CAREER GUIDANCE
The following is a two-part guide for seeing past the smoke and mirrors .
Part 1 : Resume reviews and background checks
Verify credentials and credibility
If a professional has credentials , confirm them directly with the issuing organizations by searching an official directory as depicted in Graphic 2 . Scrutinize their professional portfolio on LinkedIn or other platforms for work samples , credible endorsements and a verifiable affiliation with reputable organizations .
Be cautious of vague descriptions , unverifiable freelance roles or generic profiles . Consider additional qualifiers , such as a verification badge , LinkedIn Premium membership or a profile join date spanning five or more years .
Assess employment history and track record
Examine his or her career path . Does their industry tenure and prior experience demonstrate the expertise needed to make strategic career decisions and deliver actionable guidance ?
Use Table 1 as a guide to evaluate whether the person ’ s background reflects mastery of essential skills like a ) brand positioning , b ) data-driven research , c ) results-focused copywriting , d ) visual communication and e ) coaching capabilities .
Ask yourself whether this individual ’ s professional history supports the competencies of an authoritative voice in their line of work . Were they in roles that align with providing career advice or did they pivot without a relevant foundation ? Most importantly , does their collective experience and body of work inspire the confidence to trust them with your future ?
Reverse-engineer their digital footprint
Review their business website for consistent branding , transparent contact information and an established presence ( over five years ). Verify whether their online identity is cohesive across platforms , from LinkedIn profiles to articles or thought leadership . Be cautious of incomplete or inconsistent location details . Use reverse image search to confirm whether their photos are AI-generated , stolen or stock images .
Identify independent social proof
Look beyond controlled spaces , such as personal websites or social media accounts , for validation from external sources . Identify independent recognition , such as industry awards ( e . g ., PARWCC ’ s Elite Circle , NRWA ’ s ROAR ) or acknowledgment in trade publications and media outlets .
78 acamstoday . org