The secret shopper scam comes across as so legitimate, you might not even know you’re being scammed at first.

For many, being a “secret shopper” has proven to be a fun and lucrative way to make a little extra money. Unfortunately, the rise in unemployment has seen a rise in employment scams  and that means there could be a secret scumbag behind that offer to make you into a secret shopper.

To bring some of you up to speed, being a secret shopper means going undercover as a customer at a select store or business and recording the entire experience. The data you collect and are subsequently paid for translates into a valuable marketing tool for interested parties.

However, a secret shopper scam comes across as so legitimate, you might not even know you’re being scammed at all. Many start off with a formal interview process over email with individuals being told to submit resumes for the purpose of a background check. You even receive official directions to shop at an actual store.

The trap springs shut once you’re done and flush with the excitement of a job well done and the promise of money on the way. Just one small detail to take care of and that’s your account information so your payment can be directly deposited.

In reality, the crooks just get direct access to your personal information and, voila, you’re a part of a growing number of identity theft victims.

The FBI says other versions of the scam involve counterfeit checks and wire fraud. The really lousy side of this is that it takes advantage of decent people looking to make a little extra cash in these difficult times.

Don’t let these vultures get close enough to work their scam on you. The following is advice to protect you or someone you know who might be looking to cash in on an email offer that sounds too good to be true.

Do your research! Not all secret shopper positions are phony and careful research online can help you determine the real deal versus a bogus operation.

Don’t reply to spam email.  Ever.

You should avoid clicking on links inside unsolicited or unknown email.

Don’t fill out forms in email messages that ask for your personal information.

A reputable business won’t ever charge an application fee.

If your secret shopper assignment includes a sent a check for “payment in advance” and you are asked to send a portion back, treat that as the mother of all red flags and stay away!

Believe it or not, there are legitimate operations out there that can provide you with a valuable secondary income. Do your homework, know what you’re getting into and be as miserly as “Scrooge McDuck” when it comes to your personal information. By doing so,you’ll effectively debunk secret shopper scams and other employment cheats.

The promise of big money, the immediate interviews, and the cursory glance given to your resume before being offered the job is a classic bait and switch.

It’s important to know what kind of leads to follow when you’re out looking for work. No one wants to waste their time, money or gas going to what promises to be a legitimate position only to find it’s a seminar for a get-rich-quick scheme. Luckily, dodging these employment fake-outs isn’t that difficult for anyone with good common sense.

Is this employer promising “immediate interviews for qualified candidates?” or providing a direct line to call for an interview? Personally, any company worth working for will ask for your application, a cover letter and a resume. If you’re what they’re looking for then they’ll contact you.

How many people are in the waiting room alongside you? If you’re not the only man/woman in a suit waiting to be seen by an interviewer for the same position, it could be a bad sign.

Have you ever found yourself and a large group of fellow applicants herded into a meeting room and relentlessly sold on the wonders that company’s miracle product or services? A job should sell itself to you and not the other way around.

Another big hint you’re applying for a junk job is the curious absence of advance information you’re provided about the position beforehand. If you can’t even find out what you’ll be doing as a “Professional Marketing and Public Promotions Sales Specialist” you should reconsider that long drive and save your time for something more legitimate.

The whole purpose of the mass interviews and hiring is because the work is typically lousy, monotonous and entails performing assigned duties in oppressive or uncomfortable conditions. That basically translates into a very high employee turnover rate.  For every peg that slips out, a new one is sought to plug the gap by whatever means possible.

The promise of big money, the immediate interviews, and the cursory glance given to your resume before being offered the job is a classic bait and switch. They expect to dazzle you and before you know it, you’re stuffing envelopes, engaging in highly aggressive telemarketing or selling cheap steak knives door to door in 95 degree weather.

Personally, I have never sold knives door to door, but I know it wouldn’t provide me with any of the essential elements that I look for in employment. Believe me folks, I’ve been suckered into my fair share of sham interviews and subjected to snake-oil recruiting tactics.

But they never got me and there’s no reason why they should get you too. I’d like to end this by telling you, dear reader, that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Prior to the interview, do a little research regarding the position you want and see what your intended role requires most in terms of applicable skills and personal qualifications.

There’s an ocean of interview advice out there and bobbing on the ebb and flow of this ocean are persistent misconceptions relating to what to do and what not to do on job interview.

While we can’t advise you on what color tie to wear, we can certainly help you through four of the most common interview misconceptions that seem to trip people up the most.

Misconception #1: Ask lots of questions at the end of the interview

Should you come prepared with a list of questions related to the job? Absolutely. Should you allow those questions to become an interrogation session? Nope. Instead, mold the interview into a dialogue between you and the individual interviewing you.

For example, if the interviewer asks you “What qualifies you for this position?” you would give your response and then follow up with a question such as “Can you tell me about the possibilities for advancement with this company?”

Misconception #2: Keep Your Flaws to Yourself

It seems ridiculous to reveal anything about yourself that might hurt your chances at a position, but in reality a large portion of interviewers will require you to discuss a flaw you’ve had.

A lot of people make the mistake of providing a strong “positive flaw.” “Oh, sometimes I involve myself way too much with my work.” An interviewer will most likely see right through that one and get the impression you are over-inflating yourself.

Be honest. A company wants someone who is honest in the interview. The best thing to do is address a flaw you have had at a past position, outline a solution you undertook to get past it and then move on to the next question. If pressed, you can always say such as “I feel confident enough of my abilities moving forward that I can fulfill all the requirements you’re looking for.”

Misconception #3: Giving a Laundry List of Qualifications.

Okay, you’re obviously a valuable individual who should be considered but don’t overdo it by just describing yourself with no evidence: “I am detail-oriented, I think outside the box, I’m someone who displays a lot of initiative and….”

The interviewer understands what you’re saying, but would appreciate concrete examples to back your claims up. Prior to the interview, do a little research regarding the position you want and see what your intended role requires most in terms of applicable skills and personal qualifications.

Rather than throwing out everything you’ve got and hoping something sticks, you can list specific skills and qualifications that make you the right candidate. Back yourself up even more by citing past examples of how your skills made you a star performer: “At Company X, my attention to detail ensured all inventory records were kept up to date improving efficiency and saving the company money.”

Misconception #4: Lay That Salary Expectation Right Out.

Money has always been one of those taboo topics to discuss on the job and it feels even more so when you’re in the middle of an interview. However, it doesn’t have to be the “boogeyman” of the interview.  It’s a good rule of thumb not to be the first person to bring up salary in the interview and to not mention what your previous rate of pay was until a definite job offer is on the table, otherwise, your potential employer may give you an offer that’s on the low side.

The following are some examples of some good replies you can give when asked what you are looking for in terms of pay: 

 “I’d like a salary that would be in line with the contributions I can make to my department and the company as a whole. Overall I feel my skills and experience can make a significant contribution. What is your company considering in terms of salary?”

“Well, I feel that discussing my salary expectations would be something better suited after your determination I’m the candidate you’ve settled on. I feel that would be a more appropriate time for that particular discussion.”

A career built on lies is essentially a house built on a poor foundation. One jolt and the whole thing will come crashing down.

For anyone thinking of lying on a resume about their academic credentials in order to give themselves an edge over the competition, you might want to consider an individual who finds himself in the spotlight of ignobility for doing so.

Saanichnews, of British Columbia, reported on one Jason Matthew Walker, a 31-year-old Saanich County police reserve officer who found himself forced to resign in the wake of a criminal investigation that determined his listed academic credentials were falsified.

Walker claimed to have studied at the University of Victoria; the University of Toronto; the University of Calgary; McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario; Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut; and even Smith College, a private women’s college in Northampton, Massachusetts. Whoops.

Mr. Walker heads Health Point Consulting Inc. based out of Saanich and offers clinical counseling and assessment among other services. He was even employed to interview and prepare a report on a 6-year-old child abuse victim in August of 2009 which was utilized in a court case against the victim’s father. 

Mr.Walker’s report was also was turned over to officers assigned to the investigation whose suspicions were aroused after a review of his listed doctorates in forensic/behavioral sciences, and medical epidemiology. A search warrant was issued on Dec 31, 2009 for Health Point Consulting and subsequently Walker was arrested.

Currently free until a January 21^st court date where he faces charges of fraud, forged documents and false affidavits, Walker must also remove all personal references to himself as “doctor” by January 10^th.

This is a good example of the consequences that face individuals who think that lying about their credentials is a smart move to outmaneuver the “suckers’ that actually spent time in school to earn the degrees they tout on a resume. A career built on lies is essentially a house built on a poor foundation. One jolt and the whole thing will come crashing down.

Gatekeepers are the individuals in place to provide a manager with that first line of defense against incoming calls.

A pivotal part of the application process is following up to ensure your resume was received by either the right manager or decision maker who will be considering you for employment. Good follow up indicates you really are interested in a position and will set you apart from others who may just be slinging resumes left and right hoping one will stick.

But there’s just one small obstacle between you and whoever may be deciding whether you’re the right person for the job…the gatekeepers.

Gatekeepers are the individuals in place to provide a manager with that first line of defense against incoming calls. Secretaries, receptionists, administrative assistants…it may be frustrating constantly having someone take a message or directing you to a seemingly dead end voicemail.

There are, however, a few tricks and ideas to keep in mind that can score you some leverage when it comes to actually speaking with the individual in charge.

Mindset

Set yourself up in your mind as doing this company a favor by calling them back. Don’t think of yourself as wasting anyone’s time. An assertive mindset will give you the confidence to speak with anyone trying to deter you.

Tone of Voice

When calling, try to avoid sounding overly chipper, friendly or upbeat. You’ll just come off sounding like you’re asking someone’s permission for something and the gatekeeper is there to deny you that permission. Instead, try your request with a lower tone of voice and speak with assurance and even a little authority. You need to come across as though this call is being expected.

Get the Ball in Your Court

When your call is answered, you need to start by introducing yourself and stating the purpose of your call. Not only does this start you off with the right momentum, but you also deny the gatekeeper the chance to label you and subsequently put you off.

Follow up with the introduction by asking who you are speaking with. When the gatekeeper responds, hit back with something along the lines of the following:

“(Use his/her name), I was calling because I had done some online research related to the (insert position here) and I had a couple questions for him/her. I think I may be the right candidate they are looking for. Would you be able to put me through?”

The beautiful part of this is that there is nothing false. Just a bit of clever word play that establishes a professional and business-like tone and purpose for your call.

Practice and Adapt

It may take a few calls to get down a basic script that you are comfortable with. Take notes and jot down what works and what does not. And yes, not all gatekeepers are created equal. Some may be relative softies and others won’t let anyone get through. Don’t be afraid to get creative if necessary and even use a little humor when appropriate. Being flexible in your approach will make you more personable and genuine. Use your script as a guide and not your dogma. 

Remain Alert, Collect Information

Even if your goal to reach your target doesn’t succeed, glean whatever information you can to give you an edge when you make that big breakthrough. Ask what the best time is to reach the decision maker, what their schedule looks like, if you’re pronouncing their name correctly, and note if they go by their first or last name. In life, the biggest blunders are often made by ignoring or overlooking small, but vital pieces of information.

Gatekeepers are People, Too

Being rude or sarcastic won’t win you any points with anyone. Even if a gatekeeper is being condescending or rude, remember, they might be dealing with just as much aggravation as you are. Getting them on your side by treating them with a little respect and empathy can increase your chances of getting through to the people that matter.

Remember, this is just as much a people game as a numbers game. Although there isn’t a magic formula for getting through to the people you need, these tips can definitely boost your chances for making it through to whoever is going to decide if you’re the right person for the job.

For those despondent about the employment prospects that lay ahead in 2010, there are encouraging signs that companies are starting to reverse a long trend of layoffs, pay cuts and furloughs.

For those despondent about the employment prospects that lay ahead in 2010, there are encouraging signs that companies are starting to reverse a long trend of layoffs, pay cuts and furloughs. A fourth quarter hiring forecast executed by Careerbuilder.com in conjunction with USA Today reveals inspiring trends that may give job seekers a much needed boost in morale.

The survey was conducted across a breadth of industries nationwide over a 20 day period, beginning August 20th and ending September 9^th. Over 2,900 hiring managers and human resources professionals took park part. Although the data overall suggests that hiring trends are still cautious, there are indications many companies are starting to thaw survivalist business practices in expectation that 2010 will hold a greater deal of economic promise.

Matt Ferguson, CEO of Careerbuilder.com, backs up the report findings and stated that “Companies are switching their focus from cost containment to growth. Employers who have instituted pay cuts or layoffs in the past year are reporting that they have begun to restore compensation levels and rehire employees.”

Mr. Ferguson followed up on that optimism with cautionary words for those that think want ads will suddenly spring up like mushrooms on a front lawn after a big storm: “While these are positive indicators, the pace of hiring will remain restrained. It will take time to rebuild the confidence needed in the nation’s economy to trigger more robust recruitment programs.”

It is engaging and bright news nonetheless. A year ago many employers were bunkered down and following a strict schedule of cost containment and simple survival. The concept of hiring new employees could be construed as heresy to some businesses holding on for dear life.

Likewise, “out of work” individuals found the employment landscape bleaker than a high noon in California’s Death Valley. The few viable employment options left were the fought over fiercely and everyday there was a new story in the media regarding former corporate officers waiting tables to make ends meet.

It’s almost as though optimism is a dirty word these days with few people willing to admit there are signs of recovery afoot. Although the 2009 4^th quarter report conducted by Careerbuilder.com doesn’t state that everyone will be employed in the next few months, it does show trends indicating employers are seeing improvement in the economy overall.

Larger companies are beginning to hire more permanent full time employees. Laid off workers are starting to be called back to fill the positions they were forced to leave behind. Employers are beginning to prepare for economic recovery as potential business prospects improve. Restoration of pay cuts and implementation of salary increases for more employees are also very positive signs.

So, take heart job seekers. All that perseverance, hard work and tenacity isn’t a lost cause. It’s been said the hour before dawn is always darkest and it certainly looks as though dawn is approaching at long last. Stay tuned to the IAmScreened.com blog as we will continue to bring you news regarding our nation’s economic recovery and, as always, tips, tactics and advice for the dedicated job seeker.

Stay away from companies who offer to commit fraud on your behalf for a fee!

If there was a “Bottom Feeder of the Year” award for an employment aid service, CareerExcuse.com would win it without breaking a sweat. This website takes advantage of desperate individuals looking to improve their chances of landing a job in today’s difficult job market by offering fabricated employment history and personal references for placement on a job application.

CareerExcuse.com allows an individual to choose from three plans (i.e. three degrees of deceit). Each plan incorporates a system utilizing phony addresses, fictitious companies and corporations, phone numbers, email addresses and even operators posing as HR representatives. The fake references are then placed on a resume or job application with the intended effect of appearing as real former employers.

After paying an introductory fee, individuals (who are foolish enough to utilize this service) then have to pay a monthly subscription fee of $30.00 to ensure the lies they have purchased are perpetuated in order to foil any follow-up attempts by a hiring manager or HR generalist. Basically you buy one big lie and then have to pay money month after month to make sure the lie remains propped up. It’s like having a cell phone bill FOREVER. This is definitely not the way to lay the foundation for a successful career at a new company If this mentality governed how we constructed buildings you would find bags of marshmallows propping up skyscrapers across the nation.

The Career Excuse website reminds one of a late night infomercial touting the genius of an exciting new product that aims to replace the inconvenience of traditional methods of cooking and cleaning.  You get quick fixes, lots of promises and hollow assurance.

Poke around their website some more and you’ll find blogs, web links and information all geared towards lying your way to the top  You can find a fake resume guide, fake landlord references, & fake letters of recommendation. Need a college degree quick? No problem.  They have a blog offering advice for faking a college education.  Probably the most shocking is that they even have a fake funeral excuse available, so you can get time off when calling in sick just won’t cut it.

But even with multiple layers of lies in place, no system like this will ever hold up 100% in the face of human error, a dedicated HR generalist or the nature of life itself.

What if an operator at CareerExcuse.com accidently communicated information to an HR representative which ran contradictory to the bogus information provided on an employment application? What if a hiring manager decided to dig a little deeper into the history of “Company X” only to find it’s never existed? Life is surprising in the ways it can reveal the truth about someone. I have personally witnessed supposedly “iron clad” lies shattered on account of one errant text message or a chance encounter in a public place.

Want to know what happens if you purchase something on this site and get caught?  CareerExcuse.com attempts to answer that question in one of their blogs, “That is the most common question we receive when people inquire about outsourcing their job references with us.” However, there is absolutely no mention of what happens when their supposedly foolproof system comes crashing down like a house of cards and gets you fired. All they mention is a repetition of how the services work by setting up a phony network of references and employment history for you.

They don’t mention of a refund, what to expect in terms of legal ramifications for lying, or if the company will have your back if you end up getting sued and put in jail for breach of trust.  How about the operators that were standing by to take your call? We placed multiple calls to CareerExcuse.com and only received a digitized voicemail message. Hardly the lifeline I’d want if an employer caught me lying on my application and I needed the help of CareerExcuse.com to help get out of a jam.

CareerExcuse.com states on their website that “The greatest risk is when you use a former employer as a reference and then cross your fingers they won’t call.” One must beg to differ. The greatest risk you will encounter is lying on an application in the first place. There are countless stories of people who, during hard economic times, who have lied on their job applications and found themselves straining from the pressure of meeting their career obligations, but laboring to keep up a false front at the same time.  

If you really want an edge in the hiring process, there are honest and legal alternatives that can help you such as IAmScreened.com.

IAmScreened.com is an innovative web service that allows job applicants to perform a detailed background check on themselves prior to submitting to an official check by the company they are applying to.

Three service level plans allow you to choose the degree of detail you feel is necessary. Verification specialists will check to see what turns up on your criminal history, confirm past dates of employment and see what former employers have to say about you. You can prepare for your application ahead of time, avoid hiring delays, get more job offers, and give yourself a clean and honest edge over the competition.

In today’s competitive job market, lying may seem like an attractive way to “market” yourself, but it’s not worth the headache. By pursuing options such as a personalized IAmScreened.com pre-employment background check, you’ll acquire the hiring advantage you need and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve done the right thing.

Your number one tactic is to be honest about your record. You might think you can lie on your application, but a thorough criminal background check can uncover a mark on your record thereby raising serious questions with an employer about your honesty and trustworthiness. You don’t have to go into exhaustive detail about the nature of your crime, but at the same time you don’t want to not mention it at all.

Being straightforward shows that you’re someone who isn’t afraid to admit past mistakes. The thing to keep in mind is that your criminal record isn’t the “be all & end all.” If the topic comes up in an interview, explain the steps you’ve taken since your offense to move on from it and insure a repeat offense won’t ever happen again.  

There’s also the possibility to consider that you might have a mark on your record you’re not even aware of.  Maybe it happened so long ago, you might not even remember the incident. However, it can make for some awkward interaction between you and your potential employer if your background check comes back with those results.

If there’s any doubt in your mind about any unresolved issues relating to court visits, criminal sentencing or other related matters from your past, get it checked out. You can visit the law enforcement institutions involved and request copies of your paperwork as a matter of public record. In some cases you might even find you’re able to petition to have certain charges removed from your record.

Another alternative is to consult a professional background screening service such as IAmScreened.com. For a reasonable fee you can have a team of verification specialists run a background check on you that can focus on a county, state and national level depending on what you feel is necessary.

We all make mistakes in life, but that’s not to say we can’t learn from them and move forward. If you have the right skills, attitude and life goals, make them known. An employer who sees tremendous potential, both as an employee and an individual, and one who is serious about moving on from the past will no doubt give them equal consideration with any other applicant.

It’s important to know that a positive attitude and honesty are your two most valuable tools.

The best way to keep yourself free from the sting of a holiday scam is to remain alert whether it’s at the mall or in front of your computer doing the shopping at home.

The holidays are upon us and it’s a time for family friends, cheer, and good will towards others. Unfortunately, it’s also a time of year when the more unscrupulous types see fit to exploit the good will and relaxed frame of mind many people have.

Though not an exhaustive list, here are some of the more popular methods both within and outside the boundaries of the law deployed by real life “grinches” on unsuspecting individuals during the holiday season.

The Too Good To Be True Website

One of the more tech savy cons that’s getting bigger with each passing year are bogus websites set up by scammers offering luxury gifts at prices that make Black Friday deals seem like expensive splurges.

These phony sites can be set up to look just like legitimate online sales operations right down to sworn testimony from satisfied customers, official looking business seals and security stamps to make you feel at ease.

It’s a good idea to stay away from websites you don’t know about or trust. Always go with your gut instinct. If you find yourself faced with prices for top tier luxury items that seem to good to be true, they are most likely that. Check the website’s reviews on search engines or see if the company is a member of the Better Business Bureau.

Charity Scams

A con artist knows that playing on people’s sympathies is a great way to get them to lower their defenses. During the holidays they can use a variety of techniques to mingle among the dozens of charitable organizations seeking donations to help the needy.

Santa costumes, bell ringing, official badges, fancy authorization laminates, uniforms that imitate that of official charity collectors…there’s really no telling how far a scammer will go to convince you they are the real thing and deserving of your money.

Members of the Salvation Army and other individuals soliciting donations inside shopping centers are a good bet. Odds are they have permission from the store/property owner who has had a chance to verify their credentials. If you’re unsure of the authenticity of someone soliciting donations, the best thing to just smile and keep on walking. You always have the option of donating to a charity directly via the mail or making a donation online.

The Special Buyers Protection Warranty plan

Many times when purchasing high ticket price items in stores, salespeople will ask if you would like to add on some sort of warranty protection plan for an additional fee.

Despite offering additional warranty protection, you’re typically looking at an extra $100-200 tacked onto your purchase.

The best thing to do is decline and resist any hard sell tactics that are put your way. The key thing to remember is that majority of the items you buy will have some sort of warranty that covers the unit for a minimum period of time from the date of your purchase.

Unless you are very accident prone and can spend the money on the extra protection, pass on these overpriced product insurance plans.

Mind Your Money at the Register

Often people don’t pay attention at the register when it comes time to pay. After all, when you’ve been in the mall for three hours all you can focus on is getting the heck out of there.  However, it’s at the final checkout that people often make their biggest mistakes when it comes to losing their money!

Be sure and count the change you’re given back to ensure you’re not shortchanged. Inspect your bag to make sure each and every item made it into your shopping bag. If using your credit or debit card, keep an eye on the cashiers order screen to make sure you’re being charged the right prices and amounts

We’re not saying the stores are out to scam you, but that’s not to say you’re not dealing with a seasonal cashier or clerk could care less about giving you the right change. Losing little bits of money here and there in this fashion can add up to a lot by the time the holidays are over. And who would want to get a credit card bill in February showing you were charged for TWO $2000 flat screen televisions?

Give yourself just a few more minutes to mind the details and you’ll be spared big headaches later!

Parking Lot Premium Deals

A few years ago a group of conmen went trawling in parking lots around the holidays selling flat screen televisions for what they promised were “true holiday prices.” Well, after a hurried transaction and a quick vanishing act on the part of the scammers, the dupped holiday shoppers opened the factory box, removed the bubble wrap and found themselves the proud owners of…a brand new $300 oven door.

Yes, people will sink so low as to grab boxes of poplar electronics such as game systems, laptops, personal music players, etc and put weighted items like bricks, rocks inside product boxes and carefully camouflaged with wrapping. Pair that with a smooth talking individual and with slick promises and you’ll find yourself a few hundred dollars shorter.

If you’re approached by one of these sharks on the way back to your car, decline their attempts to talk or sell to you. Ignore them as best you can and just get going. If they persist or they go on to bother other people, don’t hesitate to alert a security or police officer in the area. They might have failed with you, but that’s not to say they won’t try their act on someone else.

Pickpockets, Car Theft and You

Pickpockets and sticky fingered theives aren’t just for subways anymore. The holiday crush at shopping centers can be really distracting with the crowds, dozens of Santas, holiday decorations and more. So much in fact, you didn’t even notice the quick fingered thief who dipped into your shopping bag and made off with little Johnnys $300 Ipod.

When out shopping, keep a firm handle on your goods. Keeps bags closed by crossing handles. Wallets should be kept in front pockets, bags securely slung across your chest or shoulder and if you stop for something, keep your bag in front of you…never behind you or at your side!

Your car should also be minded as well. Sometimes we buy too much and two trips are needed to get everything in it, so it makes sense to drop some goods off at the car. If you do so, keep it in the trunk! Do not leave items out in plain view. All it takes is a quick smash of a window and the next thing you know your gifts are gone. Always set your car alarm as an extra precaution.

It’s easy to let your guard down in the interest of just wanting to get the holiday shopping over with and that’s something we’ve all felt. But the scammers know this, too, and they’re just waiting to move in. The best way to keep yourself free from the sting of a holiday scam is to remain alert, whether it’s at the mall or in front of your computer doing your shopping at home.

By taking just a few minutes to authenticate a website, consider your spending options, mind your possessions and remain aware of your surroundings, you’re already one step ahead of the holiday con game.

It used to be newspaper classifieds were all you really needed as far as finding available employment, but times have changed and the best place to start your search for employment will be online.

It used to be newspaper classifieds were all you really needed as far as finding available employment, but times have changed and the best place to start your search for employment will be online.

Utilizing online resources can really help expedite your search due to the sheer amount of information websites and other resources provide right at the swipe of a few keystrokes. Job sites, bulletin boards, forums, discussion groups and even more can provide you with job postings, advice, guides and more that can help you find an open position in the industry you’re geared for…or maybe just something to help you keep up with your bills for the time being.

Job Search Sites

There are several sites whose dedicated focus is to list jobs and that’s all. These sites typically have advanced search functions that let you tailor your search so you can look for jobs that match your salary requirements, skill set, industry and even distance from where you live, so you can determine if it’s within your commute radius. You can also post your resume online so that employers can browse what you have to offer and, with luck, you may be contacted by an interested party.   Especially valuable sites include Indeed.com & SimplyHired.com.

Craigslist

Without a doubt, Craigslist is the one site you can go to to find almost anything you’re looking for and that includes employment opportunities. There are multiple categories you can search for: from office jobs to creative work, to manual labor and much more. Craigslist also offers search filters so you can tailor your search to specific areas, salary ranges and more.

Newspaper Websites

Newspaper classifieds have gone digital and are still a good place to look for work. Many online newspaper sites offer links to their classified section that will often have a dedicated section for employment currently being offered by local businesses.

Company Websites

What industry interests you in particular? For a truly focused search, try entering the name of your chosen industry along with an area you’d like to work in. Chances are you’ll get several hits back listing the websites of businesses both large and small in your area. Most business websites will almost always have a section where they list employment & career opportunities.  Some even let you apply online.

Temporary Agencies

Temporary agencies can help you find the job you’re looking for, but with so many out there with a specific industry focus, how do you know which one will work best for you? By going online, you can research which one works best for you and which industry they target.  This will allow you to get a jump start by registering with them online, saving you time in a face to face interview. Some agencies will even list current assignments they are hiring qualified talent for.

Job Search and Career Advice Forums

Feeling lost? Lonely? Think you’re the only person looking for work online? Far from it! There are lots of people out there who have banded together to form online meeting groups and forums where individuals can discuss job leads, network, share hiring advice, interview tips, resume services, cover letter critiques and more. These online communities can not only share valuable information to help you in your search, but also boost your morale by letting you know there are others out there in your situation working just as hard for positive change.

Other Helpful Tips

Search filters are your friend! Learning how to use them properly can help you narrow your search down and cut down on time wasted sifting through jobs you may not be qualified for or simply don’t fall in line with your career ambitions. Most sites offer filter functions that, as we mentioned earlier, can narrow your search down to a specific industry, salary range, location and even commute time. Narrowing your search for what you really want will save you time, energy and resources in the long run.

How an employment advertisement is laid out  can often give you a clue if something is legitimate or bogus. Watch out for employment ads that sound too good to be true! Lots of catch phrases, exclamation points, capital letters and promises of thousands of dollars weekly are all red flags to watch.

Most employers will have you contact them via email first so they may examine your resume first and then contact you directly if they are interested. MOST ads that have a direct number for you to call and promise immediate interviews are suspect. Trust me, I have followed these types of leads before and found myself lured into “get rich quick” seminars or door to door sales positions peddling questionable air purifiers.

Utilize these online resources and tips and you’re sure to be more successful in your job search.

More and more, job seekers are taking the initiative to utilize web-based resources such as www.iamscreened.com to run personalized background checks on themselves prior to applying for positions of employment.

Many stories that you’ll hear of background check nightmares involve an error costing a prospective job candidate their chances at a dream job. But an error costing you your job once you’ve already settled in and started collecting a paycheck for your hard work? Is it possible?

Sadly enough, that’s exactly what the Baltimore Sun reported as happening to Eschol Amelia Studnitz who lost a $58K a year accounting job due to a background check discrepancy. Now unemployed, behind on mortgage payments and utility bills with still no resolution in sight for what should have been a quick fix, she wonders how this could have happened.

Studnitz was employed by Corporate Mail Services or “CMS” which had secured a mail handling contract with the Social Security Administration. Once employed, a standard background check screening returned “unsuitable.” Results that barred her from obtaining a level 1 security clearance required by all individuals working at the CMS Arbutus facility in Maryland.

Studnitzs’ shock was profound and the Sun quoted her as saying “I kept thinking, ‘What could I have done?’”

The Social Security Administration (SSA), within a week, realized it had made a mistake and contacted her  employer CMS. The SSA stated that their decision had been reversed and that Mrs. Studnitz would be cleared to work on a new mailing handling contract. Unfortunately, it was too late.

Citing issues regarding her work performance and handling of the reinstatement process, CMS declined to restore Amelias position. three months later she now finds herself unemployed, in debt and feeling completely betrayed by her former employer: “I’ve never been let go, for one thing. And to be let go with a callous attitude. I was a good employee. [CMS] just completely wrote me off like a bad seed. It was surreal.”

Amelia now finds herself with limited legal options, a poor job market with few available opportunities and an uncertain future and all because of a minor glitch in the system. It’s a terribly unfair situation…could it happen to you?

It might seem like a one in a million situation chance but with background screenings having become an integral part of the hiring process, the potential for minor errors costing qualified individuals their jobs may become more commonplace.

Now, before you panic, you need to know that terminations based on mistakes on a background are very rare but they can happen. No individual has to remain powerless in the face of potential complications such as what Amelia Studnitz had dealt with.

More and more, job seekers are taking the initiative to utilize web-based resources such as www.IAmScreened.com to run personalized background checks on themselves prior to applying for positions of employment. Receiving your very own advance background screening allows you to ensure your personal data is accurate, up to date and uncompromised. By having a check run, any errors and mistakes can be caught and corrected prior to the official screening process. It’s like sweeping a road free of nails before you drive your car down it. After all, who wants a flat tire when their destination is in sight?

Losing focus and concentration can happen to the best of us.

If you’ve ever clocked in at a job, you’ll know that everyone has at one time or another had trouble maintaining their focus on the task at hand. Well, maybe not everyone. I won’t deny there are a few hardy souls out there that lock themselves into work mode and stay that way throughout the day minus a break or two and lunch hour.

But then there are the rest of us. You’ve been working on that inventory in Excel for a good three hours and suddenly you hit the wall and despite your best efforts, each click of the mouse feels like a ninety pound bench press. Your eyes are going everywhere, BUT the screen. The internet is calling out to you like a beckoning siren. With each minute you’re spacing out more and more. It seems all is lost.

Well no, not really.

Losing focus and concentration can happen to the best of us. Even with the best intentions and dedication to a specific task, sometimes it seems difficult to stay on track. Often, it’s a combination of mind and body signaling that it’s time for a break or a change of focus in order to keep one stimulated, awake and aware of what needs to be done.

In these situations the best thing to do is take a step back and assess your situation.

What exactly is it that’s causing you to lose focus? It might be that you’ve been focused on a particular task for too long and your brain is feeling a little dulled. Maybe your body’s energy level needs a boost in the form of a beverage or snack.

Once you’ve taken account of how you’re feeling, see what kind of time or resources you have available to refresh yourself. Get up, stretch, step outside for a breath of fresh air, go sip some cool water, grab a snack from the break room, walk around and get a little blood flowing. A combination of these activities in just five minutes can revitalize your senses and get you back on track.

You might also just need to switch your tasks up. If you’ve made good headway on an assignment, but can’t bear to work on it anymore, put your multitasking skills to good use and switch over to something else for a while before coming back to your primary task at hand. New tasks equal new mental stimulation and will wake your brain up.

If being able to stay on track and remain focused on the task at hand eludes you, another simple method involves reminding yourself why you’re there doing and what you’re doing.  Maybe you’re saving up for a trip somewhere; you’re working hard to put a son or daughter through school; or your employment is helping you finish school. Reminding yourself of the goals you’re working towards can help you see past the immediate situation and the rewards you can expect if you just stick to your work and persevere.

And if all else fails, try speaking with your supervisor. More than likely they have been where you have at one point and they can offer you advice and guidance to stay on track. If it’s a question of the nature of your work, they might be able to offer you new tasks and responsibility to keep things fresh or change your daily schedule up so you can avoid a numbing routine.

Focus can be lost but it’s easily found again if you just know how by using some of the simple suggestions mentioned above.

It’s important however that you choose your references carefully as their word and manner in which they are associated to you can alternately hurt or harm your chances.

First, the most obvious choice is people who will speak highly of you. Make sure you’re in good standing with the people you’ve tapped to put in a good word for you when your potential employer comes calling. Because of possible legal backlash, most professional adults will not outright badmouth a former employee but then, why would you want someone getting mediocre feedback about you? Go for people you have made good and lasting impressions on.

Second, know if someone is going to be contacted for a character or employment reference. You should save long time friends, friends of the family and family members for character references (which are more for gauging your moral quality as an individual) versus former supervisors, managers and co-workers for employment references who will provide someone with an idea of your moral character in addition to verifying your work performance, abilities, skill sets and other related information.

Third, make sure you and your references have all your information straight before they are contacted. Avoid the embarrassment of having to explain to the company you’re applying with why you said one thing but your reference said another. Take some time and contact a former employer, verify the information they have on file and make sure it matches what you’ve put down on your job application.  By ensuring this type of consistency, you strengthen your credibility immensely in the eyes of a potential employer. You’re someone whose word can be trusted.

Fourth, always make sure the reference you’re giving can be tied to the position you’re applying to. You wouldn’t use your summer job at the local burger joint as an employment reference for the design studio in downtown would you? Look for employment and personal references that have some sort of tie to the field you’re interested in. Even if you don’t have them then you can always emphasis and play up elements of past positions that can be tied to the one you’re applying for now. For example, maybe you redesigned a menu on your computer for your boss at the burger joint. 

Once all is said and done, take a moment to leave a voicemail, send an email or mail a thank you note to the people who gave you references. These people have stepped up to the plate and given someone the green light to hire you.  That’s a pretty big thing to do for someone and by acknowledging the act, you dole out some good old fashion common courtesy as well as ensuring you can use them again in the future if need be.

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft with Proper Measures

Identity theft is a form of fraud involving someone who has stolen or appropriated an individual’s identifying information for the primary purpose of stealing money or getting access to other benefits. For many, the aftermath of identity theft can involve a lot of time to repair their damaged credit rating and personal credibility.

Don’t let yourself be a victim of identity theft. Although by no means an all-encompassing list, the following tips can help you from being less vulnerable to the predatory tactics of identity thieves!

Shred and Destroy

When you’re disposing of unwanted documents, take a moment to sort through what you are throwing out. Anything that has personal information on it should be kept to the side in a box or bag and shredded/destroyed completely before being disposed of.

Bring In Your Mail

Don’t let mail pile up in your mailbox. Make a point to bring it in daily as utility bills, credit card statements and other items will contain confidential account and personal information

Lost Your Card? Report It!

Lose a credit or debit card? Report it lost/stolen and have a fresh card generated for yourself. Let your financial institutions know of your last known transaction so they can use that as a baseline indicator of any fraudulent activity on your card since it went missing.

Get a Receipt

If you make a transaction anywhere with your atm card or credit card, get the receipt and either take it with you or destroy it. It is never a good idea to just leave your receipt dangling from the atm or on the ground next to it.

Never Leave Home With These Documents

Your social security card and birth certificate should always be kept in a secure and safe place. Unless absolutely necessary, don’t ever let these two documents leave your residence. If they have to go somewhere with you, keep them at your side at all times.

Safeguard Your Card

A great trick to safeguard your credit or atm card is to write “SEE IDENTIFICATION” on the back of the card rather than signing it. A thief will find themselves thwarted when a merchant or retailer asks them to verify their identification while trying to use your stolen card.

Your Computer: The Fortress

Keep a minimum of personal information stored on your home computer or laptop. If you must, use a strong password or other encryption method to deny access to your hard drive should a thief make off with your computer. Attacks on your private information can come from within as well. Don’t ever open an email attachment, download or anything that makes you feel even remotely uneasy.

Applications from unknown sources can unleash nasty program applications onto your hard drive that allow thieves access to anything and everything you’ve got on your computer. Make sure all your internet security programs and options are kept up to date. Many popular anti-viral/malware programs can be regularly updated to keep pace with ever-evolving online threats.

Check Your Own Background

Did you know you have a right to see a copy of your credit report one time per year from all three of the major credit bureaus?  By law they have to provide this information to you and it’s a great way to make sure you haven’t fallen victim to any theft.  Include that annual credit check with a background check from IAmScreened.com to ensure a criminal hasn’t used your identity when involved with any criminal cases, thus destroying your reputation and employment opportunities.

Identity theft is a regrettable crime to befall, anyone but it’s preventable for everyone given that a few guidelines are followed and common sense is dutifully employed. Identity thieves operate best when they have people to deal with that are oblivious to their methods and tactics. By educating yourself and remaining alert, you deny them access to your information and ensure your life remains uncompromised.

Although every company is different, here are some helpful general guidelines you can follow that apply to the majority of modern workplaces:

Educate Yourself

Start researching the responsibilities, knowledge and other expectations that come with position X. Knowing all there is about the job can help you map out an educational plan and time table you can follow to obtain all the necessary qualifications for advancement.  And don’t be shy about asking your boss about what you can learn to help prepare you.  When it’s time to make that big leap from clerk to manager, you’ll be fully equipped with all the intelligence you need for success.

Put In Your Time…Don’t Rock The Boat!

Don’t think that just because your first three months were exemplary that entitles you to a promotion. An employer might want to see how you work out for the long term before bumping you up the food chain. Decisions like this usually can’t be made on short term performance. And they may have other considerations you aren’t aware of, like veteran employees who may be entitled to a promotion before you.

Stand Out

Put in extra hours when asked, go beyond expected obligations, ensure your work is consistent and correct, always be on time. Don’t go as far as to suck up to the boss every time you see them in the hallway but at the same time you don’t want to just be someone that clocks in and clocks out. Give them lot’s reasons why you’re the person to fill that slot!

Think from Management’s Perspective

What traits would you be looking for if you had to decide who to promote?  Try to objectively evaluate yourself against the criteria you think they will be considering.  Are you reliable?  Punctual?  Are you respected by your peers?  Do you solve problems independently, make your own decisions when appropriate, communicate effectively?  Once you’ve taken stock of where your strengths are, work to improve on areas where you might not be “promotion material” yet.

Ask Those That Know

There were people before you in the same position and they may have valuable advice and guidance on ways to advance within your company.

• How much preparation was required?
• Who was the best supervisor to approach?
• Did they ask for an advancement opportunity in person or begin with a note or email?
• How long can a new employee expect to wait before consideration?

Time it Right

Take note of how your company has been doing and what kind of mood your boss has been in lately. If the company’s fortunes are in the toilet and your supervisor is inspiring fear on account of his moodiness, you might want to wait for sunnier days before inquiring about advancement opportunities.

Don’t Do It For The Money

A bigger salary doesn’t always equal job satisfaction. Many people have taken new positions they absolutely hated just so they could have a few extra bucks in their wallet. Not even a new plasma screen television could shake the feeling of dread knowing in the back of their mind  they had to go to work at their new (and despised) post the next day.

Remember, you should be moving up because you’re welcoming the additional responsibility, challenges and a sense of genuine career fulfillment. By advancing in doing what you love you will ensure you remain committed to your work and upward momentum. And by doing so, money and success will be right on your tail

Probably the most common errors found on background checks come from employment verifications.  Maybe the dates worked were reported incorrectly or the job title wasn’t right.  Your best line of action, should this happen to you, is to contact your former employer’s Human Resources (or whoever it was that misreported the information) and ask them to correct their records. 

Did a criminal record show up that’s definitely not yours?  Many people believe that criminal records are looked up using a person’s social security number, but that’s actually not the case.  Courthouses will reference records using a name and date of birth.  That said, a criminal with just your name and date of birth could commit crimes and try to pass themselves off as you, leaving you in a world of hurt.

On the other hand, did you have a criminal record you were told (by your lawyer or the judge) was dismissed or expunged and it re-appeared on your background check?  Reputable background check companies don’t report dismissed cases as a matter of ethics and expunged cases shouldn’t even be found.

Whatever sort of mistake was returned on your background check, take comfort in knowing that the law is on your side.  An employer running a background check on you must have your written consent according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).  Furthermore, should the employer find information on your check which may prevent them from hiring you, they must give you written notice and a minimum of 5 working days to dispute the results.  You also have the right to know the name and contact information of the company who completed the check.  Once you file a dispute, the background check company is obligated to check it out and fix it whenever possible.  They must then prove that to you by sending you and your employer and updated background check. 

Of course, the best way to find out ahead of time if there are any mistakes or errors on your background check is by ordering one on yourself using IAmScreened.com.  The reports are simple to order, average 1 to 3 working days to complete and will give you the peace of mind that there are no errors on your background check (and even if there are, the staff at IAmScreened will work with you towards a resolution).

Don't disregard the little details when going on a job interview.

Your suit is pressed, you’ve rehearsed the interview with your roommate and you’ve got an answer for any question that might come your way. But wait; aren’t you forgetting some very important details?

When going to an interview, it’s important to know there are a few additional things to bring along that will not only help expedite the hiring process but will also make a very positive impression on the individual(s) who will be considering you for employment.

A COPY OF YOUR RESUME

Don’t assume the individual interviewing you will have a copy of the resume you sent to them. Always assume they won’t have it. Maybe their toner ran out, it was misplaced or the new HR intern destroyed it by accident. By having extra copies on hand you’ve already demonstrated yourself as a prepared individual ready for the unexpected.

A LIST OF PERSONAL REFERENCES

Most employers will want a list of personal and professional references from you. As with bringing a copy of your resume, having this ready for them indicates your willingness to be prepared as well as taking the initiative. Have this information ready to hand over right then and there will eliminate any associated snags and/or delays that come with having to get back to them a day or so later with the requested information.

A PEN AND NOTEPAD

Bring along a notepad and pen to jot down important information pertaining to the position you’re seeking as well as the answers to questions you field to the interviewer. Once again, you’ll come across as prepared, it gives the impression you truly value the opportunity by taking notes and you have good ammunition to review and use in the event of a follow up interview.

A BACKGROUND CHECK

Why not show some initiative by bringing along a completed background check on yourself?  You can easily purchase one from IAmScreened.com that can include criminal history as well as previous employment and educational experience.  IAmScreened.com will also generate a username and password for your potential employers to utilize to view your background check online and see for themselves how serious you are about employment with their company.

TRY NOT TO BRING

Although not a comprehensive list, the following are among the top three things you can bring along that can cause trouble during your interview. If you feel weird about something in your pocket, leave it on your kitchen table!

• Cell phones – they have a nasty habit of switching on without you even knowing it. Don’t let one ruin an otherwise good interview with a disastrously timed incoming call or text message.
• Loose change – All that change jingling and jangling in your pocket is just tacky. If it spills out of your pocket when you get up from a sitting position, you’ll feel and look like a goof picking it all up. Leave it in your car or at home in the piggy bank
• Gum – I list this because you’ll no doubt be chewing on some while you’re on your way to the interview or while you’re in the waiting room. Don’t meet your potential employer chewing away. It’s a kiss of death for first impressions.

As with all things in life, little details are what often make or break pivotal events. Just because something seems small or unnoticeable doesn’t mean it’s not vital or important. Keep an eye for the tiny detail and you’ll never lose sight of the big prize.

Exercise discretion and good judgment when posting personal information and images on your social networking account.

Social networking sites are a great way to keep in contact with friends, network and meet new people. This social phenomenon is now a permanent fixture of the internet and now more than ever, people are opening up their personal lives for the world to see. However, in addition to your friends and family, you could have a potential employer or supervisor who’s interested in your extracurricular activates as well!

One of the pitfalls of social networking sites such as Facebook is that employers are increasingly using them as apart of their background check process. The wrong type of photos and information posted online can communicate an erroneous image of an individual lifestyle thereby ruining the chances of an otherwise highly qualified individual from being hired. What could be worse than being in the home stretch for a start date at Company XYZ only to have a detailed rant against corporate life on your personal blog completely derail you?

Posting incriminating photos/stories/information, derogatory remarks about one’s company, bad mouthing the boss, etc… online is asking for trouble. Being painted as having a reckless lifestyle off the clock may worry your superiors who could be led to believe such behavior could spill over into the workplace and/or damage the company image. Naturally, what manager will stand around and wait for that to happen based upon preemptive intelligence like that?!?

Disciplinary actions, write ups and terminations have all resulted from people who called their jobs boring on Twitter, boasted of goofing on company time via Facebook and posting photos of wild partying on Myspace. Wise up folks! A couple comments from strangers telling you how cool you look passed out naked surrounded by empty bottles is not worth a termination letter handed to you by your boss on Monday.

Now don’t panic. You don’t need to start living your private life as if you were at work with your manager standing over your shoulder. Generally, if you have to stop and ask yourself if posting particular imagery, information or opinions would be damaging to your career, chances are it is and best kept to yourself and your close circle of friends. I usually ask myself “Is this something I’d want Grandma to see?”

Exercise discretion and good judgment when posting personal information and images on your social networking account. If anything, think of it as an online resume of who you are as a person. As with your professional resume, you want to share information that is going to give people a positive perception of you and not the opposite.

Remember, your resume is your ambassador to a potential employer!

Nothing holds truer to the old adage “a diamond in the rough” than a tight and polished resume. The current economic climate still has employers on their guard as far as opening business operations which means fewer available positions being offered. So when something opens up, lots of people are pouncing on the opportunity and it’s up to your resume to stand out from the rest. You need to be sure yours is the Ferrari weaving its way past the clunkers and into the driveway of the job it is you’re after.

The following tips can help insure you get a focused, informative and clean resume that will stand out amid the all too common stacks of applications and resumes that greet business owners the day after posting a want ad.

FORMAT

A simple format that allows the eyes of the reader to go right to the information they are looking for is essential. Employers often perform very quick initial scans of a resume looking for key pieces of info. If they find what they are looking for quickly and easily, it’ll be set aside for a more in depth look later.

CONTENT

Make sure the educational and employment experience you’re putting down is applicable to the job you’re applying to. You may have done a stellar job behind the check stand at the local market but how is that relevant for a graphic design position and vice versa? Employers want to see right off the bat if your skills and experience are a fit. They do not want to have to dig through a lot of unnecessary information.

ORDER

• Your personal contact information at the top.
• A very brief statement of purpose no longer than two sentences.
• A list of educational institutions attended.
• Your past employers including company name, position held, dates of employment and the essential duties performed.
• A brief summary of any special skills/knowledge/training pertinent to the position.

 REMEMBER

• Your letter size should be consistent. Between 10-12 is a good range for resumes.
• Always try and limit your resume to a single page.
• Don’t try and stand out by using goofy/exotic fonts! It’s never professional.
• When in doubt…KEEP THINGS SIMPLE.

Make sure to put aside the time to write a good resume that clearly communicates your desire for gainful employment backed by clear and concise employment/educational history. It’s not the easiest thing to compose and you may have to endure a bit of trial and error but don’t give up. Once you have a polished resume to hand out, you will notice a huge difference in the amount of call backs and interview opportunities that open up to you.

 Remember, your resume is your ambassador to a potential employer!

Providing Good References is Essential for a Great Interview

Providing professional references paired with your resume will give an employer an opportunity to get a different perspective on your qualifications, skills and talents.  That said, what follows are some crucial suggestions you should follow to make sure you get the best and most out of your professional references.

Notify your references – Make sure the people you list as being references have given you their permission to do so.  First, it’s showing common courtesy.  Second (and probably more important), it gives you a feel for whether or not they’ll give you a good recommendation.  If you hear hesitation in their voice or if they just flat out refuse, it’s best to leave them off your list.

Only list professional references – Don’t be tempted to list friends and family on your reference list.  Even if you worked with them in the past, finding out the reference is related to you can leave a sour your image in front of a potential employer.

Know what your references will say about you – Unsure of what your references will say?  Don’t hesitate to find out.  Have a friend call them posing as a potential employer, or better yet, purchase a background check from IAmScreened.com who will contact your former employers as a non-biased, third party and see what they have to say.

Provide current contact information – Double if not triple check that the phone numbers and/or emails you are providing are the most up to date for your references.  It’s even not a bad idea to double-check the names as well if the references you list are women. 

Provide a description – Along with the name, title and contact information, write a one to two line description of how you know the person. 

Know your company policy – Do you know if your current employer allows its employees to give professional references?  Some employers enacted the policy of prohibiting the release of any information about former employees aside from dates and position.  Make sure it’s okay for your potential employer to contact people at your present job for references if you have them listed.

Thank your references – Did you land the job?  Well, even if you didn’t, it doesn’t hurt to send your references a thank you note.  Sending them a little “thank you” will give your references a positive impression of you and will probably make them even more agreeable to doing it again, should the need arise.