Fool Me Once ...

Did you have a parent or grandparent who told you: Fool Me Once, Shame on YOU.  Fool Me Twice, Shame on Me.

None of us wants to feel like we have been fooled, taken advantage of or made to look stupid.  Especially, when we are doing our best to look for employment.  We might already be feeling less than wonderful: searching for work is HARD WORK!

This clue might be of assistance to you, I know it has worked for me.

Scene: scanning ads on Craig's List looking for the golden opportunity.  You find a job you think might fit you.  In fact, it might be a perfect fit.  The problem is: you do not know who posted the job.  Is it a real job or are they just gathering names and data?  They ask you to send your resume and phone number (or either one).

What now?!

Your reply (part one): open a general email box.  This email box is designed to hold your spam and other less than desireable junk.  You are NOT going to use this address when you know who the employer is.

Your reply (part two): DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT send your resume/phone number.  Send a question which might help you to identify the employer.  The question I typically send is: is the work site located on public transportation?  If so, what bus line?  Of course, you can pad the email out: I am very interested in this opportunity, blah, blah, blah.

Their reply: if they send you back a reply which answers your question, chances are they are a legit employer.  Their reply will have identifying information, you can go back to the original ad and apply if you are still interested.  (Use your job searcher email address this time.) 

If they send back this response: thank you for your resume ... you know they are just gathering names and data.  YOU did not send them your resume!

Best Wishes in your job search, don't get fooled by fancy ads which tell you nothing about the employer.