There is no happy post today.
There is no positive reflection or motivation today.
Today I want to talk about something that hurts, but that I cannot ignore.
A few months ago, in Guadalajara, a site was discovered where belongings of missing young people were found. It was news that shook me.
And this week it stirred something in me again when I read a report about how organized crime is using social media, TikTok and video games to recruit young people.
Recruitment.
That is the word I use every day… but in a completely different context.
And seeing how they take advantage of the hope of someone who is only looking for work, for a dream, for an opportunity… it hurts.
It hurts because we all live in Mexico and we know this reality.
It hurts because those of us who work in recruitment do believe in the positive impact a good job can have. ❤️🩹
And it hurts because this kind of case also affects trust in our industry. This post is not pleasant. But it is necessary.
If you know someone young, someone looking for work, someone who is vulnerable or excited about an opportunity that seems "too good", please share this.
Here are 4 warning signs that everyone should know:
1️⃣ Always research the company
Google their name.
Look for news.
Check whether they appear on LinkedIn, on their official site or in directories.
If you find nothing, that is a red flag.
2️⃣ Be wary of salaries that are out of touch with reality
If a job opening promises salaries 50–80% higher than average, question it.
You can check ranges using Glassdoor, OCC, or even ask ChatGPT for an analysis of the typical salary for that role in your city.
3️⃣ If it involves travel, make sure someone else knows
Share your location.
Share the exact place where you will be.
Do not go without someone else keeping track of your movements.
4️⃣ Ask questions, lots of questions
A legitimate job can be verified by phone or video call.
Ask what you would do, who you would work with, where the office is, who your boss is.
A real recruiter is not bothered by your questions.
A fake recruiter does.
This subject hits me twice over because, besides being a recruiter, I worked almost 4 years in security giving Security Awareness training.
And I know, from experience, that prevention saves lives.
I cannot close my eyes.
I do not want anyone else to close them either.
If sharing this information can keep a single person from falling for a fake job opening, a dangerous network, or a story that should never have existed… then it is worth writing this post, even if it is not happy, even if it is not light.
Thanks for reading.
Thanks for sharing.