EmploymentRate

The dismal November jobs report has commentators pointing derisively to a "jobless recovery." But investors shouldn't overreact: Employers have historically held off on hiring when the stock market has been volatile.

Two consecutive months of sales gains among the nation's retailers may provide just enough confidence to trigger increased seasonal hiring this year. Even so, pre-recession hiring levels aren't likely.

The Internet can be a great resource for people who are looking for work, but there's a downside to using the Web too. Scams targeting job hunters pose all kinds of threats -- from identity theft to phony fees to fraud -- that take advantage of people when they are at their most vulnerable.