When I addressed the subject of "working at home" in a column a few weeks ago, I expected a mail explosion. And I got it.
There is tremendous interest in this nation to leave the stress of the corporate world, pick up extra income with a second job or augment Social Security payments -- without leaving home.I appreciate your letters and e-mail, and wish I could tell you exactly who to call or write to get started in a legitimate work-at-home opportunity. My purpose in returning to this subject is to caution you about scams that want more of your money than they are willing to pay for honest work.
Certainly you should investigate every opportunity you come across in newspapers and magazines, on the Internet or by word of mouth. You also can check with your local chamber of commerce, public library and Better Business Bureau for ideas and referrals.
But, I repeat: Beware of any "opportunity" that requires a payment of your money up-front.
Question: -- I know it's important to check out potential employers before interviews, but I'm not sure what the best resources are for obtaining that kind of information. Can you help? -- H.K., Atlanta
Answer: -- You're correct. Advance knowledge of a potential employer can help you ace an interview. For general information, ask the research librarian in the career section of your public library. There are a number of publications there to help you, as well as past magazine and newspaper articles.
Another wonderful resource is your networking contacts, and if you can network with a current employee at the company in question, you might get unpublished, insider information -- just be careful about rumors and what seem to be employee complaints.
If you want to get deeper into the financial status of a corporation, look to their annual report (usually available at your library), or turn to the Internet. Try the following Web addresses for serious, investor-type information:
www.edgar-online.com, which offers the corporate filings of all publicly traded companies, as well as recent SEC rulings and news.
www.disclosure.com, which combines detailed financial and management information -- for a fee.
www.infoseek.com, which is one of the better custom search engines on the Internet.
Marvin Walberg is a job search consultant and the author of "About Getting Hired: the Job Search." Send questions to P.O. Box 130757, Birmingham, Ala., 35213, or e-mail gettinghired@bellsouth.net.