Like most of us out there applying for marketing jobs (or any job for that matter), you go down the job listings on Monster, Craig's List, etc., and apply for anything and everything that might be a possibility. When KBN Promotions called me to set up an interview, I was excited because they make the job title sound glamorous with a Marketing title. I immediately set something up with them. They said the first interview would only be about 15-20 minutes, just so they could get to know me and they wanted to get a feel for my personality. The receptionist was named Jida, and at first, I thought she was very nice and personable. I am not saying that I do not think she is a nice person now, I just feel that for anyone to stay at this company and knowingly watch applicants/employees being taken advantage of is at a moral fault. They ask you things such as "Do you see yourself in a management position?" and other vague but obvious questions. Looking back on it, I am shocked I did not see how poorly run and weird this company was. There were many applicants in the waiting room, and then the receptionist was on the phone setting up many interviews. They don't ask you anything about your experience or special skills. They said compensation and benefits are discussed at the 2nd interview. They tell you that they are going to call you that day and let you know. Stupidly, I waited by the phone for this phone call. Of course, they called right when they said they were going to and invited for back for a 2nd all day interview. When I arrived the second day, there were about 6 more applicants in the waiting room and the receptionist was still setting up more interviews. I thought this was strange, but I focused on my 2nd interview.
My second interview was explained to me as a "day-in-the-life." I was shown what I would be doing if I was to accept the job. I was introduced to the kid who was training me, who had only been at the company for one month. I thought this was odd. He made follow him to Home Depot in Nashua, NH which wasted so much of my time and gas. There, he showed me what my fancy new job would entail. Basically, they want you to approach EVERY person in Home Depot about refacing their kitchen. The pitch goes something like this "Hey have you heard about the opportunity we're offering homeowners today? Basically, we're renting out a Home Depot team to come to your house for free and give you a free estimate on your kitchen." It goes on and on, but that is the gist. When I tried it out (they encourage you to try it while your interviewing-probably to see if you actually will embarrass yourself with this stupid pitch). I did it, because I felt pressured. Most people don't want to talk to you. Most of them ask you if you can help them find screws, shopvacs, etc. The kid training me encouraged me to pressure older ladies and got angered with me when I "gave up" to easily. Me giving up was someone telling me they weren't interested and not in the market for a kitchen. Sorry, I didn't graduate a top university for a career in soliciting old people.
The 3rd interview was that day where they STILL DONT ASK YOU ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PAST EXPERIENCE. You meet with KBN (Katherine B. Norton) herself. They offer you the job (unless you really have no personality). They tell you some BS about how with all the applicants you were selected bla bla bla.
Be careful. This is a pyramid scheme. They pay min. Wage unless you surpass that with commission. They tell you averages that employees make. Don't let them brainwash you. They tell you to stay positive, and get mad when anyone has a "negged out" attitude (they use that phrase a lot?). They are super nice and are way to fast to tell you that they make salary and now they make $60K/yr once they reach the top level of management and start their own office. If you do succeed in this company, you are doing so by deceptively getting other employees to work under you and take their money. Don't be fooled. You are better than walking around home depot trying to sell countertops, aren't you?
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