Searching for a job while employed? Be aware of this recruiter scam

It is estimated that recruiters now account for filling about 1/10 of all job openings. Most recruiters are reputable, and strive to work ethically. However there are some that don’t. I am reminded of this again today, and thought I would share this scam with you.

In a nutshell, here’s how it works: This particular scam happens when you are searching for a job while currently employed. You respond to an advertised job by applying, and/or have posted your resume online. In either case, a recruiter has a copy of your resume and contacts you. He/she has a great job opportunity, and your background is an ideal fit. The tip though is that he/she wants to make sure you are currently still employed. Why? Because the intent in this scam is to be the first recruiter to have the opportunity to recruit a new job……..yours. Unbeknownst to you, your boss receives a call from this recruiter after speaking to you, and informs him/her that you are intending to leave the company, and that he/she would love the opportunity to present candidates to fill it. Talk about a stab in the back. But when a recruiter has no boundaries, it happens. Now you really will be looking for a job……unemployed.

It is important to utilize a recruiter (or recruiters) as part of your job search. Just make sure you have a solid relationship, and that you know what kind of track record he/she has. Ideally, the best time to do this is before a full-fledged search for employment. If you know people who have been placed by a particular recruiter, or have positive referrals, it’s probably a good bet. Also, it may seem intuitive to contact many recruiters, but this can actually backfire on you. I have spoken to this in a previous post, but essentially it can cause problems when it’s time to be represented as a candidate, and you may get someone who doesn’t know the first thing about you which will reflect negatively when you are presented to the company.

Just be careful about who you contact, where you submit a resume, or posting your resume online at all when you are conducting a job search while employed. Ideally if you can build these relationships of trust prior to conducting a search, then that will be the most beneficial to you. Avoid falling for this scam, or others while searching. Keep in mind that a few recruiters have their own best interest in mind, not yours.