Job searching not Going As Planned? Well, that’s okay—well I don’t mean ‘that’s okay’ because we all know that sucks, but what I mean is that with the right attitude, job searching doesn’t have to be as bad as you think.

Here are a few tips and tricks that have helped me with my five-month journey of job searching.

1. Watch out for scammers

With technology and easy access to the internet, jobs can be readily applied for online. While this can make it easier to apply for more jobs in a shorter period of time, it also leaves room for people to pose as corporations online.

For example, I was recently scammed and a victim of fraud. Someone posed as the Human Resources Director of a telemarketing company. Upon the phone interview, it was decided that I would receive a part-time position with calls where I would be able to work at home. They’d send me a check that would cover the price of the laptop and the appropriate software needed to get started for work.

It was under my impression that I would receive the check and purchase the laptop with it and the supplies would be sent to me. When the “human resource manager" told me to make a wire transfer to a bank account in China, I knew that there was a problem. I later found out that the check was fake; had I transferred the money, the bank would have come after me looking for the funds.

In that example, the person was not a part of the telemarketing company, but there are times when even the corporations scam. Really, it’s tricky advertisement that showcases the positives without giving a clear understanding of the benefits of the job.

During my job search, I found another opportunity that promised at least $400-$800 monthly. This was for a new business that recently opened a branch in the heart of downtown Buffalo. The staff posted the job opening like it was $10 an hour, but I soon found out it was on a commission basis.

At the time I had nothing to lose so I thought I’d give it a try. I soon discovered that a job that doesn’t pay hourly is not a guaranteed wage winner. You know what that meant? Back to the drawing board!

2. Don't feel ashamed

I wouldn’t be truthful if I said there weren’t times that I felt bad for being unemployed, especially when all of the people around me were working. With that being said, one of the most important tips is to not feel down or ashamed because of the situation you’re in. You have a full life to live; the current status of life is not the permanent one. You will overcome this obstacle, and reach success.

One of the reasons why it is important to not feel ashamed is because if you do feel ashamed, it’s less likely that you’ll talk about being in a rut. During job searching, I asked all of my friends if they knew about any job opportunities. One of my friends told me that her job was hiring, and she even put in a good word for me to the supervisor.

My other friend heard through another friend of mine that I was looking for a job and she texted me the details. A couple weeks ago, I went in for an interview and I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to start working there. I wouldn’t have been told about the opportunity if I had kept to myself about my current job status.

3. Never give up

During the last five months, there were times that I wanted to give up my job search. After filling out the same work and educational information on countless job applications, I became discouraged. After going to a few interviews, and hearing that someone else was more eligible for the position, I became discouraged. Even after all of the feeling of being let down and rejected, I knew that my hard work would go without the solution I wanted, finding a job.

Even though I am working somewhere, I have been applying to other job opportunities. Currently, I am in the final interview process for a part-time job I really hope to obtain. Now, I’ve had to go through two interviews, and will be going through a third and final interview process to finally determine if I’ll get the job.

Failures are the way to success in the long run. After going through so many interviews, I learn what my weaknesses are, and how to assess them in order to attain better interview skills. Practice does make better, and that happens from becoming more prepared.

When going through an interview process, have you looked up the employers’ mission statement and values, or have learned about how the company was founded? It’s important to have that information in the forefront of your mind because employers will ask that. Never give up, even if you feel defeated, try your very best, and aim for the best result.

Overall, there are three things that you can do to help during the struggle. Make sure you look out for those false job postings and beware of scammers out in the cyber world. Don’t feel ashamed about job searching. Everyone has gone through this, and will go through this process more than once! You aren’t the first and won’t be the last person that’s looking for employment. Don’t feel ashamed, remember, you may not be in charge of the obstacles that come your way, but you are in charge of how you react to them. A positive mindset and attitude can truly change the outcome of any situation!