The Mysterious Disappearing LinkedIn Messages
Yesterday I mentioned that two "recruiters" contacted me on LinkedIn.
I only shared one conversation because, in this one, I asked a direct question:
"Are you filling a role or selling a resume service?"
The response was direct:
"Filling a role."
I was then asked if I'd like the job description, and I said yes. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a screenshot of that part of the conversation.
Today I went back into LinkedIn Messaging to review both conversations.
Both were gone.
Not archived. Not deleted by me. Just... gone. As if they never existed.
I'm not sure what happened or why. Maybe @LinkedIn removed the accounts. Maybe something else occurred. I don't have enough information to draw that conclusion.
What I do know is that these types of interactions seem to be becoming more common.
I'd love to see LinkedIn continue investing in stronger verification of recruiter profiles and better technology to reduce fake accounts and questionable outreach. It would help job seekers spend more time evaluating real opportunities and less time wondering whether the person on the other end is genuine.
I've been documenting these experiences, along with other observations from my job search, on my blog at NielFlamm.com/blog. I hope sharing what I encounter helps others stay informed.
Have you had recruiter messages mysteriously disappear, or experienced something similar?
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?
The Scammers Didn't Waste Any Time
A few moments ago, I shared the results of a behavioral assessment I completed as part of a job application.
It took about 15 minutes before I started receiving connection requests from what appear to be resume and recruiting scammers.
In this case, the profiles were Grace Isborne and Patricia Renee. I've attached screenshots of their profiles and our conversations so you can see what caught my attention.
A few observations that raised red flags:
Very limited profile history.
Both reference Harvard in some way.
No recommendations.
Generic recruiter messaging with little personalization.
Could these be new recruiters? Possibly. But when you're in an active job search, it's worth slowing down and verifying whom you're speaking with before sharing personal information, your resume, or paying for any services.
Scammers know job seekers are looking for opportunities, and they move quickly.
Stay aware. Stay skeptical. Verify first.
If you'd like to follow my ongoing experiences with job searching, recruiting scams, and career insights, follow along at NielFlamm.com/blog.
Have you encountered similar recruiting or LinkedIn scams? Share your experience in the comments so others can learn from it.
Join the discussion on NielFlamm.com/blog.
What 98 Questions Revealed About Me
Every now and then, a job application asks to go beyond a résumé and complete an assessment that digs into how I think, work, and interact with others.
I'm currently applying for a role here in the Charleston, SC area. Like many opportunities these days, part of the hiring process included a behavioral assessment—98 questions that took about 45 minutes to complete.
The results were interesting because they aligned closely with how I've approached my career in Learning & Development, leadership, and continuous improvement.
Here are the competencies the assessment highlighted:
📚 Learner (Thought Process)
Curious and inquisitive. I enjoy learning new things, asking questions, and finding ways to apply new knowledge to solve problems and improve performance.
🎯 Achiever (Drives & Values)
Determined to succeed. I set high standards for myself and stay focused on accomplishing meaningful goals while continuously growing.
🔄 Adaptability (Work Style)
Flexible and resourceful. Whether it's changing priorities, new technology, or unexpected challenges, I enjoy finding solutions and helping organizations navigate change.
🤝 Individualizer (People Acumen)
Building personalized relationships. One-size-fits-all leadership rarely works. I enjoy understanding what motivates each person and helping them succeed in ways that fit their strengths.
🚀 Execution (Influence)
Exceeding expectations. Planning, data, experience, and intuition all come together to deliver results. My goal has always been to leave projects, teams, and organizations better than I found them.
What I appreciated most wasn't receiving a "score." It was seeing characteristics that I've tried to demonstrate throughout my career.
I'm still looking for the right opportunity—one where I can contribute, make an impact, help people grow, and continue learning myself. Whether that's through Learning & Development, instructional design, leadership development, or organizational effectiveness, I'm excited about what comes next.
Sometimes a behavioral assessment is more than another step in the hiring process. It's an opportunity to reflect on who I am and how I create value for others.
What strengths have been most consistent throughout your career?
Join the discussion on NielFlamm.com.