The Fine Line Between Interviewing and Hazing

What's the worst consequence you ever had from a failed job interview (besides that sinking feeling that you're never going to work again and have to eat Ramen for the next twenty years or so)? Don't be such a baby—you could totally have a permanent reminder a la Spring Break '97.

Two Indonesian men are stuck with some pretty bad tattoos–even worse than that yin-yang on your ankle–after a village elder told them inking would be necessary for jobs with a government intelligence agency.

Nanang, 30, and Bambang, 40 went out and got full-facial dragon tattoos after a village chief received a text from someone who turned out to be a hoaxer who said the tattoos would be necessary for work in Jakarta. The men were left with permanent reminders of just how tough the job market can be—and also a cruel lesson about using some common sense. Government official position=giant dragon tat on your face? We're not poking fun, we're just saying...if something sounds a little off, it probably is.

When you're searching for your dream job, it can seem as though all of the unscrupulous business people in the world receive a mass email that says, "Attention: potential sucker on the loose." From so-called modeling agencies that offer a shot at fame for the low, low price of a $5,000 photo portfolio to fly-by-night entertainment magazines that offer unpaid internships or crummy rates for freelance stories, these kinds of shady folk are looking for people who are willing to do anything to get their big break, or even a little cash.

We're not saying that you should never take a chance on a job that could be a potential steppingstone to something great, or that you shouldn't invest in the proper tools you'll need to succeed, but just be aware of the scammers out there and don't go getting any dragon tattoos, on your face or otherwise! When you've got your eyes on the prize it's easy to be enticed by someone who's promising a shortcut to your dream.

Have you ever been duped by someone you thought was going to lead you to your dream job? [MSN]