Are you out of work and having a hard time finding a job? Well, although finding employment may be harder now than ever before, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of finding work.

Karen Stiles of the TODAY’S TMJ4 Call 4 Action office has some information on how to locate employment opportunities without falling for scams.

Some of the concerns that the Call 4 Action office has heard include people not knowing whether a job posting is for real or not, lacking the experience or education to get a job, or in many cases, people just not knowing where else to turn to find a job.

If you see an ad or get an e-mail that seems to be offering a lot of money for very little work, such as work at home schemes, or schemes that involve transferring foreign money or shipping foreign packages, think twice. Most of these offers are either too good to be true or they are dangerous scams. Also, do not release any personal information nor pay any money unless you know who and what you are dealing with.

Aside from searching “help wanted” ads or networking with family and friends, you might want to consider asking for help from state and non-profit centers that offer job search assistance, going online and checking out some of the well known job search Web sites, visiting career fairs and career centers at local colleges, and applying at temporary help agencies. Although a job may start out as temporary, it could lead to other opportunities.

If you lack experience, although going back to school can be good, this takes time and money. You might want to consider volunteering or offering your services for free in exchange for an opportunity to learn.