The Voice of Job Seekers

I write investigative job search and career articles with a practitioner's heart. I've written more than 1,000 articles on the topic. One thing for sure: The modern job search is a lifestyle now. If it isn't, you'll be light years behind should your job end today. Late starts suck, but you can change today! It's a mistake to disengage from managing your career. It will only land you light years behind your competition. My award-winning blog, "The Voice of Job Seekers," has offered job-search advice since 2011. I write a Substack blog called "The Job Scam Report." Join me at: markanthonydyson[dot]SubStack[dot}com. Here are a few things I've done through the years: I write for Lensa.com. I have bylines at The Financial Diet, BET, Payscale, Business Insider, and Fox Business. See my freelance writing portfolio at muckrack.com/mark-anthony-dyson! I spoke at Saint Xavier University, Black Enterprise, Bradley University, North Georgia University, the Career Thought Leaders Consortium conference, the National Career Development Association Conference, and more. I am quoted in Forbes, Business Insider, Fast Company publications, and dozens more. I've been on dozens of podcasts and radio shows, including SiriusXM, LinkedIn News, NTD News, Scripps News, and NPR. I received awards for top blogs and podcasts from organizations such as Flex Jobs, Mac's List, Jobscan, etc. email: markanthonydyson[at]gmail[dot]com to hire me for writing.

How to Bring More Assurance and Presence to Job Interviews 07/17/2025

How To Understand The Insanely Shifting Job Market 06/26/2025

5 Practical Ways Job Seekers Must Combat Desperation 06/12/2025

Boost Your Career Now with AI Strategies and Get Found Later 05/27/2025

How to Network and Strategize Thoughtfully for a Successful Career 05/14/2025

How to Network and Strategize Thoughtfully for a Successful Career Welcome back to The Voice of Job Seekers podcast. I took an unannounced break from this podcast to concentrate on content for "The Job Scam Report" podcast. Some of you subscribe to the newsletter and podcast. Many good things have been happening there, so it has been quite busy. In March of 2024, I was invited to join a panel (actually two) at St. Xavier's University in Chicago. The panel consisted of Nathan Peck, an Associate Professor, James Miller, Shared Governance President, and Lauren Milligan, Founder of ResuMayDay, a Resume Writer and Career Coach. Each session had about 30-50 students. Below are some of the highlights of the 75-minute panel: Craft a Strong Resume: We encouraged students to tailor their resumes to highlight relevant skills and experiences for each job application, ensuring they're clear and visually appealing. Lauren provided a basic overview of the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and its role in hiring and emphasized the need for simplicity. She also added how ChatGPT can be helpful in the process. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: The panel collectively agreed students must create a compelling LinkedIn profile to reflect their professional brand, including a professional photo, detailed work experience, and engaging summaries. We discussed how LinkedIn can facilitate the expansion of their network, and learning from successful career industry professionals through their profiles. Network Actively: We advised students on building and nurturing professional relationships through networking events, social media, and industry groups to increase job opportunities and get referrals. Networking is vital for career advancement today, especially for introverts. It's a great connection hub for building relationships with present and future collaborators. You can find the entire show notes at ! /episode/index/show/thevoiceofjobseekers/id/36570465

The Truth About Background Checks: What Job Seekers Must Know 12/03/2024

The Truth About Background Checks: What Job Seekers Must Know This episode explores the complexities of HR background checks with Ghislaine Knauff, who has worked in HR operations for a Fortune 100 company for the past 15 years. This discussion rarely takes place on podcasts and would help many job seekers understand background checks have many snares and nuances. I learned a lot, not realizing how much could happen along the way. As you'll see in the episode, it's not just what an employer says about a former employee. I've shared notes with you, but hearing them will add much context to my quick talking points. Highlights: Hiring Process Delays: - Hiring delays are common and frustrating for candidates. - Varies by industry; some are highly regulated (e.g., financial services), requiring extensive background checks. Factors contributing to delays: - Industry-specific regulatory requirements - Comprehensive background checks (e.g., criminal history) - Candidate responsiveness Role of HR in Hiring: - HR’s involvement begins after the resume review and initial interview. - HR checks applications for employment history, education, and criminal records. - Verification processes may include contacting previous employers and checking licensing databases. Employment and Background Checks: - Background checks vary by industry. - Common checks include employment history, education verification, and criminal background checks. - Performance issues noted in past employment may be considered but are only sometimes a dealbreaker. References: - The importance of references can vary. - References are only sometimes required in some industries. - Ideal references include supervisors or peers who can vouch for work ethic and teamwork. Challenges in the Hiring Process - Delays obtaining information from external sources (e.g., understaffed courts, previous employers without automated systems). - Differences in checks for industry-specific roles. - Potential application discrepancies (e.g., incorrect employment dates) can lead to distrust. Social Media and Hiring - Social media checks are handled separately, not as part of initial background checks. - The impact of social media presence can be significant if it is negative (e.g., hate speech). - It is essential to maintain a professional online presence. Industry Trends and Advice - Some industries are consistently hiring; consider exploring new fields if you need help finding a job. - Skills can be transferable across industries. - Research and understanding of where skills fit can broaden job opportunities. Conclusion - Encouragement to explore different career opportunities. - Contact Just Lane via LinkedIn for more insights. - Stay informed about upcoming job-related podcasts and resources. /episode/index/show/thevoiceofjobseekers/id/34211230

How to Find Value While Unveiling Non-Linear Career Paths 11/12/2024

Are You Really Prepared To Unlock Job Search Success? 10/29/2024

Fascinating AI Tools for Career Development and Exploration 10/15/2024

How To Deploy Job Scam Awareness in 2024 10/01/2024

How To Deploy Job Scam Awareness in 2024 I was a guest on the podcast "," of Dreamcatcher Career Coaching interviewed me. Be sure you subscribe to Shelley's podcast. Job scams affect younger and older generations differently Shelley and I discuss the severity of job scams, noting a Better Business Bureau statistic of $2 billion in annual losses. Younger and older generations are affected differently by job scams. Younger people frequently fall for scams due to desperation for career opportunities, while older adults tend to lose more money per scam. I describe the tactics scammers use, emphasizing the importance of being strategic and cautious about personal information. Scammers often employ social engineering to exploit job seekers' vulnerabilities, tricking them through seemingly legitimate offers. Recent scam tactics, like "resume looting," where scammers hack job portals to steal massive amounts of personal data, urge job seekers to apply directly on company websites and verify the legitimacy of job offers. I give examples of sophisticated scams, such as fake emails from "recruiters" with perfect grammar and spelling, possibly crafted using AI. I advise scrutinizing the personal tone of such emails, checking company websites, and reporting suspicious communications to confirm their authenticity. Dyson lists red flags and warning signs of job scams, like unsolicited calls, seemingly perfect job offers, and requests for personal information too early. I recommend using tools like Google Voice or to protect one's phone number. He also advises running regular security scans on computers and using a VPN, especially when accessing public Wi-Fi. In terms of recently observed job scams, "resume looters" who hacked job portals to steal personal data, and how international scams often precede similar schemes in the U.S. He urges job seekers to be vigilant in verifying company legitimacy and to report scams immediately, detailing how to protect oneself by notifying relevant entities, running security scans, and monitoring credit reports. I offer tips on spotting and avoiding scams, emphasizing the need for thorough research, verification of email addresses, and understanding common tactics scammers use. He discusses the role of AI in these scams, noting that while AI can craft convincing communications, it can't yet replace the need for personal verification of job offers and recruiter identities. I wrap up with practical steps for job seekers if they become scam victims. Dyson advises reporting scams to ic3.gov, notifying entities where personal information was shared, and running security scans on affected devices. Proactively monitor one's financial and digital footprints to prevent further damage. Here are three ways you can join the conversation: – Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number – Go to , press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen, and leave a message – Send email feedback to ! /episode/index/show/thevoiceofjobseekers/id/32503652

Jim Peacock Coaching Other Career Coaches 09/17/2024

How Are Gen Z Really Connecting To Employers? 09/03/2024

Thriving In Chaos: Job Search Advice to Overcome Uncertainty 08/20/2024

Thriving In Chaos: Job Search Advice to Overcome Uncertainty is Jack Kelly's latest book about current job market dynamics, job search strategies, and dealing with economic uncertainty. Jack shares his insights on the fluctuating job market, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and adaptability. We discuss Jack's background as a Forbes writer and how he observes economic trends. Jack highlights the importance of maintaining momentum in both career and personal life. Jack stresses that job seekers must remain proactive, continuously improving their skills and staying updated with market trends to avoid stagnation. We discuss the necessity of maintaining momentum and habit-building in job searching. Jack provides insight into the challenges of today's job market, acknowledging the proliferation of job scams and the frustrations faced by job seekers, such as being ghosted by employers or encountering fake job listings. He advises job seekers to be strategic and vigilant, advocating for holistic approaches like networking and leveraging personal connections to discover hidden job opportunities. Jack also touches upon the broader economic environment, noting the difficulty for white-collar professionals to find new employment due to limited job creation in that sector. He advises job seekers to adopt various mindsets and practices—such as affirmations and stoic mindset—to build resilience and stay motivated. Jack and I emphasize the need for proactive, continuous engagement in career development, including building a network, staying informed about industry advancements, and preparing financially for potential job loss. Jack concludes that understanding these realities can help job seekers navigate the complexities of the current job market and thrive despite the chaos. T Jack shares his thoughts on AI's role in the job market and its potential as a valuable tool for job seekers, provided it's used wisely. We agree that adaptability and continual learning are key to succeeding in today’s dynamic job landscape. Don’t forget to subscribe to “” on Substack! Here are three ways you can join the conversation: – Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number – Go to , press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen, and leave a message – Send email feedback to /episode/index/show/thevoiceofjobseekers/id/32472472

How to Hang In There in a Tough Job Market 08/08/2024

How Easterseals Help Older Workers Breakthrough In Their Job Search 07/22/2024

Are Your Career Aspirations Anything Like a Formula One Car? 07/08/2024

Fired? Afraid You Might Be? With Tom Spiggle 06/18/2024

Fired? Afraid You Might Be? With Tom Spiggle Tom Spiggle of Spiggle Law Firm is back on the show to talk about his latest book, "" More about Tom: Tom Spiggle is a former prosecutor and former Assistant U.S. Attorney. His website also has a very informative blog regarding these topics at SpiggleLaw.com. He is regularly quoted in the media often in publications such as The Washington Post, Forbes, CNN, and Huffington Post. Episode highlights: You need to have a plan because it's not a matter of if it's when, and it may be you're leaving voluntarily. Layoffs in the last few years have adversely affected the employment status of pregnant women, "There are certainly cases where an employer takes action, it's unclear what their motives are or they're not clearly discriminatory. And those can be, those can be tough cases." Even if they're not coming right out and saying we don't want you here because you are pregnant. And then we also have, there, we have the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which is fairly new that requires that employers give you accommodations. if you're, undergoing a rift, negotiate the best deal that you can. A lot of people, maybe most people don't want to, file a case in court and, haul their butt down to federal court and deal with all of that. if you're, undergoing a rift, negotiate the best deal that you can. A lot of people, maybe most people don't want to, file a case in court and, haul their butt down to federal court and deal with all of that. Some cases are worth that. But. A lot of times there are things that you can do to put yourself in a better situation. Buy yourself another six months, buy yourself another 50, 000, buy yourself some more health care while you're working with, reading some of your good work or working with some of the career professionals that I list in the book or that are out there everywhere to help you get on in that next better job. So just because they offer you something doesn't mean you can't negotiate it. Without having to, file a lawsuit without even having to necessarily hire an attorney or even if you do have that attorney come forward and negotiate on your behalf, which sometimes is good, but it does up the temperature a little bit.Get your best deal that you can. Here are three ways you can join the conversation: – Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number – Go to , press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen, and leave a message – Send email feedback to ! /episode/index/show/thevoiceofjobseekers/id/31664982