There's no happy post today.
Today there is no positive reflection or motivation.
Today I want to talk about something that hurts, but that I cannot ignore.
A few months ago, in Guadalajara, a field 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's the word I use every day... but in a completely different context.
And seeing how they take advantage of the hopes of someone who is just looking for a job, a dream, an opportunity... it hurts.
It hurts because we all live in Mexico and know this reality.
It hurts because those of us who work in recruitment Yes, we believe in the positive impact a good job can have. ❤️🩹
And it hurts because these kinds of cases also affect trust in our industry. This post isn't pleasant. But it's necessary.
If you know someone young, someone who is looking for a job, someone who is vulnerable or excited by an "too good to be true" opportunity, please share this.
Here are 4 warning signs that everyone should know:
1️⃣ Always research the company
Google his name.
Search for news.
Check if it appears on LinkedIn, on its official website, or in directories.
If you don't find anything, be alert.
2️⃣ Be wary of unrealistic salaries.
If a job opening promises salaries 50–80% higher than the 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, let someone else know.
Share your location.
Share the exact location where you will be.
Don't go without someone else keeping track of your movements.
4️⃣ Ask questions, lots of questions
A legitimate job can be verified by phone call or video call.
Ask what you would do, who you would work with, where the office is, and who your boss is.
A real recruiter isn't bothered by you asking questions.
A fake recruiter, yes.
This topic is doubly important to me because, in addition to being a recruiter, I worked for almost 4 years in security, providing Security Awareness training.
And I know, from experience, that prevention saves lives.
I can't close my eyes.
I don't want anyone else to close them either.
If sharing this information can prevent even one person from falling for a fake job offer, a dangerous network, or a story that should never have existed… then it's worth writing this post, even if it's not happy, even if it's not lighthearted.
Thanks for reading.
Thanks for sharing.