Desperate times call for desperate measures. This phrase may have blown through your head once or twice while you apply for every kind of job that you find on every kind of job search engine. You know you've hit that point when you respond to job postings for copy editor (you’re a math major) or daycare teacher (you can’t stand kids).

Competition is tough. The find-a-job-clock is ticking, and it’s understandable if you are willing to try everything. But the folks at Satisfying Career- Happier Life have a word of warning to pass along: be aware that identity thieves may be on those job boards with you.

The bad news is that identity thieves are well aware of this increased vulnerability among job seekers and use it to their advantage. The good news is that understanding the risks before you begin your job search can not only help you avoid identity theft, it can make your job search more productive, too. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s 2006 Identity Theft Survey Report, 10% of all respondents who said they were victims of identity theft spent 55 hours or more resolving the problem. That’s time that could be better spent on your job search!

Satisfying Career- Happier Life interviewed Jeremy Miller, director of operations at Kroll Fraud Solutions. He gives six guidelines to follow to make sure your job search is safe as well as successful. Definitely check out the post if you are perusing job search engines.

The Links would watch your back if they could… but they can’t. Because they’re Links.

The Personal Branding Blog Studies: The Art of the Ask. I hate asking for things- but this post makes a lot of good points. Liz Lynch from the Center of Networking Excellence says it’s much better if you treat your contacts as relationships instead of business transactions. “Asking for something that can be fulfilled creates positive feelings, which then strengthens the relationship and sets up an environment for more help to flow in the future.”

Blueskyresumes Finds: A guy who isn’t afraid to promote himself in a big way. But he manages to make it both funny and to the point- after looking at the Web site I know what his skills and expertise are.

Secrets of the Job Hunt Gives: A few more tips on preparing for and excelling at your next job fair. Always good to review your basic dos and don’ts. Plus I like her last point: Get into a good mood. The hiring person at the table knows you're nervous- they’ve been there, too. So do your best to smile and relax

Career Hub Says: Your resume sucks if: It sounds like somebody else wrote it; It looks like a template; or it’s a boring version of your past. There are other warning flags to give you an idea if your resume still needs work. Need help? Visit the Resume Center at MSN.com.