By Susan P. Joyce

Does something smell suspicious when you see that job posting or open an email? Here's how to tell if you should follow your nose and move on.

Job search scams come to you via email, but you also find scams posted on various assorted websites as well, from the big name job boards and social networks to a small local employer or recruiter. Independent recruiters often legitimately recruit for employers, but the recruiter should be open about who they are.

You need to know who is really behind this job posting. The recruiter or the employer's name is required information for you to verify that applying for the job is worth your time.

Recruiters may not tell you who the employer is because they are afraid you will go directly to the employer, eliminating their commission for finding you. But, they have no need to protect their name from you, and legitimate recruiters will be open about what is happening.

If you are unsure of a job opportunity you may find, or that may be sent to you by someone you don’t know, use this Sniff Test to see if the opportunity is real. Yes, it is a P-I-T-A (as in, a pain-in-the-a…) to do this research, but right now you really don’t have other viable options to protect yourself.

7-Steps to Verify Before You Trust

Avoid job scams by doing this sniff test. Don't take the time and go to the effort to apply for a job posting unless you know it is legitimate.

This is a variation on the old trust-but-verify saying. Trust AFTER you have verified that a job is "real" by being sure that the employer passes this sniff test.

By Susan P. Joyce

Even if you are happily employed or running your own successful business, being found inside LinkedIn is essential. People you are meeting with or possible clients/customers search to find you and people like you. And so, of course, do recruiters and potential employers.

The best way to be found is to leverage your best keywords and the LinkedIn search algorithm. The algorithm that determines rank in search results is not shared by LinkedIn.

Remember that the version of your name used on your LinkedIn Profile is your most important set of keywords!

Use that specific version of your name in all of your job applications, resumes, business cards, meeting name tags and badges, and ALL other professional visibility. This enables recruiters and others to "connect the dots" and to find you when they are searching for you by name.

The 10 Steps to Successful LinkedIn SEO

The result of well-executed LinkedIn SEO is a higher position, improved search results rankings, in searches inside of LinkedIn. This may also impact your appearance in Google and Bing search results.

Each LinkedIn member sees search results customized specifically for them, based on their LinkedIn network (connections) as well as what LinkedIn calls "relevancy to the searcher." When we analyzed LinkedIn search results, we concluded that job seekers can successfully optimize their Profile by focusing in these 10 specific areas:

1. Have a robust Profile.

A "complete" Profile is the absolute minimum! Also known as "All Star" in LinkedIn terminology (LinkedIn definition), a complete Profile is the least effort needed to be found in LinkedIn search results. Don't stop there! Read 6 Great Ways to Optimize Keywords for a More Powerful LinkedIn Profile for examples and more details.

Include contact information! Enable recruiters, potential clients, and network members to reach you when they are interested. Recruiters, in particular, are always in a hurry, so, often, if they can't quickly and easily contact you, they'll move on. Read Be Reachable to Be Hired for details on how and where to include contact information so your privacy isn't compromised.

READ MORE

1. Freelancing: A Good Option When You Are Unemployed? By Julie Walraven

2. How to Ace the Dreaded Phone Interview by Jeff Lipschultz

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