Q: I got a call from a recruiter out of the blue telling me I applied for their job. I’ve been out of work for eight months, so I didn’t remember applying for their job, but I didn’t want to miss out on interviewing. The recruiter asked me the names of all the people I worked with and their job titles at my last job. I found that odd but shared them. He said he’d be in touch with next steps and then ghosted me. What did I do wrong? — Garrett
A: Over the years, I’ve seen countless job search trends come and go. But there’s one alarming practice on the rise that every job seeker needs to be aware of: recruiter phishing. It sounds like you may have encountered this deceptive tactic. Let me explain what recruiter phishing is, why it’s becoming more common, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself from falling victim to this unethical practice.
People are also reading…
Recruiter phishing is a deceptive practice where recruiters contact recently laid-off employees under the guise of job opportunities, but their real intent is to gather information about their former colleagues and managers who are still employed.
Here’s how it typically plays out:
1. You lose your job in a layoff.
2. Shortly after, you’re contacted by recruiters claiming to have potential job opportunities.
3. During a phone call, they ask detailed questions about your former workplace, including names of your supervisors and co-workers.
4. After you provide this information, they disappear or “ghost” you. The recruiters never intended to place you in a job. Instead, they used you to get insider information about your former company, which they’ll use to poach employees who are still there.
The current job market is tough, not just for job seekers but for recruiters, too. With fewer job openings available, some recruiters — especially those paid based on successful placements — are feeling the pressure to fill positions by any means necessary.
While it’s natural to be excited about potential job opportunities, especially after a layoff, it’s crucial to remain cautious. Here are some ways to protect yourself:
1. Be wary of unsolicited contacts: If a recruiter reaches out to you out of the blue, especially right after a layoff, proceed with caution.
2. Don’t provide names in initial conversations: There’s no need to share your former colleagues’ or managers’ names in a first interview or conversation.
3. Set boundaries: If asked for names, you can politely say something like, “I don’t have permission to share their names. I’d be happy to check with them and circle back if I move forward in the interview process.”
4. Trust your instincts: If a recruiter seems more interested in who you know than in your skills and experience, that’s a red flag.
5. Research the recruiter and company: Before sharing any information, verify that the recruiter and the company they claim to represent are legitimate.
Garrett: What should I do if I suspect I’ve been targeted by a recruiter phishing scam?
A: If you suspect you’ve been targeted, it’s important to take steps to protect your professional network and personal information:
1. Cease communication: Stop communicating with the suspect recruiter immediately.
2. Alert your network: Inform your former colleagues and supervisors about the potential phishing attempt so they can be vigilant.
3. Report the incident: If the recruiter claimed to be from a legitimate company, contact the company directly to report the incident.
4. Document the interaction: Keep records of all communications with the recruiter in case you need to refer back to them.
J.T. O’Donnell is the founder and CEO of the job search career coaching platform Work It Daily. She is on a mission to help workers of all ages find career success and satisfaction. Submit your questions at workitdaily.com.
