Published on: Thursday, November 18, 2010

Peer Inside: The Scam Artist All-Star List

Posted By: Dave Opton
Filed Under: execunet, executive job search, dave opton, scams, peer feedback, career marketing services, career marketing firms, career scams, executive job scams, executive marketing firms

Comments (2)

Our recent blog post, The Scam Artist All-Star List, really struck a nerve and generated a lot of great comments — from those who experienced these fraudsters and from career professionals with additional tips. The reader feedback was too good to keep hidden, so we're bringing some of the edited highlights to the forefront with plenty more to read at the original article too.

"I was scammed by one of these agencies over 10 years ago when I was younger and more impressionable and eager to make a leap in my career. They asked me to bring my wife to the session, and they pitched their services very hard but assured me they would help me land the job of my dreams. I landed a job very quickly but was out $6K for something I could have easily done myself. Stay away from these guys; they are a sham and normally only have one interest, their own. They closed their doors and reopened under some other name. I tried to get my money back but was unsuccessful as they promised me lifetime enrollment in their services." — Joe M.

"In today's world, not all companies are spending money on outplacement. In my company, I have a fair amount of executives who are paying for my services without corporate sponsorship. One major difference between a scam artist and a legitimate coach who works one-on-one with executives without corporate support is this: How did you get connected with the coach? Did they reach out to you cold or did you find them through some credible source (i.e. ExecuNet)? In my firm, we always connect with potential clients through a credible source and never through hidden means." — Karen Armon

"Thanks, Dave, for calling a spade a spade. I am in transition, and I have received at least three calls from online 'entities' based on their review of my updated profile on LinkedIn. They start by expressing how my résumé is 'perfect' for several potential openings...BUT, how I need their help to really position myself out there from a résumé, interviewing, online presence etc, etc perspective. Please don't waste your time and money at this critical juncture in your life on such sales scams. Rather, focus on networking and meeting as many past acquaintances as you can. Nothing works better than an introduction for a potential opening." — Ibi Dhilla

"If you find that you are not making headway with your job search after several months, you may benefit from working with a career management consultant who will help you find your career path, develop your marketing tools such as a résumé, bio, cover letters and other targeted marketing tools, help you market yourself, interview and negotiate your salary. So research the professionals and get referrals. And note that you will pay for these services just like you pay for a doctor, lawyer or other professional services." — Carla Visser

"Both of my personal experiences were initiated by 'bait and switch' tactics where I was pitched to think I was talking to an executive recruiter and later turned out to be a marketing service who wanted a very substantial fee to access their supposed huge database of opportunities. I have also had two colleagues who used these 'services' and later found they had simply thrown away upwards of $10K with absolutely zero results." — Jeff Larson

"Executed correctly, career marketing can produce excellent results, shorten project duration and provide added value (job search training, develop new networking contacts, etc.) to candidates. As impassioned as you are about the scams, I am driven to defend the legitimate, honest, talented and productive career marketing resources available. Do not lump everyone with the bad apples who legitimately provide executives with career marketing expertise which continues to be in very short supply (while the number of new scams amazingly proliferates.)" — Debra Feldman

"I had been out of work for over three months at that time, and with my funds running low was getting worried. The phone wasn't ringing, so I took a chance on a firm that sucked me in. After shelling out over $1,300 for a set of personality instruments, I was given my assessment (very poorly done by the way), and then promised I'd be marketed to their team of recruiters. Needless to say nothing came of it. I'll never work with any firm that charges the candidate for career services again." — Ken Colby

"I suggest inquiring about the coach's education, years in business, nationally and internationally recognized coaching credentials and certifications, pending certifications and through which organization, CEU's, dated testimonials on letterhead, displayed testimonials in the office and on the website, and are there frequent and current written articles and blogs by the coach to show immersion in their profession, etc. This may help differentiate the good from the scam!" — Linda M. Van Valkenburgh

| More

Dave Opton's avatar Dave Opton
Dave Opton founded ExecuNet in 1988 to provide a trusted environment where senior-level executives could build career opportunities by facilitating connections to other executives, experts and key market insights. Dave has drawn upon his 35 years of experience in human resources to develop and grow what has become the leading business and career membership network for executives and senior managers. A widely recognized executive career management expert, Dave is regularly quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Business Week, Fortune, Fast Company, and other leading business publications. Mr. Opton received his BA from Indiana University. Dave blogs at Six Figure Learnings

Add Your Comment

* = Denotes Required field

Posted by Joseph Wahl
12/06 @ 05:19 PM

I have worked in both executive recruiting and corporate outplacement, both of which provide the job seeker and the employer a tremendous service. It is so unfortunate, especially in the worst recession this country has seen in its history, that there are still those that would seek to profit from others misfortune. a reminder to job seekers, a recruiter will never charge you for their services, they are paid by their corporate client. You just need to understand that they are working for that client, not you, the candidate. Legitimate career counselors and corporate outplacement firms, which will be predominantly paid by your former employer, provide career guidance, however, don't "guarantee" job placement.

Posted by Tilden Martin
12/06 @ 02:07 PM

I understand people's frustration over the costs for career consultants.
In addition to managing my recruiting firm I provide career coaching. The time I devote to this is very limited and I do not require contracts. We charge a very reasonable hourly fee and guarantee only that candidates will be better prepared for the job search process, especially interviewing. I recommend people start with an hour session and if they feel they still need assistance they can sign up for more on an hourly basis. My advice is based on practical experience not academic theory; it is offered by phone and internet.
If candidates ask us to write or rewrite resumes I have someone who does that but I do not received compensation for this service, only the person who writes the resume.
If we have positions available through my recruiting firm that match candidates' backgrounds and career directions we will present these opportunities to them and represent them if they like. All fees are paid by our client companies.
I have a group on LinkedIn, Career Samaritan that readers may want to check out and join.
Tilden Martin
CEO
The Roswell Group, Inc.