that all important interview, take time to reflect upon your career experiences; and look for at least five good examples of your accomplishments and challenges–we will call them “bragging points”.

Make a list of these “bragging points”, and then write a short summary about each situation. Become very familiar with these situations and their details, because they will help you identify certain skill sets (i.e. creativity, leadership, motivation, negotiation, etc.) used in these situations.

The purpose of this exercise is to first help you remember your accomplishments. For example, when your interviewer asks you to tell them something about one of your most recent successes–you will be prepared! Secondly, when your interviewer asks you to discuss a situation where you used leadership–there you go! If you will closely examine each of your “bragging points” you will see that each contains several skill sets.

This type of preparation will take you through just about any type of interview. Regardless of the interview type (i.e. behavioral screening, group, etc.) you will be prepared with quick professional responses, and you will be able to readily identify and present your accomplishments.

Good luck with the interview and remember . . . . PREPARATION IS THE KEY!

Penny Estes

pennyestes@aol.com

Penny Estes is Director of Sales and Marketing for a general contracting company in Memphis, Tennessee. Her primary responsibilities are to create new sales and marketing opportunities. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Eastern College, St. David’s, Pennsylvania. Currently, she is in the process of completing her MBA. Her professional background comprises of extensive experience in executive management, sales and marketing.

Penny has several professional affiliations: AgriCenter Board of Directors, Apartment Association of Greater Memphis Board of Directors, Tip Masters Board of Directors, and active member of Toast Masters International.

On a personal note, Penny and her husband, Tony, were married in Alaska. She has one teenage daughter, Amber, who is aspiring to be an anesthesiologist. Her hobbies include chess, exercise and family activities.

Category : Employment

4 Internet Job Search Mistakes to Avoid

Article Category : Job Seekers

The Internet is the most powerful employment tool on earth. Hands down.With the Web, you can access millions of job openings on thousands of sites. With email, you can quickly contact employers and ask for interviews.

Yet, if used incorrectly, the Internet can actually prevent you from being as productive as possible in your search for work.

How? Why?

Here are four mistakes that commonly befall job seekers using the Internet. Avoid them, and get hired faster.

1) Don’t Email Your Resume Wrong

I’ve written before (http://www.startribune.com/stories/1416/4371900.html) on how to create a text version of your resume for emailing to employers. Because not everybody has Word or WordPerfect, the only way to be sure employers can read your resume is to email them a version in plain old ASCII text.

Make sure the resume you email looks good upon arrival, with no funny line breaks or garbage in the text. How? Use yourself and at least two friends as guinea pigs.

It’s easy. Practice formatting and emailing your resume to yourself and others. Open the email. How does your resume look? Good? Good. Garbage? Reformat and repeat until your resume goes through cleanly every time.

2) Don’t Forget The Email Cover Letter

When emailing your resume to employers, don’t dash off email cover letter as an afterthought or, worse, fail to include one. Treat email as you would postal mail — always email a solid cover letter with your resume.

Your cover letter has many functions. Chief among them are telling the reader what job you’re applying for, where you learned of the job, and your specific qualifications for doing it.

And don’t get sloppy with tone or punctuation in email cover letters. You’re not banging out an instant text message to buddies. You’re writing a letter to the person you want to work for. There’s a difference.

3) Don’t Be Passive

It’s easy to sit back and wait for postings to appear on the big job sites, like Monster. But if you confine yourself to this passive technique, you’re missing out.

That’s because most jobs are filled by employers before they’re ever advertised online or in the newspaper. By some accounts, this figure is as high as 80%. So it pays to be proactive — use the Internet to get into the heads of hiring managers before they pay for a job posting online.

An easy way to do this is to use a networking Web site, such as Linkedin.com or Ryze.com. At Linkedin.com, for example, you can search profiles of 1,214,000 registered users (as of this writing) to find people who went to your school, have the same hobbies, live near you, etc. You can also find out where these people work — and this is critical.

Because, once you find and contact someone who shares an affinity with you, and works in the company or industry you want to work in, you can make valuable connections that lead to interviews and job offers.

Tip: never approach networking as a one-way street. You become road-kill and get ignored that way. Instead, give back to the people you meet, online or off, before expecting them to favor you with job leads. You must prime the pump before you get anything out.

4) Don’t Forget Who Really Hires

Throughout history, there is no record of any person ever being hired by a computer. It’s people who hire people. Yet, some folks spend days or weeks searching for jobs online without ever meeting a hiring authority face to face.

This is a mistake that happens when you confuse process with results.

Using the Internet to find a job is a process. The results you want are a job. At some point, you have to get off the Internet, get off your duff, and go shake hands with live humans. Never lose sight of this.

That’s what it all boils down to, doesn’t it? To get hired, you have to meet and impress a living, breathing employer.

Go do it!

Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes. Since 1996, he and his team have provided resumes, cover letters and online job-search assistance to clients in all 50 states and 23 countries. Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, CBS MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal’s National Business Employment Weekly, CBS Radio, and many others.

Category : internet, jobs

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