Not every “job interview” is actually a job interview.
I learned this the hard way shortly after NYSC, and it cost me ₦89,000
After NYSC, I started applying for jobs as a fresh graduate.
Like many fresh graduates, I was still learning how the labour market worked. I didn't know all the red flags to look out for.
One day, I applied for a customer service role and got invited for an interview the same day.
When I arrived, they collected our CVs and asked us to sit in a room.
Then they started playing motivational videos about success, wealth, and becoming rich.
I was confused.
I came for a customer service interview. Why are we watching motivational videos?
After that, someone came in to talk about making money, working hard, and becoming successful.
Then they introduced us to their “leader,” who they said had risen from the lowest rank to the highest rank in the company by selling their products and bringing other people into the business.
Eventually, I was called into her office.
She talked about the opportunity and even mentioned me becoming her personal assistant and travelling around the world with her.
Let's just say the word “travel” caught my attention. 😂
The next day, I paid about ₦89,000 for “registration” and “induction” into the business.
That was money I had saved from my NYSC allowance.
Looking back now, I laugh at myself.
But it was also a serious lesson.
The problem was the deception
To be clear, I'm not saying the business itself was bad. Some people may have genuinely made money through it.
The problem was presenting a business opportunity as a job vacancy.
There are young people actively searching for employment. They spend money on transportation, prepare for interviews, and take time away from other opportunities.
They deserve to know exactly what they are being invited to.
Pay attention to the red flags
If you apply for a specific job and the “interview” immediately turns into motivational talks, recruitment pitches, product sales, or promises of getting rich, pause.
Ask questions.
Confirm what the role actually involves.
And most importantly, make sure the opportunity you applied for is the same opportunity being presented to you.
A genuine job interview should have a clear connection to the role you applied for.
Final Thought
I learned this lesson the hard way, but you don't have to.
Always verify the opportunity before attending an interview, and never assume that every interview invitation means there is a genuine job waiting for you.
Be careful out there. Your time, money, and effort matter.
