Quit Playing Games with My Heart… Scammers

I’ve learned a lot about recruiters over the years. Some are amazing connectors, genuinely interested in matching people with the right work. And then there are the secret agents to the Make Your Life Worse Society.

Here’s the pattern I’ve come to know all too well: they rave about your experience, ask your salary expectations, promise the dream role… and then, suddenly, your résumé isn’t “up to standard.” Luckily, they “know a guy” who can fix it—for a fee.

The timing is always the same: it happens right after I announce I’m open for work. It is like a homing beacon for scammers.

Today, though, I got an out-of-the-blue recruiter request that seemed different. Legit. The LinkedIn page looked real. Credentials checked out. The conversation didn’t resemble a ChatBot. I got genuinely excited about a potential long-term role and at a rate I actually wanted.

Then came the infamous résumé request. Since everything seemed above board, I did a quick tweak, updated it, and sent it off.

I clearly took too long.

Houdini time!

The recruiter’s name changed to “LinkedIn Member.” Click the profile… vanished. No résumé upsell this time. Just… gone.

It’s discouraging. And it happens enough that I’m seriously considering asking the next recruiter upfront:

“Do you know a guy who’ll fix my résumé for a price, or do you actually want to see if I’m a good hire?”

We need to put a premium value on our skills, time, and expereince. We can't be afraid to champion for ourselves. If a recruiter reaches out, great. But always ask questions about the position and why they reached out, in order to protect yourself, and remember your worth.

In other news, I also happen to know a freelance writer with over ten years of experience. Creative storytelling, engaging audiences, helping brands communicate meaningful messages…pure magic.

Pssst… it’s me. And I’d love to put my skills to work for you.

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