The rise of fraudulent career services professionals serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities in today ’ s digital first hiring landscape
CAREER GUIDANCE
The rise of fraudulent career services professionals serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities in today ’ s digital first hiring landscape
Scams thrive in silence
The rise of fraudulent career services professionals serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities in today ’ s digitalfirst hiring landscape . Some opportunities are too good to be true , while others are just plain dangerous .
By scrutinizing credentials , verifying authenticity and demanding transparency , job seekers safeguard their careers and contribute to a larger movement of accountability and vigilance .
Here are five closing tips to remember :
▪ Reset the power dynamic : Take control by going through trusted networks , proven allies and credible sources . Refuse to let unknown players take the wheel .
▪ Shake the hype : Review sample work or public contributions and cross-check them against work history . Separate showmanship from skill .
▪ Pull back the curtain : Arrange real-time conversations ― whether by video or in person ― so you see who is really on the other side .
▪ Freeze the funds : If they cannot pass a legitimacy check , they cannot touch your wallet ― no questions asked .
▪ Think like an investigator : Trust your instincts , connect the dots and ask the questions others will not .
In addition , when you identify deceptive behavior , report it and share your experience .
Cathy Lanzalaco , president of the NRWA , emphasizes the importance of notifying the platform where the activity occurred and the organization or individual being misrepresented . “ If you notice someone falsely claiming membership or affiliation with a credible organization like NRWA or PARWCC , reporting it directly to that organization goes a long way in rallying momentum against fraudulent activity ,” she notes .
Ultimately , by preserving trust , we help secure the foundation of every career , every aspiration and every dream that depends on them .
Jonathan Estreich , CAMS-Audit , CFE , award-winning four times certified career strategist , founder , Natfluence ( Career Growth Fuel ), New York , NY , USA , jon @ natfluence . com ,
Disclaimer : The views expressed in this article by the author and contributors do not necessarily represent the views of their organizations .
1
Rob Wile , “ From ‘ Great Resignation ’ to ‘ Great Detachment ’: How the U . S . job market has slowed ,” NBC News , December 6 , 2024 , https :// www . nbcnews . com / business / economy / hard-to-find-a-job-get-hired-why-november- 2024-jobs-report-rcna183102
2
“ Job Search & Career Guidance ― Cheat Sheets ,” Natfluence , https :// natfluence . com / career-cheat-sheets /
3
Ibid .
4
Ibid .
5
“ Find a Certified Professional ,” Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches , https :// members . parwcc . com / search / custom . asp ? id = 5880
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