Recruiters or Resume Sellers? Ask the Question.

If you're actively looking for a new opportunity on LinkedIn, stay alert.

Today I was contacted by two different "recruiters." I'll share the second conversation when I receive it, but I'm posting this one because it's a fair and straightforward question.

"Is this an opportunity, or are you going to offer me a resume writing service?"

As of writing this post, I haven't received a response.

That doesn't automatically mean this isn't a legitimate recruiter. It may be. I don't know.

My point is this: don't be afraid to ask direct questions.

As job seekers, we're sharing our resumes, employment history, and sometimes personal information. Taking a few moments to verify whom you're speaking with is time well spent.

Suppose this turns out to be a legitimate opportunity; great. If not, asking the question may save someone time, money, or frustration.

I'll also share the second conversation once I receive it so everyone can compare the interactions.

I've been documenting my job search, recruiting experiences, and other career observations on my blog at NielFlamm.com/blog. I hope some of those experiences help others navigate today's job market.

Have you received messages like this on LinkedIn? What questions do you ask before engaging?