Headhunters versus Scam Hunters - Do Your Homework - CareerAlley

Headhunters versus Scam Hunters - Do Your Homework - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. If youve been involved in a serious job search for any length of time, youve probably come across what I call Scam Hunters. These are companies that masquerade as recruiting firms and, once they contact you (and suck you in), try to sell you on a program where they claim they will represent you in your job search. The typical fee is $5,000 or so (but $10,000 and more is not unusual), but if they can get more $ out of you they will. If you do a search on these companies for complaints, you will find that most have numerous complaints and claims against them (this is certainly true for the four that have contacted me). So my point is this, a true recruiter (headhunter, executive search firm, etc.) will not charge you for their services. They are paid (either by retainer or contingency) by the hiring company. If it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true Tweet This While many people decide to pay for services during their job search such as resume writing, interview coaching, resume blasting, etc., this is money is generally well spent if you need the help. But dont be sucked in by slick salespeople who will sell you something you dont need and will probably never deliver. Do some research on these companies and you will see what I mean. Job Search Scams If it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true. Protect your personal information at all costs. Work at Home Schemes: There are probably some legitimate work at home companies out there, but the vast majority of work from home offers are scams. The FTC receives thousands of complaints on these schemes. Their sales pitches are very convincing, and they all have a list of names of individuals who supposedly made 10s of thousands of dollars. That being said, look out for: Check out the CEO, if his address is a PO Box, stay away. Find out the state of incorporation and check for complaints with the Attorney General, FTC and Better Business Bureau. Do not give your bank information, credit card information or your Social Security number. Take a look at the free FTC publication Work-at-home-Schemes. Emails about Jobs You Didnt Apply For: If you get an email from an employer or recruiter regarding a job that you dont remember applying for, there is a pretty good chance that you didnt and it is a scam. They will usually shower you with compliments about why you are the perfect candidate and then they will ask for a bunch of personal information. Dont be fooled. Ask them for their information and do a check on them (and dont give them any information). Job Search Boards: Even though a job may be posted on a legitimate job search board, the actual job may be a scam. Do not provide any personal information on the application, this information would only be given if you are hired. Also, only use job search boards that youve heard of. There are many fake job search boards out there just trying to trick you into giving up your personal information. Other Warning Signs: The pay is too good to be true You didnt contact them (but they say you did) Unprofessional emails (poor grammar, misspelled words, your name misspelled, etc.) Emails from companies your trust, offering you a job and asking your to just click here are most probably a scam (do not click on the link). Unsolicited phone calls ask for their information and a call back number. Get their name, address and do a search. Other Resources: Federal Trade Commission Better Business Bureau BBB warns against internet job scams The No-Nonsense Guide to Avoiding Scams Price: $8.69 Work At Home is a no-nonsense guide to launching a work-at-home business by this time next monthâ€"even if someone is starting from scratch. Buy Now from Amazon We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Last Updated: March 2, 2020 What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search