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This episode explores the complexities of HR background checks with Ghislaine Knauff, who has worked in HR operations for a Fortune 100 company for the past 15 years. This discussion rarely takes place on podcasts and would help many job seekers understand background checks have many snares and nuances. 

  I learned a lot, not realizing how much could happen along the way. As you'll see in the episode, it's not just what an employer says about a former employee. I've shared notes with you, but hearing them will add much context to my quick talking points. 

  Highlights: 

Hiring Process Delays:

- Hiring delays are common and frustrating for candidates.

- Varies by industry; some are highly regulated (e.g., financial services), requiring extensive background checks.

  Factors contributing to delays:

  - Industry-specific regulatory requirements

  - Comprehensive background checks (e.g., criminal history)

  - Candidate responsiveness

  Role of HR in Hiring:

- HR’s involvement begins after the resume review and initial interview.

- HR checks applications for employment history, education, and criminal records.

- Verification processes may include contacting previous employers and checking licensing databases.

  Employment and Background Checks:

- Background checks vary by industry.

- Common checks include employment history, education verification, and criminal background checks.

- Performance issues noted in past employment may be considered but are only sometimes a dealbreaker.

  References:

- The importance of references can vary.

- References are only sometimes required in some industries.

- Ideal references include supervisors or peers who can vouch for work ethic and teamwork.

  Challenges in the Hiring Process

- Delays obtaining information from external sources (e.g., understaffed courts, previous employers without automated systems).

- Differences in checks for industry-specific roles.

- Potential application discrepancies (e.g., incorrect employment dates) can lead to distrust.

   Social Media and Hiring

- Social media checks are handled separately, not as part of initial background checks.

- The impact of social media presence can be significant if it is negative (e.g., hate speech).

- It is essential to maintain a professional online presence.

  Industry Trends and Advice

- Some industries are consistently hiring; consider exploring new fields if you need help finding a job.

- Skills can be transferable across industries.

- Research and understanding of where skills fit can broaden job opportunities.

   Conclusion

- Encouragement to explore different career opportunities.

- Contact Just Lane via LinkedIn for more insights.

- Stay informed about upcoming job-related podcasts and resources.

I conducted another interview with Erica Madison of One Life Tools and EMCC at the National Career Development Association in San Diego.

Erica is a career coach and workshop facilitator at her company, Erica Mattison Coaching & Consulting LLC. She just published a book, ": "Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career."

  Highlights:

Erica discusses her journey into career coaching, which began through her job creation and advocacy for environmental practices at her university, leading to her role as a sustainability coordinator.

She highlights the growing opportunities in climate tech and sustainability across various sectors.

Erica emphasizes the importance of non-linear career paths and leveraging diverse backgrounds for sustainability roles.

She shares that she aids job seekers and executives develop leadership through storytelling and personal insights, using tools like One Life Tools.

Erica reveals insights from her forthcoming book, which guides navigating non-linear careers and achieving clarity.

We underline the value of tapping into strengths and experiences for career development and encourage job seekers to explore the sustainability sector. 

Be sure you get my FREE Guide, "125 Practical Modern Job Search Tips 2024-25!"

This week's episode features a panel discussion with Porschia Parker-Griffin, Mher Mardoyan, and Kevin D Turner. We discuss the job market turbulence and its nuances, along with strategies for dealing with it. 

Mher is a Career Coach, LinkedIn Profile Strategist, and Job Search Coach. He hosts the YouTube show "Get Hired Show."

Porschia is an Organizational Consultant and Business Coach who helps her clients with job search strategies. She is the host of "Career Podcast 101." 

Kevin helps clients with branding, LinkedIn Profile Optimization, and Career Coaching. His YouTube channel is "KeepRockinLinkedIn."

Highlights: 

 Porschia offers her perspective, noting that many clients find it more challenging to get responses from job applications, dubbing it a "September Slowdown" instead.

Kevin further discusses the uncertainty in employment due to the political atmosphere and how AI makes the job market more competitive by helping job seekers optimize their applications.

We agree building a solid presence on the platform is essential.

Mher advises following and engaging with companies, while Kevin highlights the necessity of posting relevant content consistently and leveraging market value filters to appear higher in recruiter searches.

Porschia underscores the significance of LinkedIn headlines and warns against sharing too much personal information during interviews.

We also touch on the importance of networking. Mher and Kevin agree that building genuine, non-transactional relationships is crucial. 

Dr. Dan Greenwood founded Best Fit Career Finder, an AI tool to help students explore compatible career options.

Dan is a Career and Educational Consultant. Greenwood Associates West Inc., Best Fit Career Finder, and Pacific Rim Education and Consulting Inc are his companies.

Highlights:

Dan explains how their AI tool, powered by ChatGPT, assists students in understanding their strengths, values, interests, and abilities.

This AI makes the career exploration process interactive and tailored, tracking user interaction to provide personalized guidance.

 Dan says while AI is a helpful supplement, working with a career counselor remains crucial.

We discuss how career counselors may require pre-work from clients. The Best Fit Career Finder can aid this process by providing clarity before counseling.

Dan elaborates on his counseling method, integrating assessments with personalized action plans, and mentions that his model has been well-regarded in professional publications. 

You can find The Greenwood System and encouragement for the audience to try the tool for additional career exploration insights.

  Don’t forget to subscribe to “The Job Scam Report” on Substack!

Get my FREE 125 Practical Modern Job Search Tips 2024-25 Guide!!

I was a guest on the podcast "Young Professionals Career Catalyst," Shelley Mailey of Dreamcatcher Career Coaching interviewed me. Be sure you subscribe to Shelley's podcast. Job scams affect younger and older generations differently

Shelley and I discuss the severity of job scams, noting a Better Business Bureau statistic of $2 billion in annual losses. Younger and older generations are affected differently by job scams. Younger people frequently fall for scams due to desperation for career opportunities, while older adults tend to lose more money per scam.

I describe the tactics scammers use, emphasizing the importance of being strategic and cautious about personal information. Scammers often employ social engineering to exploit job seekers' vulnerabilities, tricking them through seemingly legitimate offers.

Recent scam tactics, like "resume looting," where scammers hack job portals to steal massive amounts of personal data, urge job seekers to apply directly on company websites and verify the legitimacy of job offers.

I give examples of sophisticated scams, such as fake emails from "recruiters" with perfect grammar and spelling, possibly crafted using AI.

I advise scrutinizing the personal tone of such emails, checking company websites, and reporting suspicious communications to confirm their authenticity. Dyson lists red flags and warning signs of job scams, like unsolicited calls, seemingly perfect job offers, and requests for personal information too early.

I recommend using tools like Google Voice or YouMail to protect one's phone number. He also advises running regular security scans on computers and using a VPN, especially when accessing public Wi-Fi.

 In terms of recently observed job scams,  "resume looters" who hacked job portals to steal personal data, and how international scams often precede similar schemes in the U.S. He urges job seekers to be vigilant in verifying company legitimacy and to report scams immediately, detailing how to protect oneself by notifying relevant entities, running security scans, and monitoring credit reports.

I offer tips on spotting and avoiding scams, emphasizing the need for thorough research, verification of email addresses, and understanding common tactics scammers use. He discusses the role of AI in these scams, noting that while AI can craft convincing communications, it can't yet replace the need for personal verification of job offers and recruiter identities. 

I wrap up with practical steps for job seekers if they become scam victims. Dyson advises reporting scams to ic3.gov, notifying entities where personal information was shared, and running security scans on affected devices. Proactively monitor one's financial and digital footprints to prevent further damage. 

Here are three ways you can join the conversation:

– Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number

– Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen, and leave a message

– Send email feedback to [email protected]

Join “The Job Scam Report community!

    In this episode, I delve into the profound insights of Jim Peacock, a seasoned career coach. We explore Jim's transformative journey from a school counselor to a pivotal figure in career coaching training. His work's impact on a broader audience and the delicate balance between career coaching and mental health counseling are also discussed, offering a wealth of knowledge to our listeners.

  Jim owns Peak Careers, which provides professional development for career practitioners. He is currently an NCDA Board member and the author of A Field Guide For Career Practitioners.

    Jim's Beginnings and Philosophy.

  Maximizing Impact.

    Jim and I also discuss the crucial process of selecting the right coaching for job seekers, underscoring its value in guiding individuals toward the right career paths.

  The need for mental health in career coaching has become more pronounced after of the pandemic, making our discussion particularly relevant and timely.

  Here are three ways you can join the conversation:

– Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number

– Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen, and leave a message

– Send email feedback to [email protected]

If you haven’t already subscribed, be sure you Join “The Job Scam Report community!

Brad Minton and I recorded this conversation at the National Career Development Association (NCDA) conference.

  Highlights: 

The conversation focuses on job search trends, particularly challenges faced by Gen Z and recent college graduates.

Brad shares insights about the importance of starting career development early, the role of networking, and embedding internships into college curriculums.

We discuss using new platforms like Riverside for podcasting and reflect on helping students navigate the tumultuous job market, emphasizing the importance of human connection and proactive career planning.

Thriving In Chaos: How To Be Super Successful, Wealthy And Happy In A F*cked-Up World is Jack Kelly's latest book about current job market dynamics, job search strategies, and dealing with economic uncertainty.

Jack shares his insights on the fluctuating job market, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and adaptability. 

We discuss Jack's background as a Forbes writer and how he observes economic trends. Jack highlights the importance of maintaining momentum in both career and personal life.

Jack stresses that job seekers must remain proactive, continuously improving their skills and staying updated with market trends to avoid stagnation.

We discuss the necessity of maintaining momentum and habit-building in job searching.

Jack provides insight into the challenges of today's job market, acknowledging the proliferation of job scams and the frustrations faced by job seekers, such as being ghosted by employers or encountering fake job listings.

He advises job seekers to be strategic and vigilant, advocating for holistic approaches like networking and leveraging personal connections to discover hidden job opportunities.

 Jack also touches upon the broader economic environment, noting the difficulty for white-collar professionals to find new employment due to limited job creation in that sector.

 He advises job seekers to adopt various mindsets and practices—such as affirmations and stoic mindset—to build resilience and stay motivated.

Jack and I emphasize the need for proactive, continuous engagement in career development, including building a network, staying informed about industry advancements, and preparing financially for potential job loss.

Jack concludes that understanding these realities can help job seekers navigate the complexities of the current job market and thrive despite the chaos. T

Jack shares his thoughts on AI's role in the job market and its potential as a valuable tool for job seekers, provided it's used wisely.

We agree that adaptability and continual learning are key to succeeding in today’s dynamic job landscape.

Don’t forget to subscribe to “The Job Scam Report” on Substack!

Here are three ways you can join the conversation:

– Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number

– Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen, and leave a message

– Send email feedback to [email protected]

Bob McIntosh from the Mass Herald Lowell Career Center hosts me to talk about resilience in the job search. Bob recalls our long-time relationship and different collaborations on podcasts and articles.

Bob works with the career center and has written for other career platforms, such as JobScan and The Balance Money. Follow Bob on LinkedIn for his eloquent career postings.

Conversation highlights:

2:40-9:00 The complexities of modern job searching, including issues like unemployment rates, application processes, and networking.

9:00-14:40 We discuss the merits of side hustles and volunteering to enhance employability and skills.

14:40-17:50 There is a substantial dialogue about using AI tools like ChatGPT for research rather than drafting documents.

18:00-24:00 Audience questions address general and specific challenges, such as job market barriers for autistic individuals and strategic follow-ups for government jobs.

24:00-30:00 The discussion also includes a poll on interview experiences and strategies for dealing with long interview processes.

30:00-40:00 Assessments of industry-specific hiring trends.

40:00-54:30 The latter focuses on older workers, emphasizing their advantages, overcoming technological gaps, and maintaining work-life balance.

54:30-58:00 The session concludes with practical advice, audience interaction, and a commitment to further discussions on older workers.

Don't forget to subscribe to "The Job Scam Report" on Substack!

Empowering Senior Job Seekers: Insights with Dion Smith of Easterseals In this episode of 'The Voice of Job Seekers,' host Mark interviews Dion Smith, Manager of Programs and Compliance at Easterseals. They discuss the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) aimed at helping job seekers aged 55 and older transition from volunteerism to employment. Funded by the Department of Labor, this Title V program offers training through partnerships with nonprofit and government agencies, providing participants with a stipend and job-related skills. Dion highlights the importance of digital skills and collaborations with tech companies like IBM to enhance employment readiness. Listeners are encouraged to visit Easterseals.com or the Department of Labor's website for more information on local SCSEP opportunities. 

00:41 Meet Dion Smith from Easter Seals

00:57 Overview of the Senior Community Service Employment Program

 01:38 How the Program Works

02:15 Finding Local Projects and Host Agencies 03:12 Program Duration and Flexibility

 03:53 Q&A: Funding and Grants

05:36 Combating Ageism and Building Skills 06:00 Importance of Digital Skills

06:42 IBM Partnership and Digital Intelligence

07:42 AI in the Workforce

08:56 Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved  

This week, James T. Miller, Associate Director of Career Services at St. Xavier University, live from the San Diego National Career Development Association conference. He's my guest this week and will pop up several times on the show in the upcoming months.

James shares his experiences working with Gen Z students, emphasizing their potential, resiliency, and the value of learning from failure.

He draws analogies between Gen Z’s mindset and Formula One racing, highlighting their need for speed and efficiency.

James also discusses adjusting to industry changes, particularly in fields like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

He wraps up by discussing current challenges and opportunities at his institution, particularly for Latinx students navigating changes in FAFSA regulations. 

 02:02 Discussing Gen Z and Career Challenges

04:46 The Value of Failure and Resilience

09:15 Adapting to Changing Job Markets

13:41 Challenges in Higher Education

14:43 Conclusion and Contact Information

Tom Spiggle of Spiggle Law Firm is back on the show to talk about his latest book, "Fired? Afraid You Might Be?"

More about Tom:

  Tom Spiggle is a former prosecutor and former Assistant U.S. Attorney. His website also has a very informative blog regarding these topics at SpiggleLaw.com. He is regularly quoted in the media often in publications such as The Washington Post, Forbes, CNN, and Huffington Post.

Episode highlights:

You need to have a plan because it's not a matter of if it's when, and it may be you're leaving voluntarily.

Layoffs in the last few years have adversely affected the employment status of pregnant women, "There are certainly cases where an employer takes action, it's unclear what their motives are or they're not clearly discriminatory. And those can be, those can be tough cases."

Even if they're not coming right out and saying we don't want you here because you are pregnant. And then we also have, there, we have the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which is fairly new that requires that employers give you accommodations.

if you're, undergoing a rift, negotiate the best deal that you can. A lot of people, maybe most people don't want to, file a case in court and, haul their butt down to federal court and deal with all of that.

if you're, undergoing a rift, negotiate the best deal that you can. A lot of people, maybe most people don't want to, file a case in court and, haul their butt down to federal court and deal with all of that.

Some cases are worth that. But. A lot of times there are things that you can do to put yourself in a better situation. Buy yourself another six months, buy yourself another 50, 000, buy yourself some more health care while you're working with, reading some of your good work or working with some of the career professionals that I list in the book or that are out there everywhere to help you get on in that next better job.

So just because they offer you something doesn't mean you can't negotiate it. Without having to, file a lawsuit without even having to necessarily hire an attorney or even if you do have that attorney come forward and negotiate on your behalf, which sometimes is good, but it does up the temperature a little bit.Get your best deal that you can.  

Here are three ways you can join the conversation:

– Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number

– Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen, and leave a message

– Send email feedback to [email protected]

Join "The Job Scam Report community!

This episode features my long-time friend Lisa Rangel of Chameleon Resumes. She offers advice on what Executive Recruiters don't do. 

Lisa brings a unique perspective to our discussion, drawing from her extensive experience as an Executive Search Recruiter. Her current collaborations with recruiters, her role as a LinkedIn Moderator expert, and her ownership of an Executive resume-writing firm staffed by former HR and Recruiting professionals further enhance her qualifications. 

Here are a few of her takeaways:

The first thing that a legitimate, reputable executive recruiter will never ask of executive candidates is to be paid.  Legit, reputable executive recruiters are paid by their client companies, who contract them to go out and find talent. 

You have to execute the job search yourself.  That means you have to network. It means you need to post your resume, to specific job openings. It means you must send your resume to executive recruiters and network with them accordingly, with most hires happening through networking.

You will find yourself susceptible to buying into a scam if you think you'll have to find a way to avoid doing the job search. 

I created "The Job Scam Report" for those who want to learn more about avoiding scams and for victims to get support for their next steps. The site includes articles and resources, free and paid options, a community of people who are taking proactive steps to avoid and get rid of scammers, and an exclusive podcast. 

markanthonydyson.substack.com

Job scams are a pandemic. If a scammer hasn't tried to lure you into a fake job, your neighbor or coworker has been exposed to one. I created "The Job Scam Report" on Substack. Subscribe and get the latest in job scam avoidance and preventative tools, tips, and advice. 

I was recently on the NPR podcast Jazzed About Work with host, author, and friend Beverly Jones to discuss job search trends and scams. This is my sixth appearance on her show. (She calls me a friend of the show; what an honor!). Scams are a pandemic, but job scams are

In this clip, I discuss the upward trend of job scams merging into fake employers and coworkers. The current tech landscape allows people to appear as actual employers to lure job seekers and fake coworkers into fooling other coworkers of an actual company into accessing and scamming them out of company money.

Job seekers must be more discerning about giving anyone, including a fake recruiter or hiring manager, more information than needed. I recommend a couple of ways people can exercise discretion so they won’t be vulnerable to privacy breaches.

If you like what you’ve heard and want more, subscribe to my Substack.

On this week's show, my friend and colleague John Tarnoff joins me to discuss his framework for older workers to use to land their next opportunity. John has helped hundreds of older workers over the years. He has great insight into what works for those transitioning to work and entrepreneurship. 

More about John: 

John has been the founder of the Mid-Career Lab for nearly 12 years. He helps executive and senior-level careerists land better jobs and enjoy impactful and sustainable careers. John found he could have a greater impact in helping people after being a film executive with Dreamworks. 

John also has several courses he's done for the LinkedIn library and continues to be a Thrive Global Certified Executive Coach & Workshop Facilitator since 2018.

  Show highlights:

 John distinguishes mid-career work from earlier, earlier career, or entry-level work by pointing out that professionals bring significant background, experience, and insight.

Strategic ability to their work and changes the game for everyone. 

The resume is a subsidiary and secondary to your LinkedIn profile.

Being well-connected is a gold mine and necessary. 

Professional branding through thought leadership is essential

"I think people are hesitant to jump in because they are afraid of making a mistake."

You are more than welcome to join the discussion. Here are three ways you can:

– Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number

– Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen and leave a message

– Send email feedback to [email protected]

Jack Kelly and I discuss company loyalty, AI, concerns for this year's college graduates, and job scams in this week's episode. Here are a few of the highlights:

Jack says, "It's so hard to find a new job, and people are worried, and they're staying put because they're scared."

Workers are being laid off without empathy or accountability by decision-makers. Bank CEOs can lose millions, lay off workers, and still get bonuses. 

 College isn't the first option for everyone anymore. 

While AI could be a tool for job seekers to leverage, it could also work against them. 

Deepfakes could fool even the tech-savvy and have already fooled companies. 

Scams are here to stay and are more sophisticated than ever. 

You are more than welcome to join the discussion. Here are three ways you can:

– Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number

– Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen and leave a message

– Send email feedback to [email protected]

 I explain the significance of the following events in the past two weeks should inform us of what is to come in #jobscams, job fishing, and recruiter scams. The FTC categorizes them as imposter scams (FTC, 2/9/24). "ResumeLooters" refers to scammers accessing and stealing private information from job portals in Asia. In the U.S., we need to start taking precautions to protect our information on any portals we signed up for to fill out applications and resumes posted. One action (if you haven't already) is to use a third-party phone number like a Google number. Many people use Zelle or Cash App already, and if it's the same number on an attacked job portal, the possibilities may be endless (or my imagination is running too wild). Consider how recruiters can bait unsuspecting job seekers via text citing a platform where a real profile resides. They will sell the number to other scammers, creating an endless cycles of fake jobs from various sources.

You are more than welcome to join the discussion. Here are three ways you can:

– Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number

– Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen and leave a message

– Send email feedback to [email protected]