When we find ourselves unemployed it can be a very vulnerable time. We do our part to take the time to make sure our resumes are just perfect. We write and re-write perhaps dozens of times to ensure that our resumes set ourselves apart from every other applicant. Everyone would like to think their resume is getting them special attention, right? In my case, yes! I thought I done a great job and I was truly patting myself on the back.
I had been noticing my resume has gotten me a lot of attention from quite a few companies since I have had my resume on public view for employers to search on two very well known internet "job sites". Previously, my resume was only available to a prospective employer if I sent it to them. Now an employer can view my resume (without my name, address and phone number, so it seems quite safe) and if it looks like I'm a good match for them, they can contact me via the "internet job site".
In the beginning of my job search I had kept track of each job I had applied with a handwritten paper record. It wasn't long before I thought I'd simply use the emails in my inbox as a receipt for who I had sent a resume which, naturally, will make it very easy to confuse a job you had applied for and one that is recruiting you from the employer's search. Between reading the emails, setting up interviews, answering voice mails, keeping track of "who's who" can be more confusing than I'd like to admit but, this seems to be how they would catch an unwitting job hunter.
One of the first companies I remember contacting me was UGA. The email said they had seen my resume online and because of my qualifications and income requirements I may be a viable candidate. They also had a link to their website. - I tried to "Search Engine" the company and nothing of consequence came up. I thought, how could this company that was ready to pay me 70k-125k be nowhere on the internet. So, I figured no news is good news but I kept a cautious and called to ask a few questions and to meet with them. Still, I wanted to believe the company was really interested in my skills and that this could be a good.
Then I saw the website.
The website made no sense at all. Take a look at it. If you want to find out what the company sells you're out of luck, until you realize they are trying to sell you on the IDEA that they are a great company.
When I called UGA, Donna, answered the phone and said, "it's a financial company that does financial services and for companies. Humm, vague.
I'm happy to say I didn't go on that interview. I got another email the next day same phone numbers, different contact names and web addresses, same company, UGA. Even the website was the same, just different addresses to get there.
It looks a bit like this:
I saw your resume online and I have a sales position available in your area with UGA. Based on your resume and income
requirements, I believe you may be a viable candidate.
Our first year agents are earning between 77K - 122K. About the position.
I would like you to come in for an interview this week at our office. Please look at the website for more info.
To discuss an interview, please call my assistant Erin tomorrow.
Best Regards,
Neal XXXX
District Manager
98k career
Direct: 877-821-xxxx ask for Erin"
So, I have come to learn that email is from a company that will promise me great pay and work with a great company - I will get is horrible leads to sell a less than wonderful product, while lying because that is what they taught me lies about the product. (Some of them may not even know they are lying) Then, since I'm an independent contractor, I'll be the one held liable for lying to the customers. It's just awful, huh?
The next day I got an email with the subject line that says,
" A real opportunity with a real company" that was the first tip-off that this was a less than a real opportunity, it's just so unprofessional.
This email isn't copied word for word. My point is to illustrate what these emails tend look like:
"We are seeking to fill the position of "Sales Representative" in the Los Angeles area. After reviewing your resume online, I see that you may contain some of the qualifications necessary for a position with us. The next step in this process will be to conduct an interview this week at our Divisional office in Encino. I would like to schedule an interview with you on Thursday 6/7 @ 1:15pm.
The purpose of our interview and orientation will be to get into more specific details such as compensation, company leads, training, products, etc.
Please respond back by e-mailing me (include your name and phone number) or contact our Senior Sales Team Coordinator, so we may determine if you possess the necessary qualifications for this interview (818) xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Steven
Alliance for Affordable Services
16550 Ventura Blvd. Suite 325
Encino, CA 91436
{Often the email ends or begins with something like this:}
SALES REPRESENTATIVE / SALES MANAGER DESCRIPTION:
*Immediate Weekly Income Potential
*Meet with prospects who have requested to see you
*Professional and ongoing Training
*Prestigious Products and Services that prospects need
*Personal Sales and Leadership Development
*Advancement Opportunities (Management)
*Company Sponsored Stock Ownership Program
*Excellent Bonus Program
*Annual first year average commission is between $75,000 - $92,000
Sales have grown to more than $1 Billion annually and continue to rise at a rapid pacethen they have the nerve to say, we are exclusively interested in ethical, professional, trainable, money motivated individuals. We have a proven method of success available; we are seeking a qualified candidates to fill the position."
So, these are some examples of the emails designed to dupe you into coming in for an interview so they can sell you on the plan. Then, if they have it their way, you'll work hard for them and you'll end up paying them.
I almost went on an interview with this company. I even left a msg with Marc. Then I read the email again and started to notice what the email said. No real interviewer will ever tell you in an email what the day and time of the interview will be. If they are interested in YOU, they will be interested enough to set up a time to be sure you can make it.
Also, a great way to spot these companies is to pay attention to their bad syntax and grammar!"Divisional office", "I may contain some of the qualifications necessary for a position with us."
I may contain 10% real fruit juice too. - These are not too hard to spot but, I know some are much more savvy.
I hope those "internet job sites" can do something about these awful companies because without them the "internet job sites" can be wonderful. You can find a career of a lifetime but, beware of emails like these, they are mass distributed junk.
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