{"id":3573,"date":"2022-09-26T19:30:03","date_gmt":"2022-09-26T23:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.seancook.net\/staging\/6029\/?p=3573"},"modified":"2026-03-27T18:46:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T22:46:37","slug":"protect-yourself-dont-fall-for-job-seeker-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seancook.net\/staging\/6029\/protect-yourself-dont-fall-for-job-seeker-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"Protect Yourself: Don’t Fall for Job Seeker Scams!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Scam<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

There are many different ways you can improve your odds:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>using tools to optimize your resume content, hiring a resume writer, reaching out to your network, seeking referrals for jobs, and hiring a headhunter are just a few common options.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no way around it. Job searching is exhausting.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Don\u2019t you wish it was easier?<\/em><\/p>\n

Some services claim they will make the process easy.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>They may claim to be recruiters and promise to \u201cfast track\u201d you through the process because they have special relationships with hiring managers. They may pose as hiring experts who can give you inside information on a company to help you optimize your materials (for a \u201cminimal\u201d fee, of course!) but give you the same information you could find on the company\u2019s website. Some will even apply for jobs for you.<\/p>\n

Many of these services are scams.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>They are relatively easy to set up. Anyone can register a domain, set up a basic website, and be in \u201cbusiness\u201d in a few days, maybe even a few hours.<\/p>\n

\u00a0These scams rely on job seeker exhaustion and count on their ability to give exhausted job seekers a sense of hope.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Then they use common grifting tactics to pressure job seekers into using their services, lest they lose out. Unfortunately, that false urgency results in individuals making hasty decisions and paying high fees for practically useless services. (Or no services at all!)<\/p>\n

\u00a0According to\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>CNBC<\/strong><\/a>, Americans lost $68 Million to job search scams during the first quarter of this year.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Fortunately, many resources can help job seekers identify potential scams before they get taken. For example, AARP has a\u00a0<\/span>great page on common scams<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>and its acclaimed podcast,\u00a0<\/span>The Perfect Scam<\/a>. In addition,\u00a0<\/span>Rocket Lawyer<\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>Indeed,<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>FlexJobs,<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>and many other sites also have informative articles with tips on recognizing potential scams and ways to protect yourself.<\/p>\n

Know the Signs<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some signs that a scammer might be targeting you include:<\/strong><\/p>\n