“It is getting better,” Shannon noted in the interview. “If you were discouraged in your job search last year, it might be a great time to pick it back up.”

The Numbers Tell the Story

The data shows a significant improvement in job availability across Western New York:

1. 2021: 30,000 jobs (peak hiring period)
2. 2024: 8,000 jobs (market low)
3. 2025: 14,000 jobs (current recovery)

This represents a 75% increase in available positions compared to last year, signaling a strong rebound in the regional employment landscape.

Changing Priorities in the Workforce

Shannon highlighted an important shift in job seekers’ priorities. While compensation was once the primary consideration, work-life balance has claimed the top spot for the third consecutive year. This represents a fundamental change in what employees value most.

“51% have their eye on a new job this year, this is the highest it’s been since 2015, so the top talent is looking,” Shannon explained.

Another revealing statistic: only one in five employees believe their company truly cares about them, underscoring the importance of workplace culture and employee engagement.

Advice for Job Seekers

For those looking to re-enter the job market or make a career move, Shannon offered practical advice:

1. Leverage your network: “I think it’s really important that your network knows that you’re looking.”
2. Consider roles similar to your current position: Major career pivots remain challenging, with better success likely in familiar industries.

Tips for Employers

Companies looking to attract quality talent should:

1. Emphasize work-life balance in job descriptions and interviews
2. Offer flexibility in scheduling and remote work options
3. Highlight positive workplace culture

At Acara Solutions, we’re committed to helping both employers and job seekers navigate this evolving landscape. The improving job market presents new opportunities for meaningful connections between organizations and talent in Western New York.

For more insights and assistance with your hiring or job search needs, contact Shannon Callahan and Acara Solutions today.

The post WNY Job Market Shows Signs of Recovery, According to Acara Solutions Expert appeared first on Acara Solutions.

The Rising Threat of Job Scams

California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently issued a warning about the alarming increase in recruitment scams. According to Federal Trade Commission data cited by Bonta’s office, recruitment scams have nearly tripled from 2020 to 2024, with consumers losing a staggering $501 million in 2024 alone. With such significant financial impacts, recognizing the warning signs of fake job postings has never been more important. 

Key Warning Signs of Fake Job Postings

1. Too Good to Be True

• Unusually High Salary: If a job offers an exceptionally high salary for minimal experience or promises unrealistic perks, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate employers are transparent about compensation and job expectations. 
• Immediate Job Offers: Be wary if you’re offered a job without an interview or after a very brief interaction.

2. Vague Job Descriptions

• Lack of Detail: Scammers often post vague job descriptions with little detail about responsibilities or qualifications. Real companies provide clear information about what the role entails. 
• Unclear Expectations: If the job description seems ambiguous or doesn’t clearly outline the role’s responsibilities, it could be a red flag.

3. No Company Information

• Missing Company Details: If the company name is missing or it’s difficult to find information about them online, proceed with caution. Legitimate employers want candidates to learn about their organization and will have a web presence. 
• Unverifiable Recruiters: If you can’t find the recruiter or their company online, it may be a scam. 

4. Unprofessional Communication

• Poor Grammar and Spelling: Watch out for poor grammar, misspellings, or unprofessional email addresses (e.g., personal Gmail or Yahoo accounts instead of a company domain). 
• Urgency and Pressure: Scammers may push you to make decisions quickly, such as providing personal information or accepting a job offer on the spot without an interview. 

5. Requests for Personal Information Early in the Process

• Sensitive Information Requests: Legitimate employers will never ask for sensitive information such as your Social Security number, banking details, or passwords during the initial stages of recruitment. They typically only ask for personal data after a formal offer is made, and it should be done through secure channels. 

6. Social Media Red Flags

• Unsolicited Messages: Be particularly cautious of job opportunities that come to you unexpectedly through social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram. 
• Impersonation Tactics: Fraudsters create fake accounts that impersonate well-known companies, using similar logos and company information to appear legitimate. 

7. Financial Requests

• Upfront Payments: According to the California Attorney General’s warning, a major red flag is when supposed employers ask for money upfront for “training materials,” “application fees,” or other expenses. Legitimate employers never ask candidates to pay for opportunities to work. 
• Banking Information: Scammers often target financial information by requesting bank account details for supposed salary deposits before any formal hiring process is completed. 

8. Additional Telltale Signs Identified by the FTC

• Suspicious Interview Processes: Interviews conducted solely via text message or on instant messaging platforms without video or voice components. 
• Job Offers Without Clear Duties: Being hired for positions with vague responsibilities such as “money transfer specialist” or “payment processor.” 
• Unrealistic Flexibility: Promises of complete work-from-home flexibility with no oversight or scheduled hours. 
• Asking for Payment Apps: Requests to download specific payment applications or cryptocurrency wallets for “payroll purposes.” 
• Request for Device Purchase: Being asked to purchase equipment from specific vendors designated by the employer. 

How to Protect Yourself

Research the Company

• Verify Job Postings: Go directly to the company’s official website or LinkedIn page to see if the job is listed there. If it’s not, be wary. 
• Check Reviews: Look for reviews on platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, or LinkedIn to ensure the company is legitimate and has a good reputation. 

Verify the Job Posting

• Use Official Channels: Legitimate companies typically use official company portals or professional job platforms for applications (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor). 
• Contact the Company Directly: If you receive a job offer claiming to be from a specific company, contact that company through their official website or phone number (not the contact information provided in the suspicious message) to verify the opportunity. 

Be Cautious with Personal Information

• Secure Channels Only: Never provide sensitive information upfront. Employers typically only ask for personal data after a formal offer is made, and it should be done through secure channels. 
• Protect Your Documents: Scammers may request copies of identification documents or bank statements for fraudulent purposes. Only share such documents through secure, verified channels after confirming the legitimacy of the employer. 

Trust Your Instincts

• If It Feels Off: If something feels off, whether it’s the job description, communication, or process, it’s better to walk away. Trust your instincts. 

Report Fake Postings

• Report to Authorities: If you encounter a fake job posting, report it to the platform where it was listed and to organizations like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This helps protect other job seekers. 
• Contact Your State Attorney General: As evidenced by California’s involvement, state attorneys general are actively working to combat job scams. Report suspicious job postings to your state’s attorney general’s office. 

By being aware of these warning signs and taking proactive steps to verify job postings, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to job scams. With the FTC reporting nearly triple the number of cases over the past four years, vigilance in the job search process has never been more important. Always prioritize your safety and security when pursuing employment opportunities. 

Ready to start your job search? View our job seekers page for more information.

The post How to Spot a Fake Job Posting appeared first on Acara Solutions.

The Phoenix region’s workforce plays a key role in the decision of organizational leaders to establish and grow their Arizona presence. Talent is the lifeblood of a business, and in 2023, Lightcast’s Talent Attraction Scorecard ranked Maricopa County number one in talent attraction for the sixth time in seven years. The county continues to see the highest growth in working-age residents and remains a magnet for businesses seeking skilled workers. For example, companies have chosen Phoenix for a major chip production facility, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a high-tech hub. 

Phoenix is also home to one of the country’s largest community college systems and has a higher-than-average population of millennials, veterans, and diverse citizens, making it an attractive place for businesses looking to expand their footprint. 

Where Outdoor Adventure Meets a Thriving Tech Economy 

Phoenix offers outdoor enthusiasts an array of activities, from hiking the scenic trails of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve to paddle boarding on the picturesque Tempe Town Lake. Sports fans can also rally behind Phoenix’s multiple professional teams, adding to the city’s vibrant energy. 

However, it’s the booming tech industry and economic opportunities that truly draw job seekers to Phoenix. Arizona has solidified its position as a destination for high-tech, high-wage industries like semiconductors, electric vehicle manufacturing, and renewable energy. In particular, Phoenix’s office space costs remain competitive, with rents averaging $30.96 per square foot—much lower than tech hotspots like Silicon Valley, where rates soar above $100​. 

Compensation is another attractive factor for talent relocating to Phoenix. Compensation costs for private industry workers in Phoenix rose 3.3% in June 2024, while nationwide, compensation costs rose 3.9%. This combination of economic opportunity and affordability makes Phoenix an increasingly attractive destination for career-focused individuals. 

Training and education programs remain strong drivers of Phoenix’s workforce appeal. In 2023, Arizona invested $30 million to build advanced manufacturing training centers statewide, aimed at fostering skills in semiconductors, electric vehicles, and other high-tech fields​. 

Are you an employer or job seeker contemplating expanding or relocating to the Greater Phoenix area? View Acara’s latest infographic for more labor force statistics—including top-growing occupations, largest industries, and employment data. 

The post Phoenix: A Top Destination for Job Seekers and Employers appeared first on Acara Solutions.

Related: Boston Labor Force Summary 

Diverse Economy 

Boston has a diverse economy and is home to a wide range of companies in healthcare, life sciences, education, finance, technology, and professional services. The city is also a major hub for research and development, particularly in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Plus, there’s reason to be optimistic about Boston’s post-pandemic economy, with many key indicators pointing to signs of growth and stability. 

Educational Institutions 

The city is home to some of the world’s top universities and colleges, including Harvard, MIT, Tufts, Northeastern, Boston College, and Boston University, among others. This has created a consistent pipeline of highly educated, skilled graduates entering the job market each year. These institutions have also contributed to a culture of continuous learning and professional development, benefiting employees and employers alike. 

Innovation and Entrepreneurship 

Boston has a robust startup ecosystem, particularly in tech and life sciences. The city ranks among the top U.S. metro areas for venture capital investment and accounted for 10 percent of the country’s VC funding total between 2019 and 2021—third only to Silicon Valley and New York City. 

Quality of Life 

Boston offers a great quality of life, thanks to its urban amenities, access to nature, and historical charm. The city’s public transportation system has also received accolades for its reliability and low costs. In addition, Boston is relatively compact, making it easy to get around by foot or bike. These are major draws for job seekers and employees who want to live and work in the city without the hassle and expense of a long commute. 

Workforce Development 

Boston has invested heavily in workforce development and implemented numerous programs to increase workforce participation and equip residents with skills to meet the changing needs of local employers in a variety of critical industries. 

• The Life Sciences Workforce Development Initiative (LSWDI) aims to train and employ 1,000 Boston residents in life sciences careers by 2025. 

• The Good Jobs Metro Boston Coalition, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, aims to train and place residents in 4,618 quality jobs in the childcare, healthcare, and clean energy industries. 

• The Greater Boston Equitable Apprenticeship Pathways will connect Boston residents to pre-apprenticeship opportunities in construction, hospitality, healthcare, and life sciences. 

Connectivity 

Lastly, Boston’s location on the East Coast makes it a strategic hub for businesses, with easy access to both domestic and international markets. Logan International Airport offers numerous direct flights to major cities around the world. Within the U.S., travelers can get to other key cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia within a couple hours via plane or the same day via train or car. 

Ready to grow your employee headcount in Boston? Whether you’re looking for direct placements, contingent hires, or a more robust solution to your talent acquisition challenges, our team at Acara is ready to help. Contact us today. 

The post Boston: A Top Market for Job Seekers and Employers appeared first on Acara Solutions.

The aerospace and defense industry directly employs over 2.5 million people in the U.S. and accounts for an additional 17 million indirect jobs, according to the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA). 

The industry is supported by a variety of careers and job types, and employees come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Typical career pathways include: 

• Aerodynamics, structures, and controls 
• Design 
• Systems engineering 
• Test and evaluation 
• Field service 
• Aerospace science 

Job seekers also have options when it comes to where they work, with opportunities available in the public sector, private industry, and academia. 

A Candidate’s Market 

While the job market has cooled in many other industries, qualified talent in aerospace and defense remains a hot commodity. Driven by new products and technologies, increased defense and commercial spending, and a progressively connected and complex global supply chain, the aerospace and defense industry provides ample opportunities for career growth. These factors have kept demand consistently high for skilled professionals in engineering, software development, project management, and research and development, not just in the U.S. but around the world. 

Many aerospace and defense jobs require highly specialized skills, training, and expertise, including security clearances that can be costly and time-consuming to obtain—so having a clearance at the outset of their job search can give candidates a major upper hand.  

Furthermore, many leading aerospace and defense companies have contracts with government entities. These contracts often involve long-term projects, requiring a steady stream of skilled workers and offering employees job security and stability that doesn’t always exist in other industries. 

Related: Aerospace and Defense Industry’s Demand for Talent Outpaces Supply 

Tips for Job Seekers 

Despite high demand for qualified aerospace and defense talent, job seekers should still take their search seriously—especially if they’re just beginning their careers in the industry. Here are some tips job seekers should know when exploring new opportunities. 

• Be Prepared to Prove Your Expertise: Jobs in aerospace and defense often require specialized skills and knowledge, particularly in areas such as engineering, aerospace technology, cybersecurity, and project management. Job seekers should be prepared to demonstrate their expertise and speak to the relevant work they’ve done in the past. 
• Show Flexibility and Adaptability: The aerospace and defense industry is a dynamic one and, as we’ve already seen, subject to major changes in technology, regulations, and market conditions. Job seekers must be adaptable, willing to embrace new challenges and opportunities as they arise, and eager to learn new skills to keep them competitive in this shifting landscape. 

• Don’t Overlook Your Soft Skills: While specialized skills are important, many roles in the aerospace and defense industry also require soft skills like communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork. Job seekers should highlight these skills on their resumes and during interviews to showcase their ability to contribute effectively to diverse work environments. 
• Grow Your Network: Networking is crucial in the aerospace and defense industry. Building connections with professionals already working in the field can provide valuable insights, job leads, and opportunities for career advancement. Job seekers should attend industry events, join professional organizations, and leverage online platforms to expand their networks. 
• Connect with Recruiters: Many aerospace and defense companies in the U.S. partner with staffing firms like Acara to find qualified candidates. If you’re looking for a job in the industry, connecting with a recruiter who specializes in placing aerospace and defense talent can be a great move. Even if a recruiter isn’t currently filling a job that matches your skills and qualifications, there’s a good chance they will in the future. 

To learn more about open job opportunities in the aerospace and defense industry, visit jobs.acarasolutions.com. 

Related: Interview Guide for Job Seekers 

This blog was authored by Acara’s Vice President of Business Development and Delivery Ryan Stenvick.

The post What Job Seekers Should Know About Aerospace and Defense Hiring appeared first on Acara Solutions.

Highly skilled workers from all over the nation and the world are drawn to San Jose, including aspiring entrepreneurs who want to take advantage of the city’s forward-thinking culture and the opportunities presented by the high-tech industry and thriving startup community. 

What attracts employers to San Jose? 

If you’re a business owner or executive, there are several reasons why you might want to consider locating your company in San Jose. 

• Tech and innovation hub: San Jose is known as the capital of Silicon Valley—the global hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement culture. Home to more than 6,600 technology companies, including Google, Apple, and Facebook, the region offers access to a vibrant ecosystem of startups, investors, and other businesses. 
• Skilled workforce: Boasting one of the world’s largest concentrations of highly educated and skilled workers, the city’s universities, such as San Jose State University and Santa Clara University, provide a steady talent pipeline for companies with operations nearby. 
• Infrastructure: San Jose’s robust infrastructure—including an international airport, major highways, and a public transportation system providing buses, light rail, and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)—makes it easy for companies to move their products in and out of the city and provides workers affordable options for commuting. 
• Business-friendly environment: San Jose’s business-friendly environment offers a streamlined permitting process, tax incentives, and supportive local government, making it easier for companies to start and grow their companies. 

What attracts job seekers to San Jose? 

In addition to being the second happiest city in the U.S., San Jose has many draws for job seekers. 

• Job opportunities: Besides being home to many of the world’s leading technology companies, San Jose has thousands of startups, with more laying down roots each year, meaning you’ll live and work in one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic regions. Job growth in the market has increased by 13.7 percent in the past ten years—more than double the national average—and future job growth is estimated at 38.9 percent. 
• High wages: Salaries in San Jose are among the highest in the United States, averaging $125,075. 
• A large city with a small-town feel: San Jose is the largest city in Northern California and the third largest in the state, offering a buzzing downtown district and a friendly, small-town feel with a laid-back atmosphere and diverse neighborhoods. 
• High quality of life: San Jose consistently ranks among the top cities in the United States for quality of life. In fact, the U.S. News and World Report ranked San Jose fourth in the nation in its 2023-2024 Best Places to Live for Quality of Life list and first on its Best Places to Live in California. The city has a strong economy, excellent public schools, and a thriving arts and culture scene. 
• Cultural diversity: San Jose is the ninth most culturally diverse city in the United States, with a population that includes people from all over the world. The city’s diverse population includes people of different races, ethnicities, nationalities, and religions. 
• Rich history: Despite its modern, forward-thinking culture, the city remains proud of its rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial era. The city celebrates this diversity through many cultural events and festivals, such as the San Jose Jazz Festival and Silicon Valley Pride Parade, and landmarks, including the historic Peralta Adobe and Fallon House, San Jose Museum of Art, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library. 
• Proximity to nature: Surrounded by beautiful scenery, including the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west, San Jose offers hiking and biking trails, several parks and green spaces, and the nearby beaches of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Francisco. 

Are you an employer or job seeker contemplating expanding or relocating to the San Jose area? Download Acara’s latest infographic for more labor force statistics, including top growing occupations, largest industries, and employment data, and learn more about the talent acquisition solutions we offer out of our San Jose office. 

The post San Jose: A Top Destination for Job Seekers and Employers appeared first on Acara Solutions.

Questions about the company

47 percent of candidates do not receive a job offer because they didn’t spend time researching the company and showed up to the interview without a firm grasp of its products or services and the position. Before the interview, research the company, the industry, and the role you applied for, and craft tailored questions.

Related: After Talking to a Recruiter, Take These Four Steps

Related: Video Interview Dos and Don’ts

Questions about the position

Asking questions about the position during an interview can demonstrate your interest in the role, that you take the opportunity seriously, and have thought through what the job entails. By asking questions about the position, you can also gain insights into the company’s expectations for the role, including its specific goals, priorities, and associated challenges. It’s also a way to understand the stability of the organization and the security of the role you are interviewing for.

Questions about the work environment

Understanding the work environment can help you gain insight into the company culture, team dynamics, communication and feedback style, and work-life balance. Asking questions about the company’s work environment will assist you in envisioning what it would be like to work there.

Questions about training and professional development

Questions about training and professional development demonstrate your commitment to skill development and growth. Use these questions to learn the company’s approach to learning and development and the resources and support available to employees to ensure they align with your learning style and career goals.

Questions about the interviewer

Asking the interviewer about their own experiences with the organization and their perspective on the position will provide valuable information about the company culture, the challenges and opportunities, and what working there is like. However, avoid asking personal questions.

Questions about the team

Inquiring about the team’s composition, size, roles, strengths and challenges, and which departments they work closely with will help you determine whether you would fit in and what you will bring to the group. This shows you are committed to building strong working relationships and being a collaborative team member.

Questions about the next steps in the hiring process

Asking questions about the next steps in a job interview will help to clarify the hiring process, demonstrate interest, plan your follow-up, prepare for future interviews, and set expectations for yourself and the company.

Related: 7 Questions to Ask in a Final Interview

Check out Acara’s interview guide for a list of questions to ask to impress your audience and ensure the position aligns with your career goals. We have also included questions to avoid asking.

The post Interview Guide for Job Seekers appeared first on Acara Solutions.

Your resume

When in Rome, do as the Romans do! Several tools available to job seekers utilize AI to prepare and format resumes best suited for AI evaluations. ResumeBuilder found that 70 percent of job seekers who use ChatGPT to write their resumes receive a higher response rate from hiring managers, with 78 percent landing an interview and 59 percent getting hired. Some other examples are:

• Kickresume
• Rezi
• Skillroads

The tools are becoming increasingly intelligent. In some cases, you need only fill in your job title, and the programs can generate bullet points for you. If you choose to go this route, consider adding a bit of human flair to avoid sounding totally robotic.

You can also use optimization tools like Jobscan and SkillSyncer to ensure your resume makes it past AI evaluators.

Related from Aleron Group Partner Broadleaf Results: 8 Tips to Write an AI-Friendly Resume

Interview coaching

AI-powered interview coaching tools like Interview Warmup from Google to help you practice and get feedback in a low-stakes environment. These tools create a simulated interview experience with a few unique benefits:

• Personalized feedback tailored to your responses
• Aid in identifying areas for improvement, such as body language, tone of voice, or specific interview questions that posed challenges.

Related: Video Interview Tips: Before, During, and After
Related: 7 Questions to Ask in a Final Interview

Job-matching  

While recruiters use AI to streamline their processes, you can do the same for your job search. Anyone who has ever looked for a job—that’s most of us—can attest to the exhaustion of endless job boards, applications, cover letters, and interviews that don’t always lead to a suitable opportunity.

So, when it comes to finding suitable opportunities, platforms such as Talentprise and Pyjama Jobs— specifically for remote positions—can be valuable options. Another tool is Fortay, which provides a quiz that assists in identifying companies with the ideal cultural fit for you.

The bottom line

Whether you love or hate it, AI has infiltrated the hiring process, with 65 percent of recruiters utilizing it. By strategically embracing AI tools and platforms, you can enhance your job search and present yourself as a standout candidate. Whether it’s optimizing your resume, practicing interview skills with AI-powered coaching tools, or using job-matching platforms to find suitable opportunities, there are avenues to leverage AI for your benefit. Remember, as you embrace AI, it’s essential to maintain a human touch in your applications and interactions, allowing your unique qualities, soft skills, and cultural fit to shine through. By finding the right balance between AI and personalization, you can confidently position yourself for success.

Check out Acara’s job seeker resources here.

This blog was written by Technical Recruitment Specialist Hannah LaDuca.

The post Maximizing Your Job Search Potential with AI Tools appeared first on Acara Solutions.

1. What are some reasons people are looking for new jobs?

Job hopping—when a person only works at one place for a year or two and then decides to move on—has become much more common in recent years. Once frowned upon, today’s tight labor market means that experienced workers are more valuable—and they know it. So they’re free to shop their services to see if they can get more or do more, and so on. People usually leave their jobs for increased compensation, flexible work options (hybrid or remote), better work-life balance, professional growth opportunities, a positive company culture, stability, security, or better benefits.

Related: The 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Job Hopping

2. How can job seekers get noticed by recruiters or hiring managers?

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers, so the better you know the platform, the better you’ll do in the job market. I’m always attracted to well-done LinkedIn profiles:

• I want a job candidate to look the part—having a clean, clear, professional headshot as their LinkedIn photo.
• I then look for a person’s demonstrable interest in the job they’re applying for—so their LinkedIn posts, groups, and interests should reflect the position they’re applying for. If job seekers aren’t active in their field, it’s a turnoff, and I’ll move along.
• Your dates of employment should be current and reflect your resume.
• If you are not actively seeking a new position, turn off the open-to-work feature. I can’t tell you how many times I have attempted to reach an “open to work” candidate who never replies.
• If you are not interested in the position, reply to the recruiter or refer someone who might be a good fit.

Related: How to Land a Great Job Without a College Degree

3. What’s the best answer to “Tell me about yourself?”

Job seekers need to understand that this question truly asks, “How did you become interested in this role, why do you want it, and what have you done to deserve it?” The best answer will mention past experiences and proven success and highlight your personality. Be sure to share transferable skills—or portable skills—that you have acquired through a prior career, education, hobbies, or volunteer work that ”transfer” to the role you are interviewing for.

Related: 6 Ways to Nail Your Phone Interview

Related: 20 Job Interview Tips You Need to Know

Related: 7 Questions to Ask in a Final Interview

4. Tell us three things you love to see on a resume and why.

My favorite element of a good resume is that it is brief, easy to read, and relevant to the position you’re applying for. To be clear, your resume should only be more than a page long if you’ve been in the workforce for over 10 or 12 years. Your resume should be tight, and when you bullet your points, you make it easy to read, which is helpful. Finally, I always like to see measurables that demonstrate success. So if you say you’re a social media manager, tell me how you’ve boosted social numbers.

Related: 3 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Resume

5. What general advice would you give to job seekers in 2023?

There are currently around twice as many job openings as unemployed people, with an unemployment rate at its lowest in over 50 years. But it takes, on average, three months to find a new job right now. Do your homework. Prepare. Breathe easy. Be yourself. Highlight your achievements and ensure your resume professional summary reflects the position you’re applying for. Go online and check out helpful resources for job seekers, use technology to your advantage, grow your professional network, and ask for referrals.

Related: After Talking to a Recruiter, Take These Four Steps

Are you seeking a new career opportunity or one-on-one help from a recruitment professional? Connect with Acara Solutions to learn more!

The post Job Seeker Advice from an Experienced Recruiter appeared first on Acara Solutions.

How common is recruitment fraud?

Recruitment scams can be very sophisticated and convincing, as indicated by these statistics:

• Approximately 14 million people in the U.S. and Canada are exposed to scams each year.
• Recruitment fraud accounts for $2 billion in direct losses annually, with individuals that fall prey to scammers losing an average of $1,500.
• Job scams rose 250 percent in the first quarter of 2023, nearly triple compared to the same period in 2022.
• The most common age group scammers target is 18 to 34 year olds.

What to look for

While recruitment scams are getting more difficult to detect, there are several red flags you can look for to help you identify and avoid falling victim.

• Unprofessional email addresses or domains: Be cautious if the sender’s email is a personal “Gmail” or “Yahoo” address and doesn’t match the company’s official domain. Legitimate recruiters and employers typically use their company email addresses.
• No online presence or limited information: Independently verify the company’s legitimacy by visiting its official website, contacting its official phone number—not the one provided in the suspicious communication—and ensuring they have a well-established online presence. A lack of information about the organization on professional networking sites or little presence on job boards might indicate a scam.
• Unverified contact information: Avoid using the contact information in the suspicious email. Instead, research the company’s contact information independently by visiting its official website or LinkedIn page to verify the address, title, and phone number of the person representing themselves as an employee.
• Poorly written job descriptions or emails: Scam job offers often contain poorly written or vague job descriptions, emails with numerous grammatical errors, or inconsistent formatting. However, scammers now use ChatGPT, Grammarly, ToolBaz, and other AI tools to generate more realistic job postings. Watch for generic job titles that don’t clearly define the responsibilities and requirements of the role. Legitimate companies maintain professional communication.
  
• Requests for personal information or money: 15 percent of job seekers have had their personal information stolen, and 9 percent have lost money. Scammers may ask prospective job candidates for sensitive personal information such as bank account details, credit card information, social security numbers, financial passwords, or passport information. Legitimate employers typically request such information after the candidate has been hired and do not ask job applicants to pay one-time upfront fees or money for training materials, background checks, or other related expenses. If you’re asked for money upfront, it’s likely a scam.
• Too good to be true: 40 percent of job applicants have come across scam job postings demonstrating the need to trust your instincts. Be wary of job postings that promise quick earning potential, suspiciously high pay, or extravagant benefits with little to no experience required. If the job offer seems too good to be true, it might be a scam.
• Unsolicited job offers: One in three job seekers has been tricked into applying and/or interviewing for a fictitious job. Be cautious if you receive a job offer without submitting an application or going through a proper interview process. Legitimate employers typically follow a structured recruitment process.
  • Related: Video Interview Tips: Before, During, and After
• Rushed or immediate offers: Scammers may pressure you to accept an offer quickly before you have time to research or consider the opportunity properly. Legitimate employers give candidates time to make informed decisions and will take time to verify their work experience and check references.
• Fraudulent checks: Upon securing the job, the supposed “employer” will send you a (fraudulent) check with instructions on depositing it and then direct you to buy equipment, supplies, or training. They urge you to use a cash app like Western Union, Bitcoin, or other money transfer services. The scammer frequently insists on transferring the funds before you or your bank discovers the fake check.

What to do if you encounter fraud

If you encounter one or more of these red flags, it’s crucial to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before proceeding. Taking swift and decisive action is essential to protecting yourself. If you suspect you have come across a fraudulent job offer or are already involved in a potential scam, consider these steps:

• Stop communication: Cease all contact with the suspicious party immediately. Do not respond to emails, messages, or phone calls from them.
• Notify your bank and monitor your accounts: If you’ve already provided your bank account information or suspect your financial information is compromised, contact your bank immediately to secure your account and prevent unauthorized transactions. Regularly monitor your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity and promptly report any unauthorized transactions to your bank.
• Update passwords: Change passwords for your email and bank accounts, online job search profiles, and any other accounts that may have been compromised.
• Use strong security practices: Strengthen your online security by using strong, unique passwords for each account, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious about sharing personal information online.
• Report to authorities: If you believe you have encountered a scam, report it to the relevant authorities. In the U.S., you can file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) here. For international users, contact your local consumer protection agency.
• Warn others: Share your experience directly with family, friends, and on social media to alert others and prevent them from falling victim to the same scam.

Remember, job seeker awareness and prevention are vital. Educate yourself about common recruitment fraud tactics and red flags to minimize the risk of encountering such scams in the first place. By staying vigilant and informed, you can navigate the job search landscape with confidence and security.

Check out all of our job seeker resources here.

The post Job Scam Alert: How to Spot Recruitment Fraud appeared first on Acara Solutions.