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How To Detect Job Scams And Ways To Avoid Them

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How To Detect Job Scams And Ways To Avoid Them by Mark Anthony Dyson

Job scams are nothing new, but scammers are craftier in using technology and finding new ways to lure victims. My good friend Jack Kelly and I will lay out the basics of what they are, how to identify a scam or scammer, and what you can do. While there is much more than what we cover in these few minutes, I understand there’s much work.

They are finding new ways to use unsuspecting LinkedIn professionals who are legit and active users to recruit victims into applying to their companies, collect their email addresses and other private data, and sometimes steal money and identity from them.

These scams are happening on every platform and on many job boards.

We want to increase awareness and offer solutions if you are approached (or someone you know) by a scammer. Please join us for this short but informative discussion.

Watch the show:

by Mark Anthony Dyson

5 Easy Unordinary Ways to Make Employers Notice You

5 Easy Unordinary Ways to Make Employers Notice You by Mark Anthony Dyson

About five years ago, Geoffrey Owens, once a regular on the legendary Cosby Show, was seen working a — *gulp* — regular job at Trader Joe’s. The press quickly ran with the story, and people worldwide began commenting negatively about Owens’s situation. Owens ended up quitting his job because of all the unwanted attention.

However, there was a silver lining in this: Tyler Perry invited Owens to join the cast of his show, The Haves and the Have Nots. He’s had other movie and television appearances since then.

Think about this: Press coverage put Owens’s name out there, and while there was a little turbulence at first, that coverage also led to new jobs for Owens.

There’s a lesson here for every job seeker. Today’s job search is all about making yourself seen. If employers know who you are and what you can do, they’ll turn to you when they need someone with your skills.

So few job seekers use all the tools available at their fingertips to stand out. While different searches will require different strategies, there are a few easy steps almost anyone can take to maximize their visibility:

1. Showcase Your Personality on Social Media

As I always say, employers can’t train great personalities — they have to hire them. Why not spice up your public social media profile pages with exciting cover art and other details that showcase who you are? Instead of coming across as a generic job seeker, personalize your profile and give people a reason to stay on your page a little longer. Tell a story about yourself — a sincere, personal story. Help employers see you as more than just another candidate.

2. Create a Facebook or Instagram Business Page for Your Job Search

Employers want to see your personal Facebook page because it tells them much about who you are, but your privacy settings say, “No way!”

No problem: You can create a public business page for yourself instead. This can be dedicated to your professional journey while keeping your personal page personal. Use your business page to share professional musings and post content that delivers value to your readers and potential employers.

You can also use your business pages to run ads to better target employers on these platforms. Master entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk swears by Instagram ads for brands. Why shouldn’t you try a similar strategy to increase your own visibility?

3. Expand Your LinkedIn page

While a social media page can be a good supplement, your professional presence should really have its own headquarters on the web. LinkedIn is where most people can get noticed where recruiters are looking.

Treat LinkedIn as your own dedicated site. You can control the positive professional narrative about your abilities, explore ideas, take your readers on your journey, and tell great stories about your achievements. The time investment is a small price for a robust multimedia professional portfolio.

4. Host a Local Radio Show

Does your community have a local radio station? Ask if you can host a weekly show.

Many cities have local stations that encourage community members to participate in content creation. Go ahead and get involved! You can use your show to interview employers and entrepreneurs, chat with industry experts, and answer questions from listeners. Not only will you create a valuable resource for your community, but you’ll also build a powerful channel for reaching potential employers.

5. Volunteer

Charity work is a great way to hone specific skills to help you land your next job, even if you’re currently employed. If you’re not employed, it’s also a great way to gain additional experience and fill the gaps in your resume.

Volunteering can connect you with organizations you want to work for. Working with a nonprofit allows you to meet local employers who support that nonprofit’s mission. These connections can be leveraged into job opportunities once you’ve demonstrated your value through volunteer work.

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When building a stand-out brand, use these strategies and any others that can help you effectively broadcast your value. Whatever tactics you choose, be sure they truly assist your job search and capture the right audience’s attention.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

5 Powerful Ways Job Seekers Must Act Like a Consultant

5 Powerful Ways Job Seekers Must Act Like a Consultant by Mark Anthony Dyson

Many job seekers approach their job searches as if waiting for someone to tell them what to do. I have seen professionals of all levels behave this way.

People naturally take the path of least resistance. They want to write a resume quickly and toss it to the turbulent winds of job boards.

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With luck, maybe 2 out of every 100 applications lead to a loose employment prospect.

Even professionals with challenging career paths approach job searches like coloring books: They will color inside the lines until someone tells them to do something different.

If you’re one of these job seekers, expect to conduct your job search for years to come. If you want to see success, you should start paying attention to how successful consultants control their careers. These independent professionals have a total say over how they work, when, on what they work, and for whom they work.

The consultant’s approach to working with clients is one you should adopt in your job search in the following ways:

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1. Consultants Take a Holistic Approach to Problem-Solving

Consultants look at the larger picture. They identify the most significant issues plaguing their clients and the areas affected. Consultants tend to look for the root of the problem without ignoring the symptoms. They walk people through issues and through the thought processes underpinning the solutions.

Now, as a job seeker, imagine you approached potential employers the same way: Identifying their big-picture issues, uncovering the roots, and explaining exactly how you could address the problems and add value. Suddenly, you’re not just a job seeker anymore but an asset.

Read Be a Consultant, Not a Job Seeker nor Anything Like Your Competition

2. Consultants Find the Right Fit

Before taking on work, consultants consider if they’re right for the client’s problem. No one can be everything to everyone, and consultants won’t work with clients unless they are absolutely sure it’s the best fit.

Job seekers should have the same mindset instead of taking a job with whoever wants them.

Successful job seekers see their interview with the hiring manager as a chance to interview the company. They ask questions during the interview not only to impress the interviewer but also to determine if the company is the right fit…

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3. Consultants Understand Their Industries

Consultants must find creative solutions. They adopt different strategies to identify and solve different problems. These thoughtful approaches require a deep understanding of the consultant’s client and industry.

Do you have a deep understanding of your industry and potential employers?

Read Think Like a Consultant: Win at Today’s Job Search

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4. Consultants Know Their Competitors

Consultants know what their competitors are doing and the results they’re achieving. They know all the latest trends among their competitors, including what’s working and what isn’t.

Likewise, job seekers must know how their competitors are winning employers over, and they have to use this information to prove their value above and beyond other candidates.

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5. Consultants Know When to Be Direct

Consultants may need to be tactfully direct when addressing a client’s issues. This approach often sparks additional questions, and consultants must be prepared to offer strategies for moving forward.

Job seekers, likewise, must enter interviews with concrete ideas prepared. They must be ready to initiate direct conversations about what the employer needs and how they can fulfill needs.