Job seekers today are learning a tough lesson : Not every connection request is a compliment , and not every direct message deserves a response .
If job hunting was not already difficult enough , there is a new threat lurking in the virtual corridors of professional networking sites ― turning what was once a search for a better life into a battle for security and trust .
Phony job postings and fictitious recruiters baiting job seekers with generous compensation packages and convenient remote roles have left candidates grappling with the challenge of distinguishing real opportunities from scams .
To add fuel to the fire , a quieter but equally insidious scheme is emerging ― one that exploits the trust job seekers place in career services professionals , particularly resume writers and career coaches .
This latest ruse has picked up steam due to the growing demand for job support and career guidance , stemming from a tough job market 1 characterized by :
▪ Inflation and financial strain
▪ Intense candidate competition
▪ Heavy use of artificial intelligence ( AI ) in hiring processes
▪ Economic and political uncertainty
▪ Exhausting application requirements
As job seekers increasingly recognize the value of having a trained and experienced career services professional in their corner , fraudsters are seizing this development as another opportunity for deception .
Through a series of calculated tactics , scammers pose as certified resume writers and career coaches and use this façade to secure payments , attract business and harvest sensitive personal information for illicit purposes .
In this article , we will explore the key attributes that differentiate genuine professionals from imposters , the warning signs job seekers should watch for and the steps individuals can take to protect themselves .
‘ Real ’ resume writers
In a space progressively infiltrated by bad actors and selfproclaimed experts , Margaret Phares , executive director and owner of Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches ( PARWCC ), shares this message : “ The most important thing is to make job seekers aware . They need to be protected . There ’ s a big difference between one professional and the next . If we can show job seekers how to find and work with ethical , qualified professionals , believe me , it will change the world .”
Fortunately , today ’ s resume writing industry has evolved in ways that make identifying top professionals easier ― if you know what to look for . Recent developments have created a more structured , nuanced and specialized field , separating “ the best ” from the rest .
ACAMS Today | March – May 2025 73