Job hunting is a tale as old as time. Every day, somewhere, someone is looking for a job or a somewhat perfect opportunity to break free from financial constraints. While it is normal to want to impress your potential employer, it is equally important to prioritize your personal safety while job hunting.

A CAUTIONARY TALE

About a month ago, my sister had an interview on Linkedin. Fast forward, the virtual interview went well, and the young CEO gave her an assignment to complete as part of the job which she submitted first thing the next morning, and he promised to get back to her.

It took over a week before he called her back for a physical interview. 

There were red flags to the job description though.

He claimed to be an online businessman who sold merchandise and held online classes online, but strangely, his social media pages had nothing worth convincing as a salesman. They only had pictures from outings and money spending. 

Now that's a major red flag. Where is the said business?

But… the pay was quite on the high side, (well, extremely on the high side if I dare say).

So, we decided to go with her. I know there are one-man businesses everywhere that flourish all the time, but this gave us the chill adding to the nationwide insecurity.

He gave us an address and when we got there, we phoned him and he gave us another address. On getting there, the said interviewer was dressed in his underwear!

No, we didn't go inside! We could see him from the balcony upstairs where he was looking at us.

He called my sister to come up, the half dressed sight was a big NO, so, she refused.

Now, prior to this incident, we have heard of victims who found themselves in unfortunate circumstances, either they were sexually assaulted or they were used for some sort of rituals where the predators take vital organs off them.

His poorly dressed state made us uncomfortable, so we left. Then he sent a text to her to express his disappointment in her. 

The question is who wears underwear as an outfit for an interview? It gave off creepy vibes!

The story of Ini, a young Nigerian graduate who went for an interview and then lost her life because the said “employer” was a rapist and organ trafficker is still fresh in our minds. 

It is very important that people see the need to research any job interview they are attending for the safety of their lives, nobody deserves to be a victim of these terrible individuals while earnestly trying to make legit money.

Here are some tips to work with before going for an interview:

Research 

Before you even consider an interview, take the time to thoroughly research the company and the person conducting the interview. Verify their legitimacy, look for online reviews, and check if they have a physical office. These scammers, ritualists, perverts among others often operate with fake businesses and credentials.

Location Safety

Pay attention to the interview location. If it's a private residence, be very cautious. Always opt for public, well-known places for interviews. You have to let the interviewer know you are uncomfortable with a closed off setting because your safety is paramount. Trustworthy employers should have no issue with a secure meeting place. 

Bringing a Companion

I can't emphasize this enough. If you can't bring a companion, let someone be aware of your location at all times during the interview. The story of Ini only got exposed because a friend was aware of the interview and she kept her abreast of the situation. Else, it would have forever been a “missing person” subject. Having an extra pair of eyes and ears can enhance your safety.

Trusting Your Instincts

Listen to your intuition. If something feels off or unsafe, trust your gut feelings. It is often more accurate that we think.

Safety Measures During the Interview

During the interview, prioritise your safety. Avoid sharing personal information like financial details until you're entirely certain about the opportunity's legitimacy.

Documenting and Reporting

Maintain records of all your job-related communications. If you encounter an unsafe or suspicious situation, report it to the relevant authorities or organizations. Your experience might help protect others from a similar ordeal.

Safety is not a preference, it is a way of life. One must ensure staying vigilant and prioritising one's well-being, because safety should never be negotiable.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Otuosoro Ranjo