A caution both job seekers and companies should be aware of
is the scam some recruiters try to pull to make a quick buck. In a previous
post (found here), I address a similar ruse in greater detail. However I will
share an excerpt from that post along with further details here to explain how
this particular scheme works:
A recruiter advertises a job, or by some method entices you
as a job seeker to submit your resume. The recruiter then sifts through the
received resumes, and chooses what he/she deems to be the “cream of the crop.”
He/she then substitutes your personal contact information with his/her own on
your resume, unbeknownst to you, in an attempt to represent you by applying to
jobs online. The reason is simple: he/she is now in a position to attempt to
make a commission off of you. All the while, you have no idea. More often than
not, these tricks backfire, and end up doing damage to you as a job seeker.
Your resume may end up banned by the company, and thus any possibility of a job
prospect in the future. You also have no idea what the recruiter is saying
about you, or how you may be misrepresented.
Companies end up in a sticky situation because they believe
they are receiving an application directly from a top candidate, until they
find out there is a price tag associated with it. If the company cannot pay a
placement fee, or does not want to, it ends up hurting both parties; you as the
job seeker do not receive a job offer, and the company loses out on a great
talent. All because some recruiter acted shady in a lousy attempt to make
money.
It is more common now to see this from companies, but if
your company is advertising position and is not, here is what I would
recommend. Simply include a disclaimer at the end of any job advertisement that
explicitly states something to this effect:
“XYZ Company does not accept resumes from headhunters,
placement agencies or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement
with us. Any resume received from an unapproved supplier or source will be
considered unsolicited, and XYZ Company will not be obligated to pay a referral
or placement fee.”
One last warning that is worth mentioning is this: If you as
a job seeker come across an ad description online that is vague, or refuses to
name itself, it is probably a good idea to steer clear. These are the exact
type of ads predators use to obtain your information. Don’t let desperation
come in the way of being savvy about your job search, especially when there are
people out there ready to take advantage.
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