After searching for jobs online I kept coming across this company, Top Consulting. They were promising quick advancement for entry level management/marketing. Having gone to school for just that I thought I would send my resume.
A few days later Heather called me and scheduled me for an interview the following week. It all seemed very professional at that point; I had received a confirmation email, directions, and links to their web pages. However, after arriving everything began to seem odd.
First it should be noted that no company would pick the name "Top Consulting" as it's almost unsearchable. Anyway, when arriving at the office there was one other woman applying for the job there already. I was greeted by a man and then had to fill out some general information. After a while another applicant came in and said he was interviewing for another company, Empire Executives. I found it odd that both these companies would be sharing an office and hiring at the same time. Top Consulting didn't even have their name visible anywhere in the front office.
After waiting about 20 minutes Chris Roberts came to get me. I have to say that we did hit it off, knowing people in common. He's a very nice guy. However, he told me he wanted someone who had minimal experience and that they work with AT&T expanding their brand. He also said that if asked to come back for a second interview it would be from 1pm to 7:30pm. His explanation for the lengthy time, "If I want to ask you 50 questions it isn't going to take 15 mintues." I wasn't even told what they really do. Chris then went on about his "work hard, play hard" philosophy. He told me that I would be contacted later that day if they were interested in a second interview.
Sure enough I got the call, actually I missed the call. When I called back Chris answered. The odd thing is that when anyone in that office answers the phone all they say is "HR." Chris asked if I could come in the following day at 1, I said yes.
That night I dove deep into investigation and found out all about Empire Executives and their association with the Merl Group. I also did a little social research on Chris who has two facebook accounts. One with the Top Consulting logo, one with his actual photo. He is also in photos on the Empire Executives facebook page, which comes into play later.
Needless to say, I was becoming more uncomfortable with this interview with each passing moment. So the day of my interview I called and a raspy-voiced woman answered the phone saying "HR." I told her that I wasn't going to be coming the the interview, she asked why. I said "I'm not sure that I'm the right candidate for the job and I'm not completely comfortable with the company." She responded "LOOK, you need to be frank with me because I don't understand what you are trying to say."
I told this woman about my research on The Merl Group and then the association with Empire Executives to which she said that Top Consulting Partners with Empire. I told her I just wasn't comfortable with the organization and she said, "You can't help who you share an office with." Wait, so moments ago y'all were partners and now you're just officemates. She wished me well and that was my end with Top Consulting.
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