The Voice of Job Seekers e2cu

Thank you for tuning into the Voice of Job Seekers podcast. I’m Mark Anthony Dyson. I’ve been doing this podcast for nearly 12 years, and my blog has been around since July 2011. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to explore the available articles and podcasts. We’ve had over 300 episodes featuring more than 200 guests, including other content creators, career coaches, and business people. For the first time, I’ll do a series of solo episodes to share my thoughts and gather your . I’ve been exploring AI in the context of job seeking and have written articles on this topic since 2019. AI is here to stay, and I want to discuss how it impacts job searches, comparing Search Everywhere Optimization to traditional Search Engine Optimization. I’ve written for various outlets like Recruiter.com and PayScale.com, ensuring my work is optimized for search engines. However, AI offers a new dimension by providing comprehensive profiles and citations of my work across various platforms. For job seekers, it’s essential to dominate your narrative and present a digitized reputation. Your work must be through academic publications, podcasts, videos, or newsletters. Start building these digital breadcrumbs now to attract potential employers or recruiters. That is, if you want to enhance your possibilities. Consistently sharing your expertise through various mediums can significantly enhance your online presence. In conclusion, whether you create video content, publish articles, or engage in thoughtful online discussions, it’s essential to establish your brand authority and ensure you’re easily searchable. Utilize AI and SEO strategies to make yourself more discoverable. Even as an audio-centric podcast, I emphasize the power of video content for deeper engagement.

Welcome back to The Voice of Job Seekers podcast. I took an unannounced break from this podcast to concentrate on content for “The Job Scam Report” podcast. Some of you subscribe to the newsletter and podcast. Many good things have been happening there, so it has been quite busy. In March of 2024, I was invited to a (actually two) at St. Xavier’s University in Chicago. The consisted of Nathan Peck, an Associate Professor, James Miller, Shared Governance President, and Lauren Milligan, Founder of ResuMayDay, a Resume Writer and Career Coach. Each session had about 30-50 students. Below are some of the highlights of the 75-minute : Craft a Strong Resume: We encouraged students to tailor their resumes to highlight relevant skills and experiences for each job application, ensuring they’re clear and visually appealing. Lauren provided a basic overview of the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and its role in hiring and emphasized the need for simplicity. She also added how ChatGPT can be helpful in the process. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: The collectively agreed students must create a compelling LinkedIn profile to reflect their professional brand, including a professional photo, detailed work experience, and engaging summaries. We discussed how LinkedIn can facilitate the expansion of their network, and learning from successful career industry professionals through their profiles. Network Actively: We advised students on building and nurturing professional relationships through networking events, social media, and industry groups to increase job opportunities and get referrals. Networking is vital for career advancement today, especially for introverts. It’s a great connection hub for building relationships with present and future collaborators. Develop Interview Skills: Practice common interview questions and situational responses to prepare for interviews, enhancing confidence and communication. Lauren and I honed in on informational interviews as a tool. Students should do many of them to hone their interviewing skills, add depth to their network and industry knowledge, and accept as constructive direction. Create a Multi-Tiered Job Search Strategy: Implement various job search methods, such as job boards, company websites, recruitment agencies, and direct networking, to maximize reach. The college experience is an opportunity to use as much of your learning to bring value to an employer, using your strengths to stand out. Research Potential Employers: Investigate companies of interest to understand their culture, values, and recent news, preparing insightful interview questions. Lauren suggested how ChatGPT could help you understand the job description to help you appeal to employers. Stay Current on Industry Trends: Follow industry publications and professional organizations to stay informed about changes and skills in demand. Participating in those organizations gives you a front seat to learn, network, and train, using the experience to prepare for industry job opportunities. Utilize Informational Interviews: professionals in your desired field for informational interviews to gain insights and advice on navigating your career path. It’s a good time to ask people and discern if you’re a good fit. What makes someone succeed in this industry versus someone else? What makes someone fail? What competencies in this industry are valued the most? Follow Up After Interviews: Send a thank-you email to interviewers to express appreciation, reiterate your interest in the position, and underline key points discussed. Follow-up with the interviewer is rare among young professionals, but it may be a way to stand out among competitors. Be Resilient and Persistent: Understand job searching is challenging. Maintaining a positive mindset, staying persistent in pursuing opportunities, and learning from rejections is vital. You can look for episodes every other week. Subscribe to this podcast in your favorite podcast directory.

  Companies want qualified people to do the job, and stories that combine the company’s heartbeat with the unique narratives of the candidates win.   This is the most robust resume discussion I’ve had in the 12+ years of this podcast.  In this episode, we discuss trends in resume writing, which help you write more purposefully, tell a story, and move employers to call you. More resume writers and career professionals, including myself and my guest, Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, advise your resume, along with your LinkedIn profile, tell a complete story. We discuss storytelling everywhere, the importance of focus, and social media. Do your resume and social profiles tell a story that helps your knowledge, skills, and abilities stand out? Here are three ways to provide : Call and leave a voicemail at 708.365.9822 Email: [email protected] Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com/72, press the Send Voicemail button on the left, activate your laptop microphone, and leave a message. Jacqui (@ValueIntoWords) is one of the 37 Master Resume Writers quoted in many national publications, including TIME, Forbes.com, and FOX Business. She blogs for U.S. News, Glassdoor.com, and her  blog CareerTrend.com As a resume writer, I was reminded how important the process of ascertaining the job seeker. Jacqui loves the journalistic approach of the who, when, why, what, and how. I wanted to talk with Jacqui about trends, not necessarily how to write a resume. These days, employers are looking to shorten the time they review resumes and what gives them the most information in minimal time. Here are some of the highlights of our discussion: We discuss the significance of the visual resume “The Resume Infographic” by Hannah Morgan and how the resume has evolved since 2009. Jacqui stated that storytelling had gained a drumbeat as a mantra, reaching epic proportions in social media circles. With headlines and subheadlines, content has become more affluent, detailed, and brief, but the words matter the most. Jacqui tries to add texture to clients by identifying the who, what, when, why, and how. The visual element enhances the content since words are the most critical element. Charts and graphs illustrate a snapshot view of some of the content. They condense content or give condensed content a top for skimmers or readers who want dashes of excitement. Jacqui stated that a visual resume shouldn’t be your primary resume, but there is an audience for “visual” as a part of your web portfolio. People need to slow down and think through the foundational stories behind visuals to become more meaningful and know they have roots – understanding who you’ve become and why that matters. LinkedIn has become a channel that can model the value shown on a resume. Jacqui says that 90% of her clients will have a LinkedIn profile and a resume. LinkedIn has expanded from an acceptable static profile to a more dynamic one. Job seekers must consider their audience and customize their participation. Social media can now be used to view or preview the epilog of your resume. Although it’s an old term, it says so much. We should expand our view of a resume. Everyone should know their story from the beginning to today and into the future. I asked Jacqui to share how the stories will differ between the resume and social media. In your process, you may end up in a different career position while enhancing the story elements. I hope you enjoy this rare 80+ minute conversation. I wrestled with editing it to be shorter, but I felt this conversation and perspective are rarely published. Enjoy!

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 occurs 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 ing 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. – Just Lane via LinkedIn for more insights. – Stay informed about 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 eGuide, “125 Practical Modern Job Search Tips 2024-25!” Tired of seeing job scams? Don’t know how to tell between an actual job ad or a fake one? my newsletter and community on Substack at markanthonydyson.substack.com!

This week’s episode features a 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.” Get my FREE Guide, “125 Practical Modern Job Search Tips 2024-25!! 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.  If you haven’t already, subscribe to my “The Job Scam Report” on Substack to stay apprised of the latest job scam news and solutions you can use to avoid and defend against them!

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 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. Job scams affect younger and older generations differently. 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 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 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 ing 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 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 to [email protected] “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 the pandemic, making our discussion particularly relevant and timely. Here are three ways you can 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 to [email protected] If you haven’t already subscribed, be sure you  “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. – 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 to [email protected] “The Job Scam Report community if you haven’t already. We are helping thousands with identifying, avoiding, and reporting job scams.

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.  More about Jack Kelly In this episode, I feature my conversation with my boy Jack Kelly, Compliance Recruiter, entrepreneur, CEO of WeCruitr.io, and Forbes Senior Careers Contributor. He talks a lot about the Future of Work, especially job search. Show highlights 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 a 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. 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 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 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 ing 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), which helps 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. Please 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   Here are three ways you can 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 to [email protected] If you haven’t already subscribed, be sure you “The Job Scam Report community!

This week, James T. Miller, Associate Director of Career Services at St. Xavier University, will be my guest live from the San Diego National Career Development Association conference. He will appear on the show several times in the coming 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 Information Here are three ways you can 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 to [email protected] “The Job Scam Report community!

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 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 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, which contract them to find talent.  You have to execute the job search yourself. That means you have to network. This means you need to post your resume for specific job openings. You must send your resume to executive recruiters and network with them accordingly. Most hires happen through networking. If you think you’ll have to find a way to avoid doing the job search, you may be susceptible to buying into a scam.  I created “The Job Scam Report” for those who want to learn more about avoiding scams and for victims to get for their next steps. The site includes articles and resources, free and paid options, a community of people 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.

On this week’s show, my friend and colleague John Tarnoff s 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 has also completed several courses for the LinkedIn library and has been a Thrive Global Certified Executive Coach and 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 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 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 ability 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 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 to [email protected]

 I explain the significance of the following events in the past two weeks, which should inform us of what is to come in job scams, 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 cycle of fake jobs from various sources. There are resumes with physical addresses, and it’s likely to create more of a vulnerable profile for scammers to pose as you for deviance. Within the last couple of weeks, Purdue University reported students were sent fake job postings through email by scammers. Many universities still need to introduce this discussion to their students. It’s a severe vulnerability outside and inside education in the last two years. The FTC reported scams are more frequent among younger people. Today’s technology is more sophisticated than ever. Scammers are masquerading as saviors in the employment world. They can copy legitimate communications, use virtual tools to clone real recruiters to offer fake jobs, and duplicate company emails to look authentic (ex. NBC Connection, 2/14/24). My video offers a perspective and a warning. It’s worldwide, not just in the U.S. I hope I’m wrong in saying it will inevitably happen globally. Take time to research the validity of any , report it as phishing, block the sender, and use apps to block calls. Start setting up your filters to see as few spam emails as possible.  You are more than welcome to 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 to [email protected]

My friend Daisy Wright invited me to her LinkedIn Live event to discuss how older workers can navigate today’s job search.  Here are a few of the highlights: Healthcare is a viable option for older workers returning to the workforce.  Many want a part-time job or a job without the 9-5 grind. What are the markets like for healthcare in Canada and the U.S.? Is consulting really an option?   We see there are more articles for older workers on how to get a job than successful announcements about getting jobs.  More about Daisy: She is the Founder and Chief Encouragement Officer of The Wright Career. She is also an award-winning Certified Coach helping emerging leaders, executives, and mid-level professionals find satisfying careers. You are more than welcome to 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 to [email protected]