Job Search Toolbox

Job Search Checklist

Learn more about our job search resources including a detailed checklist!

Use our online job board to search for jobs and internships and see upcoming events!

be aware of job scams

Job scams are becoming common. Learn how to detect and avoid them.

Job search checklist

Our Job Search Checklist has a detailed list of things you may need to help you be prepared and organized in your job search.

DOWNLOAD JOB SEARCH CHECKLIST (PDF)

CareerLion by Handshake

CareerLion by Handshake is the #1 online job search and networking platform for college students!

Why use Handshake for your job search?

  1. Employers use Handshake to recruit students and alumni and specifically request to connect with NCTC

  2. All employers are screened and monitored to prevent scams

  3. It’s exclusive for students and alumni, so there are fewer applicants to compete against through this platform

  4. It provides personalized job recommendations for you

Are you an employer looking to post jobs with us? Visit our employers page for more information.

Activate student account through OneLogin.

Follow the link to create a new account.

BE AWARE OF JOB SCAMS

Job Scams are becoming more and more common and some of them may be pretty obvious while others may be a bit sneaky. So how can you tell if a job is legitimate? You can start with these basic guidelines to avoid a potential scam.

 Recognize Common Signs of a Job Scam:

  • You are asked to provide personal information over phone or email. This could include things like your social security number, usernames and passwords, a security verification code, bank account information, etc.

  • You are asked to pay money to start a job or they ask you for your bank account or credit card information.

  • An employer promises you a job on the spot without going through a proper application or interview process.

  • The job posting guarantees that you will make a lot of money in a very fast period of time. (If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.)

  • The company doesn’t have a credible website, they don’t have employees listed on LinkedIn, or something seems “off” about the company or the recruiter.

  • They reach out to you regarding a generic job that doesn’t match your experience.

  • The recruiter only communicates via text, chat apps like WhatsApp, social media, or email.

  • Job duties include enrolling other new recruits.

  • Scammers often use “work from home”, “remote”, or “flexible” verbiage to attract applicants.

  • Compensation is 100% commission based.

  • The description or email has a lot of typos, is missing logos and contact information, or promises high pay for an entry-level type position.

  • Jobs posted on commonly used sites like Indeed.com or LinkedIn may be scams. Recruiters use these platforms to find potential candidates and may reach out to you to see if you are interested in a position – these outreach efforts may be legitimate or scams. Use your discretion and research the company before responding.

 Ways to Avoid a Job Scam

  • Use good judgment and be skeptical if something seems “off”. Trust your instincts. If a job sounds too good to be true, it is likely a scam.

  • Research the company using Google or LinkedIn. See if they have a credible website. Don’t rely on information or links provided to you by a recruiter.

  • Never apply for a job that is emailed to you out of the blue without thorough research.

  • Never give out personal information over email or phone.

  • Never agree to a background check unless you have met the employer in person or have verified the legitimacy of the company and the person you are communicating with.

  • Don’t accept or agree to a job that requires you to pay upfront costs, guarantees a high pay for little or no experience required, does not provide much information upfront, or seems sketchy in general.

  • Never take cashier’s checks or money orders as a form of payment. Fake checks are common and the bank where you cash it will hold you accountable.

  • Never cash a check that comes with “extra” money. Scammers send checks that require you to deposit a check at your bank, withdraw the “extra” money as cash, and then deposit that cash elsewhere. The check will bounce and you will be held accountable.  

What NCTC Career Services Center (CSC) is doing to Prevent Job Scams:

  • CSC does not share personal student or alumni information with employers.

  • In Handshake, we have public profiles turned off by default so that employers only see active applicant information.

  • CSC follows a multi-step verification process for new employer registrations.

  • Handshake utilizes a peer notification system so other colleges and universities may notify us of suspicious activity. The system also uses geolocation to verify employer IP addresses along with a checklist to review suspicious postings.

  • CSC has additional security steps in place for employers who pass the standard verification process in Handshake but do not meet certain criteria set by the department.

  • CSC does not allow individuals to post in-home jobs on Handshake.

  • CSC does not allow multi-level marketing companies or companies who require upfront costs to post jobs on Handshake.

  • CSC has strict requirements for 3rd Party/Staffing Companies in Handshake.

Be aware that scammers may try to impersonate an NCTC employee or try to convince you that a staff member at NCTC provided them with your contact information in order to try to get you to accept a fraudulent job or click on a phishing link. NCTC does NOT share personal student or alumni information with employers. If you ever have questions about the legitimacy of a job posting or any communications from our team, please reach out to us and ask before clicking on any links or responding.

 

If you notice any suspicious jobs or activity in Handshake, report it to the Career Services team at careerservices@nctc.edu.