With the economy as it is today, many people are applying for jobs that they would not have considered in the past.  Others may be so in need of work that they are taking chances with their safety that they should not take.  Here are a few ideas on what you should and should not do to keep yourself out of harms way.  It is not going to tell you how to get a job, merely how to stay safe during the process.  With the way the world is today, this information is applicable to both males and females.

Do

1.  Find out all you can about a company or business, before you apply for any job.

2.  If you are going for an interview,  always tell someone else where you are going, and how long you are expected to be there.  Promise to phone them at a certain time.  Make sure they will call the police  if they do not hear from you.

4.  If it is at all possible, take someone to the interview area with you.  Of course, they are not going to the actual site with you, but will wait in a coffee shop nearby.

5.  If the interview is not going to take place at the job location, arrange to meet in a public place, such as a coffee shop or restaurant.  If the potential employer questions this arrangement, state bluntly that that is the only place you would feel comfortable.  If they are not amenable to meeting in a public place, you do not want this job.

6.  If the interview is schedule for after working hours, # 6 is even more important.

7.  If you have an underage child applying for a job, even baby sitting, or mowing lawns, always go with them.

8.  Arrange for safe transportation away from the job interview.

Don’t

1.  Apply for jobs that seem to pay extreme amounts of money.  These seem to good to be true, and they are.

2.  Do not agree to continue an interview over drinks, or a meal.  Such a request is inappropriate and suspicious.

3.  Do not answer personal questions, about yourself, your family, or anything else,  that are not related to the job.  Simply say  politely, “How is that information related to this job?”  It can’t be.  Personal information may be exchanged when employees are established in a job, not before.

4.  Do not accept a ride home after an interview.  Always say you already have a ride waiting.

Never go to the home of a potential employer.  Leave immediately and noisily if a potential employer tries to touch you other than to shake your hand briefly.

If you are suspicious in any way, for no reason whatsoever, about a job in which you are really interested, phone your local police non-emergency number.  Explain the situation and your concerns.  You will get some good advice.  Follow it.