The Voice of Job Seekers

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 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. 

– 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 the pandemic, making our discussion particularly relevant and timely.

– 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.

– 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 if you haven’t already. We are helping thousands with identifying, avoiding, and reporting job scams.

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

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!

– 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), 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  

– 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!

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 Contact Information

– 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!

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:

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 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 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 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:

– 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]