Warning! Scam Headhunters

There's a long history of scam headhunters out there who prey on unsuspecting job seekers, who are either uninitiated to job hunting or simply desperate to find a job.

I have to admit that early in my career, I once bought into this scam. I spent $5,000 on their "services" before I figured it out. In my case, it was at the beginning of my career and a company called "Haldane Associates". Haldane was eventually put out of business by a myriad of nation-wide lawsuits. The bottom line is that I never got a job through them nor did I ever see any of my money back.

I just received a solicitation from a J. Spry, an alleged LinkedIn member who works for "Executive Career Partners". Just a little research beyond the cover of glowing recommendations reveals lots of better business bureau complaints and articles warning job seekers about the predatory practices of these alleged "headhunters". Haldane used to do the same thing. Load the internet up with lots of fake five-star ratings in an effort push down any valid complaints about their operations.

It’s a hard sell. A technique of aggressive salesmanship that plays into your need for success and money.

They offer specialized training on their singular, private secret to success. They promise access to hundreds of high-paying, "non-published” jobs, that only their service can provide. Of course all of this is for a fee, usually starting at $5,000 and of course it’s all a lie.

Exactly NONE of the jobs they have online are non-published and most of the jobs they do have are outdated or no longer available. Their super-secret, private training is nothing more than advising you on how to dress and what to say in an interview situation. Something you can get for free through LinkedIn articles or in-person at any State employment office.

These people have absolutely no conscience about taking your money under false pretenses. You’re not given access to anything unless you sign contractual documents. These documents state, in very small print, how you’re paying them to simply “consult” with you and that they’ve promised you absolutely nothing for your money. This allows them to legally say that they haven’t scammed anyone.

Be advised and be aware. I thought this stuff had gone away but obviously where there’s a need, there’s someone ready to take advantage. But as we all now know, there’s no Nigerian prince ready to transfer $10 million to our checking account.

See also: https://www.asktheheadhunter.com/gv010822.htm