Understanding job postings: How to Stay Safe on Handshake 

Handshake 2-Minute Training Video - How to search and apply for jobs in Handshake

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4R-7BawVEY    

Applying for jobs and internships

1. Click on'Jobs' from the top navigation bar.
2. Select the job type filters (Full-Time Job, Part-Time, Internship) to indicate which type of position you are seeking.  For additional job types select the drop-down box on 'Filters'.
   Search for the job that you are interested in applying for and review the details and qualifications for the job to make sure it is a good fit.
3. Select the documents you would like to upload from your document library or upload documents directly from your computer.
   
   IMPORTANT:Employers are able to view your resume or other documents when you apply to positions or when you make them visible on your profile. To ensure that your documents are of competitive quality for employment purposes, we highly encourage you to update your resume and cover letter and have them critiqued by Career Services prior to uploading and applying for  positions in Handshake. 
   
   To request a face-to-face resume review appointment or Zoom appointment (for distance learners or those with scheduling conflicts) contact Lawrencine Mason at lmason@umobile.edu.
   
   
4. Click the green 'Apply'button when you are ready to submit your application.  If the job requires that you also apply on their external website you will select, 'Apply Externally' and follow the link to complete the external application.  Please be sure to thoroughly read the job description to ensure you have followed the application instructions.
5. You will see that your application has been submitted.
   
   If you need assistance, go to the Handshake Help Center.

Fraudulent Job Posting Warning

In Career Services we care about our students' safety and their career success. We understand the effort you are devoting to your job search and future career.  Unfortunately, con artists and scammers will interfere by attempting to take your money or your personal information through fraudulent job postings.  These postings can be difficult to spot at first, so it is up to you to do your due diligence and to use good judgment and common sense.

Career Services at the University of Mobile hosts job postings and other opportunities to facilitate career-related interactions between students and employers.  While we make diligent efforts to curtail non-legitimate postings, it is impossible to ensure that every job posting is legitimate, and impossible to keep track of every employer and position after submission. As noted in our policy statement, it is your responsibility to thoroughly research information and options and take all necessary precautions in an effort to make informed employment decisions.  Career Services follows principles set forth by the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) and expects employers using its services to comply with EEO guidelines and adhere to the NACE Principles for Professional Practice for Employment Professionals in their employment practices.

Because con-artists and scammers are not concerned with behaving ethically or legally, here are some points to be aware that might help avoid you being scammed:

• Requires an initial investment - Do not supply a potential employer with your credit card or banking account information.
• Out of town/out of the country - An employer that sends you a check to deposit money in your account to buy supplies or make payments.  They commonly use the excuse that they are working abroad or out of town and need someone to manage things locally.
• Too good to be true - Work your own hours, be a secret shopper, work for an a-list celebrity, or you can make $10,000 for one week of work.  These jobs often look like easy and convenient ways to make money with very little effort.  The old adage is accurate: If it looks too good to be true, then it probably isn't true!
• Poorly written job postings - Typically, there will not be typos or poor grammar in a legitimate job posting.  Be very suspicious if you see either in a job posting.
• High wages for no experience - Earn $100,000 in your first job out of college.  Again, the idea is that scammers want to make you believe you were highly sought after to complete jobs anyone could do.  The truth is you will not make a lot of money without talent, experience, and specialized skills.
• Work from home - There are legitimate 'work at home' jobs, but they are often difficult to find.  Do significant research and ask tough questions.
• Send a photo - Please don't!
• Bad website and/or no phone number - You search for a company you have never heard of before.  The first link is to Facebook or free website creator site.  It might look good, but the content does not appear correct.  You click on the 'contact us' and see no phone number.  These are all red flags of potential scams.
• Recruiter has a @gmail/@hotmail/@live account - The posting appears to be from a reputable, family company, yet the email is from a free web-based service, use caution.  We suggest you check the open positions on the company's website to validate the position.
• Interview at a restaurant - Legitimate organizations have offices. Be wary.

If you think you have been scammed:

1. Email Career Services so we can review the position/employer.
2. If you did send money to a fraudulent employer, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to hold/close your accounts and dispute the charges.
3. Contact the UM campus police department.
4. If the incident occurred completely over the internet, you should file an incident report with the FTC or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Thank you to the Career Center at the University of Northern Iowa for allowing portions of their site to be reprinted.

More information:

• Federal Trade Commission
• Fraud.org