TheLadders.com, a job listings and job search website catering to individuals seeking jobs that pay $100,000 or more, currently charges users $15 to $59 per month for access to its job listings and career services, though users can view job titles only for free. The website recently made headlines when it unveiled a new program: Job searchers who made it through its screening process could pay $2,500 for a money-back guarantee that staff at TheLadders would find them a job within six months or their money back. (A recent visit to the website suggests the $2,500 offer may not be currently available.)
Roy Cohen, career coach and author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide," says he thinks TheLadders is a valuable resource, but job seekers should approach this type of lump-sum offer with caution.
"That's a lot of money, and what is the commitment in terms of a refund?" he says. "What does it mean -- does it mean any job, or does it mean the job of your dreams?"
When it comes to using job listings websites that charge a monthly fee, such as Doostang.com, which caters to entry-level job seekers, Cohen suggests researching the site and what it offers beforehand.
With any pay-for job site, Cohen says, "I would never commit to an extended time period. What I would do is a trial period if at all possible."