Google It and Avoid a Scam!
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
If you are currently a job seeker or expect to be in career transition in the near future you are aware that it can become an extremely stressful time. Concerns increase over time regarding the emotional and financial stability of a household and fear of the unknown can result in a feeling of desperation and vulnerability. Despite the discouragement that may be present at times throughout the job search process, it is imperative that you proceed with the utmost of due diligence prior to obtaining the services of any company, especially those requesting a substantial fee.
Unfortunately there are too many organizations that prey on the vulnerability of others using a scam that enables them to sell inferior products or services. The diet industry is likely the best example, generating billions of dollars selling products that just don’t work. Desperation and vulnerability lead many to accept offers including diet pills that are not regulated or approved. As in most industries, the career industry is also not free of scams with organizations sending out mass mailings that sound personal and guarantee you a job…… for a fee; a substantial fee! You will read the same canned spiel often from a variety of company names. The majority will ask you to set up an appointment to come back with your spouse. No amount of money will guarantee you a job as you will learn from the reputable and legitimate career services that are available. It is not difficult to find out who’s who, just Google It and Avoid a Scam!
The Internet and especially the advent of social media provides the ability to share our voice and experiences with ease. Although many scams still exist, it is becoming more and more difficult for those running them to keep ahead of the online feedback even though they respond by changing their company name on a regular basis. Before you sign a contract and hand over a substantial amount of money, Google it! Simply enter the company name and beside it type scam. Many companies share the same name so be sure the results relate to the particular company you are searching by confirming the location or names involved. Check out sites such as Ripoff Report, About.com, Consumer Scams in Canada, http://www.armydiller.com/financial-scam/. You will be amazed at how much information is available online! Further to Google searches for company names and scams, frauds, etc, most companies have a website and legitimate organizations are proud to include contact details and names. Linkedin is the top social media site for professionals and offers the opportunity to search for millions of individuals and companies to seek out further information. Testimonials are also available for review and are posted by the author, not the recipient.
The next time you are interested in doing business with anyone, Google the name prior to making a commitment. In the career industry it is safe to say that a reputable company will have a visible online profile.


Are you currently in career transition? If so, you have likely estimated the length of time you are expecting it will take to secure a new position and have set your goals accordingly. How have you determined this time frame? Some career professionals suggest an old rule of thumb theory, which suggests that simply allocating one month for every $10,000 in earnings will establish an approximate time frame. This is more accurate than you may think and is clearly reflected in a recent study of 9 professionals from an independent networking group for people in career transition who have landed over the past 4 months.
A job search can be an extremely discouraging experience for many people. Sending out a resume over and over again to recruiters, companies and job boards and waiting beside a phone that never rings. Is your resume to blame?
Heating up your job search this summer should be top priority! Of course the cottage is very inviting during the summer season and many will be suspending their job searches to take vacations. The result is a dramatic decline in the number of individuals seeking employment and should you choose to stay in the running, you will have a significant advantage. It is estimated that as many as 70% of job seekers will abandon their job search in the summer months increasing your odds substantially!
From massive layoffs to hiring frenzies. Who is hiring? Where are the jobs? How many recruiting agencies are searching to fill positions? Who are they? What positions are they trying to fill? Are there really that many job boards? Regardless of the answers to any of these questions, it is more critical to focus on a job search strategy that involves a strictly managed career path based on your ability, qualifications, aspirations, cultural fit, passion and goals. Take control of your job search by targeting specific organizations, companies, contacts and industries. External influences are beyond your control and although it is important to stay current, it is not possible to succeed in a job search based solely on economic indicators, predictions or job board postings that may or may not be valid.
What job search strategies are you utilizing? Since we know that networking is the most effective and successful job search tool available have you made it your top priority? If so, are you prepared to network in person and online?




