3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers. Every Tuesday.
1. Bad resume? What resume? Lazy worker? Not a people player? Never worked a day in your life? Do not fear, if you need a job, go here:
Hint:
Answer: buyer (as in employer) beware: employee background checks require more than they used to. While they attempt to legitimize their services, companies like Career Excuse exist to provide illegitimate references to unsuspecting potential employers. To do this, Career Excuse creates fake companies (or sometimes, shell companies) “staffed” with fake HR personnel who generate a work history and glowing references. The company further provides clients with, among other things, a fake company website, LinkedIn and other social media profiles. The myriad of services are all wrapped up in different sized gift boxes based on what one pays. Is it legal you ask? Depends. According to one law professor, it hinges on the nature of the service, “[i]t might be some states it is, some states it might not be.” Thankfully, one thing Career Excuse does not do is impersonate particular individuals, government agencies or certain professionals such as doctors and lawyers — or provide references for someone seeking a job at an airport. Read more here.
2. What iconic 1980s Styx song comes to life with this innovation:
Hint:
Answer: you might be tempted to reply “domo arigato, Mr. Roboto” to the front desk clerk after checking into the world’s first hotel staffed by robots. Japan’s Henn-na Hotel is set to open this coming July. The hotel will initially be staffed by 10 humanoid robots who will greet guests, carry luggage and clean the 72 rooms. While human beings will be on-site to further assist guests, the plan is to eventually expand the services performed by robots in order to maximize efficiency. Read the details here.
3. If you are concerned about privacy and security, you might be better off hanging on to that ’79 Buick. Why?
Hint:
Answer: not surprisingly, a recently released U.S. report reveals that cars using wireless technology are potentially subject to serious security and privacy breaches. The report notes “a clear lack of appropriate security measures to protect drivers against hackers who may be able to take control of a vehicle.” This elevates carjacking to a whole new level. Read the story here.