Scammers Stink!

November 10, 2025

The job search is hard enough without having to deal with unqualified resume writers and scammers.

There are so many fake profiles and unqualified resume writers out here in social media, many people are on the fence about hiring someone to help. Unfortunately, this is hurting jobseekers and giving very qualified professional résumé writers, a bad rap.

Here are five red flags to be aware of and tips to help you feel more confident with your decision. What would you add?

1. Prices that sound like clearance sales

A solid résumé update often takes 4–10 hours of deep, strategic work, sometimes 20+. If someone’s offering a “flash sale” for $149, ask yourself: how much time can they really afford to spend on your career story?

2. Promises of “guaranteed jobs”

No one, and I mean no one can guarantee a job. Not even an interview. What professionals can do is assess whether your résumé aligns with the roles you’re targeting and help adjust your strategy if it doesn’t.

3. Refusal to provide references or samples

Legitimate writers have anonymized examples ready to share. (Though after one prospective client copied and pasted a sample I sent via email, I now only show samples via Zoom!) Yes, scammers exist on both sides of the fence.

4. Profiles with stolen or AI-generated content

I once found my own background text copied onto a fake profile that scammed people. (Thank you Jay Jones) Imitation might be flattery, but it’s not funny when it costs job seekers money and trust.

5. No professional association membership or no relevant background.

This one’s nuanced. For 20+ years, I built résumés based on in-house certification from a major financial institution. But when the market flooded, I chose to invest in continued certification through PARW/CC, because credibility matters. If you’re considering someone who isn’t certified, take the time to review their full professional history and make sure they have the relevant background and experience needed to best pull out your story.

Let us know if we can help you find your dream job. Email us at solutions@taylorperformance.com or call (800) 610-8170.

 

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