Be careful of the ad in the paper for the easy job that pays $50 an hour, or any job "where they tell you you're going to make all this money," Unger says. "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is." Check if the company exists and if it's legitimate. Does it operate out of someone's private apartment? Bad news. Other questionable signs: You call the number and someone answers "hello," without a company name. Or you can only reach them by cellphone.

 Looking for acting or dancing work? Be cautious, says Unger. "If you're applying for a dancer job and you're told you'll make loads of money, be aware it's not necessarily dancing ... if it's a part for a movie or a play, don't be afraid to ask questions." Beware of "agencies" who promise work, "who charge you money for your elaborate portfolio," or who charge to manage you.

 Watch out for employment agencies, too. Convicted con artist Harris Black (harrisblackwatch.com) promised he'd find anyone a great job for a fee, then took the money and ran. YES has been on the lookout for Black ever since he ripped off some of their clients. Legitimate agencies don't charge job seekers. And "people should never sign anything on the spot or commit to something on the spot," Unger says. "They should say they'll think about it."

 Telemarketing? "There are a lot of telemarketing frauds out there that people should stay away from," Unger says. Telemarketing employees think if a police bust happens they can plead ignorance, but that's not true. "The RCMP, in every presentation I've seen them do, say they've rounded up everyone who's there," she says. Bad signs: You go to the place and you're told not to use your real name; there's no product you're actually selling; you sense the place was set up in 10 minutes; there's a back room where something else is going on.

 And if you are taken advantage of? "I don't think people should be embarrassed, because it's happened to a lot of people," Unger says. "If they come forward they can help other people."

Check out our Education and Employment special on page XX for more on the state of the unions and how Dalton McGuinty's plans for schools measure up to his promises.

 
 

		Write your comment on this article!

Small Is Beautiful     A few years back Nortel was hiring like crazy and there were long line ups at job fairs with everyone in high tech wanting to work there. Even the average investor could see the unlimited potential as its stock price soared higher and higher. Then suddenly the market collapsed and a series of mass layoffs took place. Even this week another round of cost cutting was announced with more jobs gone. Nortel may be a legitimate respected company but there is no job security and those left behind have to work so much harder. Smaller more nimble companies is where most of the job growth is taking place. However in most cases there is no proven track record or financial info to examine. Intrepid news reporters may investigate this new breed of companies and provide interesting analysis. If someone wants to work in high tech he just has to take calculated risks. The big established organizations no longer provide any guarantees.
Stephen Talko	{2 votes}	August 23rd, 2004
A little research goes a long way...     As much as it is cliche, information is power, and can be self-empowering as well. To prevent yourself from being scammed, just use your common sense, and your fingers to Google a company's name. If they're bogus, then either they won't show up, or something negative will come up. Be sure to make sure that you don't go into a situation thinking that whatever company is doing you a favour by hiring you. Don't be afraid to take entry-level jobs in companies that are reputable; i.e. they don't have a file an inch thick at the Better Business Bureau (613-237-4856). It seems that everybody wants to be paid big bucks straight out of school, but the workplace is just like school...you have to earn your increased responsibilities, and larger salaries, by hard work. The number one way of getting a job is to be confident, and even if you are naturally a bit withdrawn, look at faking confidence as an acting exercise. You are not lying to your potential employer, and through either process, you're going to feel better about yourself... especially if you get the job.
Brian Downing	{1 vote}	August 19th, 2004
If it is too good to be true...     This saying does not just come from overprotective parents trying to protect their kids from bad experiences. When it comes to the workplace, it usually applies. I've seen many of these ads and have been tempted to call them to check them out. But if becoming rich was so easy, everyone would go for these jobs. The advice I read in this column all made sense and somehow, I think I remember my parents telling me the exact same thing.
Marc Charette		August 26th, 2004

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