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The LLoyd blog: hidden talent.

Navigating Recruitment Scams in the AI Era Forest

recruitment scams
Recruitment scams

If a Job Posts and No One Applies,
Did It Even Happen?

Here we are deep in the recruitment forest…and it feels like trees are falling all around us—fake jobs, fake resumes, AI-generated applications, and data breaches creating constant thuds in the hiring forest. It’s more than just noise; it’s a wake-up call for employers and staffing firms alike. The world of hiring is evolving, but not without challenges that can leave employers asking, “Where did all the REAL talent go?”

The New Reality: Talent Is Hesitant to Apply

In 2024, recruitment scams have skyrocketed, landing in the top five most common scams, according to the FTC. But that’s just the beginning of the problem. Applications are up, but a huge chunk of those submissions are either AI-generated or outright fake. LinkedIn has put new practices in place to shut down fake accounts of candidates, employers and recruiters.  While the platform acknowledges the presence of fake accounts, the exact number is constantly changing as they work to remove them. In their 2023 Transparency Report, LinkedIn revealed that they detected and blocked 58.8 million fake accounts in just the first half of 2023

Then there are the data breaches—up 38% this year. And with 91% of cybersecurity professionals linking the rise in cyberattacks to remote work, it’s no surprise that job candidates are growing wary of clicking “apply.” After all, who wants to risk their personal information for a job that may not even be real?

Recruiting scams
Job scams

Enter the Age of Catfishing in Recruiting 

The landscape is further muddied by a growing concern: catfishing in recruiting. This isn’t just about fake resumes and AI-generated applications anymore. We’re talking about companies posting fake job listings, either to stockpile resumes or boost internal metrics, leaving candidates on edge. On the flip side, candidates are using polished but fabricated resumes to slip through automated filters, only to falter when faced with a real human interviewer.

For employers, it means potentially wasting time (and money) on candidates who don’t actually exist. For job seekers, it means doubting whether the job posting they’re about to apply for is even legitimate. Both sides of the hiring equation are feeling the sting of recruitment scams, and it’s causing real talent to withdraw from the market altogether.

The Balance Between AI and the Human Touch

While AI has brought some undeniable benefits to recruiting—like faster resume screening and automated communications—it’s also caused just as many problems as it’s solved. The sheer volume of automated, AI-generated resumes has overwhelmed hiring managers, many of whom now spend more time filtering out the fakes than connecting with real talent.

The solution isn’t to scrap AI entirely, but to balance it with the human touch. Real-time conversations with recruiters, hiring managers, and company representatives are what build trust and create a safe space for candidates to engage. The technology should support, not replace, the human side of hiring—especially in an era rife with recruitment scams

Want to know how Lloyd is dealing with some of the issues of AI in Resume Screening?
Lloyd’s VP of Technology, Billy Veraszto, offers a response in this video which explores the pros & cons of AI for both companies seeking top talent and candidates looking for their dream job.

WATCH NOW

Recruitment scams
AI Resume Screening

ASA: A Shield for Employers & Job Seekers 

 In an industry plagued by uncertainty, partnering with a member firm of the industry’s premier community of recruitment professionals, the American Staffing Association (ASA), offers a layer of protection and professionalism that is hard to beat. The ASA sets high standards for ethical recruiting and staffing practices, ensuring that firms comply with federal, state, and local regulations while upholding workforce compliance.

For employers, working with an ASA-member staffing firm means you’re not only getting access to a vetted pool of candidates but also minimizing risks related to legal compliance and workforce ethics. These firms adhere to best practices that prioritize transparency, fairness, and ethical behavior, ensuring that both candidates and employers are treated with respect throughout the hiring process.

recruitment scams: American Staffing Association
Professional Certification

For job seekers, choosing to work with an ASA-member firm means peace of mind. Whether you’re worried about data privacy, job scams, or the legitimacy of an opportunity, ASA members are held to rigorous standards that safeguard candidate information and provide access to real, vetted job opportunities. In an era of recruitment scams, these staffing firms offer a trusted human connection to guide you through your job search.

Lloyd has been a proud member firm of the American Staffing Association for many years.  Our recruiters have earned the prestigious industry accreditation of Certified Staffing Professional, which requires demonstrated knowledge of labor and employment law and compliance with a code of ethics and good practices established by the ASA. Certification requires a course of study and passing of a rigorous timed exam, along with 30 hours of continuing education classes.  It assures our client companies and talent that they will receive the highest level of quality service and competency in employment regulations and law.

Professional Certification
American Staffing Association

Learn more about ASA Certification.

Restoring Trust in the Hiring Process

At Lloyd Staffing, we recognize that trust is the missing piece in today’s recruitment landscape. We’ve been working in our “talent lab” to find solutions that blend technology with personal interaction. Whether it’s using AI to streamline scheduling or video interviews to give candidates a more authentic experience, we’re focused on cutting through the noise.

For employers, partnering with a trusted staffing firm can mean the difference between wasting time on catfish candidates and finding the real talent that will drive your business forward. For candidates, it’s about knowing that the job you’re applying for is legitimate and that your personal information is secure.

If a Job Falls in the Hiring Forest…

So, here’s the real question: If a job falls in the hiring forest and no one applies, did it even happen?
The answer is a resounding NO!
The hiring process today is more complex than ever, with layers of technology, automation, and unfortunately, deception. But at the end of the day, it’s still about people—finding them, trusting them, qualifying them, and bringing them on board. In a world where the forest is dense with fake postings, recruitment scams, and AI noise, the trees that stand tall are the ones built on human relationships and trust. Because when it comes to talent, if it’s not real, it’s just another tree falling silently in the forest.

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Are you an employer struggling to weed through fake resumes and other talent acquisition scams?
Let Lloyd’s certified professionals help you recruit and build a qualified authentic, Talent pipeline for your workforce.
Complete our Request Talent query to launch your search and we will have one of our Lloyd recruitment professionals reach out to you.

Are you a job candidate wondering if a job is real or not? 
Let Lloyd help you find a real role with an organization that will value your skills and talent.
Visit Lloyd’s Job Board to apply for one of our current searches.

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Written by Nancy Schuman, CSP,  the former Chief Commuications Officer for LLoyd Staffing.
A recruitment and career specialist, Nancy has more than 40 years in the staffing industry  –  three decades with Lloyd.  Now semi-retired, she remains an advocate for career education and  has advised thousands of candidates on their resumes and job searches. A former Careers columnist for a large weekly Long Island newspaper, Nancy has written 11 popular books for job seekers and business professionals.  You can find her Author’s page and books on Amazon.  She continues to blog for Lloyd and coach job seekers at all levels, offering advice for today’s competitive workplace.

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