Job Interview! Too good to be true?
Figgy
Fighter of the night manChampion of the sunRegistered User regular
Fighter of the night manChampion of the sunRegistered User regular
I had a phone interview yesterday afternoon that went very well, and now I have a second, in-person interview on Tuesday. I've got a few reservations about the job, and I'm also looking for interview tips tailored to the position itself. I'm going to go into as much detail as possible, while leaving out specifics that might pop up on Google or something to identify the company.
First off, it's a recruiter position for a rather large, international staffing firm. There is a base salary, commission, full benefits, 401K, etc.
For reference, I have a university and college education (4 year degree + 2 year advanced diploma). My current job is serving at a restaurant, because my initial plan of working in journalism just isn't panning out. Despite substantial volunteer and paid internshipping, there just aren't jobs in print. While my current job is not glamorous, it pays my mortgage and gives me a lot of free time. I work maybe 20 hours a week for roughly $650 after taxes. This isn't steady, however, and there are times during the year where that number goes way down, including now. I also don't really enjoy it, and I don't get a lot of time to spend with my wife, friends, etc. I'm always working weekends, and that's usually the only time my wife/friends have to do anything. I'm off Monday and Tuesday, but my wife/friends are tired from working all day and then in bed early. I'd like a M-F day job.
So, about the possible new job:
Cons
- Base salary isn't fantastic, but you gotta start somewhere
- Office is 45 minutes away without traffic--easily double with
- I'd be working Monday to Friday, for over 10 hours a day
- Possibility of working extra hours for fairs, meetings, etc.
Pros
- Room to grow. The interviewer gave me the job posting of the next position I could apply to after some experience in this one, and it seems great.
- Steady schedule, compared to my current job
- Base salary + commission could mean some serious income
- From what I understand of the position, I'd enjoy it far more than what I'm currently doing.
- Benefits! My wife could get us benefits, but not until she is full contract, and there is no telling when that is going to happen.
I'm really excited for this job, but part of me hesitates because of the hours and the commute. It would be a huge lifestyle change, waking up at 5 AM, getting home around 7 PM. I would keep the serving job on weekends for the time being, until it proved too taxing. I've also got this feeling in my gut that this is too good to be true. After striking out for years applying to jobs, this one seemed almost too easy. Whenever I see "commission," bells go off in my head. It's not a sure thing by any means, but the phone interview seemed almost geared toward selling me the job. It was actually a surprise, as I was told to just give this person a call by a family friend, and I was interviewed on the phone right then, unprepared. The only other times that has happened was when it was for some scam-type job (Vector marketing, etc.) The interviewer kept bringing up the dreaded "SALES" word, and indeed that's what the job listing said as well. Is that just in reference to "selling" positions to clients, or could there be a hidden aspect to this job where I'm actually cold-calling and selling a product all day?
I've also got a feeling of comfortability that I'm trying to overcome. After so many years, I've fallen into my current lifestyle, as much as I don't really enjoy it. It's very easy for me to just say, "what I'm doing now is working." This whole post now feels like a list of excuses why I shouldn't take the job, if offered. I do definitely want to get out of my current job and into something with upward mobility potential--if not in the same company at least elsewhere using that experience.
Anyway, does anyone have any experience to relate about working as a recruiter? Is there anything I need to be wary about with these types of companies? Fine print that could burn me?
Secondly, what sort of things should I prepare for in the interview? I know all the cliche basics, and the phone interview very much followed that vein. I'll be refining my answers there, because I could see Tuesday's interview just being an in-person version of yesterday's. But what sort of things should I prepare for that would WOW these people?
First off, it's a recruiter position for a rather large, international staffing firm. There is a base salary, commission, full benefits, 401K, etc.
For reference, I have a university and college education (4 year degree + 2 year advanced diploma). My current job is serving at a restaurant, because my initial plan of working in journalism just isn't panning out. Despite substantial volunteer and paid internshipping, there just aren't jobs in print. While my current job is not glamorous, it pays my mortgage and gives me a lot of free time. I work maybe 20 hours a week for roughly $650 after taxes. This isn't steady, however, and there are times during the year where that number goes way down, including now. I also don't really enjoy it, and I don't get a lot of time to spend with my wife, friends, etc. I'm always working weekends, and that's usually the only time my wife/friends have to do anything. I'm off Monday and Tuesday, but my wife/friends are tired from working all day and then in bed early. I'd like a M-F day job.
So, about the possible new job:
Cons
- Base salary isn't fantastic, but you gotta start somewhere
- Office is 45 minutes away without traffic--easily double with
- I'd be working Monday to Friday, for over 10 hours a day
- Possibility of working extra hours for fairs, meetings, etc.
Pros
- Room to grow. The interviewer gave me the job posting of the next position I could apply to after some experience in this one, and it seems great.
- Steady schedule, compared to my current job
- Base salary + commission could mean some serious income
- From what I understand of the position, I'd enjoy it far more than what I'm currently doing.
- Benefits! My wife could get us benefits, but not until she is full contract, and there is no telling when that is going to happen.
I'm really excited for this job, but part of me hesitates because of the hours and the commute. It would be a huge lifestyle change, waking up at 5 AM, getting home around 7 PM. I would keep the serving job on weekends for the time being, until it proved too taxing. I've also got this feeling in my gut that this is too good to be true. After striking out for years applying to jobs, this one seemed almost too easy. Whenever I see "commission," bells go off in my head. It's not a sure thing by any means, but the phone interview seemed almost geared toward selling me the job. It was actually a surprise, as I was told to just give this person a call by a family friend, and I was interviewed on the phone right then, unprepared. The only other times that has happened was when it was for some scam-type job (Vector marketing, etc.) The interviewer kept bringing up the dreaded "SALES" word, and indeed that's what the job listing said as well. Is that just in reference to "selling" positions to clients, or could there be a hidden aspect to this job where I'm actually cold-calling and selling a product all day?
I've also got a feeling of comfortability that I'm trying to overcome. After so many years, I've fallen into my current lifestyle, as much as I don't really enjoy it. It's very easy for me to just say, "what I'm doing now is working." This whole post now feels like a list of excuses why I shouldn't take the job, if offered. I do definitely want to get out of my current job and into something with upward mobility potential--if not in the same company at least elsewhere using that experience.
Anyway, does anyone have any experience to relate about working as a recruiter? Is there anything I need to be wary about with these types of companies? Fine print that could burn me?
Secondly, what sort of things should I prepare for in the interview? I know all the cliche basics, and the phone interview very much followed that vein. I'll be refining my answers there, because I could see Tuesday's interview just being an in-person version of yesterday's. But what sort of things should I prepare for that would WOW these people?
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Otherwise, did it feel scammy? You know how those Vector people sound, so did it seem like that? Recruiting can be a good career but I think it's got a pretty high burn rate too at the starter levels, so could just be that.
So it's salary (as opposed to hourly) for 10+hrs/day, plus some kind of bonus? Is the salary enough on its own? Keep in mind the extra car costs. Hours seem a little steep.
As for the interview, I imagine the basics apply - someone who's very organized, outgoing, and driven. Really recruiting is a sales job - got to sell your company, got to sell the client, got to sell the applicant. So I'd focus on projects/tasks you've done that highlight your personality and desire to stand out.
It didn't sound as scammy as a Vector call, but like I said it just seemed too easy. That could just be me trying to come up with reasons not to follow through with this though--again the comfortability I'm trying to overcome.
The salary is decent, well above minimum wage even given the long hours. The interviewer mentioned a full benefits package. That usually comes off the salary though, right? Or would that be in addition? The commission is for clients you successfully match with contracts/jobs. Numbers were thrown around yesterday but it wasn't clear how it worked, and I didn't want to seem too concerned about the money. I imagine it will be made clearer Tuesday, or I can certainly ask. I do remember hearing about "spreads" and percentages, etc.
I recently went from a waitress job to a job with regular hours M-F. It's a big change, yea. But once you get used to sleep schedule it's pretty much amazing. I also felt much more in synch with the rest of the world. I've been in that comfort zone too. BREAK IT. You'll continue to miss better opportunities if you convince yourself you're okay where you are. I had to flat out quit my old and not look back. Every time I went to put in 2 weeks notice I'd talk myself out of. (Don't recommend this though, quitting is a horrible idea 99% of the time). Point is, comfort zone can be dangerous, especially if you're not happy at the same time.
Make sure you Google it. Specifically, Google it with the word "scam."
You don't know til you try it; you'll soon get used to the travelling; you might really enjoy it.
For paintings in progress, check out canvas and paints
"The power of the weirdness compels me."
I will definately go more in-depth as part of my preparation.
Like healthcare? Yes, generally it's optional and comes out of your salary. Good thing is it's pre-tax, so your taxed amount is lower; though not a huge difference at least until you start having kids. You'll want to read up on the options like PPO vs. HMO to see which is best for you and your new wife.
401(k) varies by company too; some match your contributions, some don't, some have longer waiting periods, etc.
You're right in not wanting to talk money too much. Got the basics, so see how it goes from there.
One thing you need to find out is how much you're going to be expected to bring in new business, which essentially makes you a salesperson. Sales is not for everyone.
A lot of time is spent on the phone.
When I'm researching the company, what sort of things should I take note of, and how/when do I bring them up?
Very generally speaking your salary will be acceptable but you will be gouged on hours. You will have minimal health and financial bennies, and they'll come out of your base. The design will be focused on getting rotating commission through a series of contracts (and chunks of pay from either contracts converted to perm or full time job placements).
Obviously, this varies from staffing agency to staffing agency and industry to industry, but those are a taste of my experiences with them. I just want to stress again that if you don't like sales, you do NOT want to be a headhunter.
Good luck!
And I don't necessarily dislike sales. There are aspects about sales I don't like, and the biggest one is something I don't necessarily envision encountering as a recruiter. I've worked in a number of sales positions (which I'll definitely be pulling from during the interview), and the one I absolutely hated was Futureshop. I was a seasonal employee, just working there for the Christmas holiday while I was home from school.
Rant about sales in that job:
As for the customers, very few people came in that wanted to speak to someone. Most people knew what they wanted, they wanted to pick it up, and they wanted to pay for it. They didn't want you hassling them about a $12 service plan on a $40 mouse.
I know some of these little gripes may be present in recruiting, but I envision it as more rewarding. You're actually building relationships with clients/job seekers. It'd be like working at Futureshop and having the same guy come in once every few months and you look after him. That's one of the only things I enjoy about working as a server, when you can build a relationship with the people that are there all the time (lots of customers come weekly). I don't like the instability. I don't like the odd hours. I don't like telling people I wait tables (no offense to those who do; I just don't enjoy it any more), and I don't like working my ass off sometimes for less than minimum wage. Servers make tips, yes, but sometimes people are lousy tippers and sometimes there just isn't any business to be had. You're there to work, but you're going to be sent home early with nothing to show for it.
I also think recruiting gives me far more future opportunities than serving. I can use the experience I gain for a wide number of positions, rather than serving experience that (typically) will only lead to other serving experiences. And I certainly am not interested in restaurant management.
Lastly, without going into details, this firm focuses on the IT market. As I understand, most IT workers are contract-based. This seems like the ideal recruiting market because you can continually place the same individuals and earn more commission, rather than putting people in full-time, permanent gigs and then never seeing them again.
And the unlimited expense account seems like a nice perk.
But I'm rambling. What you are describing sounds like a pretty common second/third party tech recruiting gig so good luck and let us know how it turns out!
All of the things you listed there sound exciting to me! My one main fear about the job was that it was a scammy sort of gig, where you're very rarely making any successful sales/contracts so you're not making any commission. I guess that's an unfounded fear, since there's a base salary. The opportunities to make money must be there. They wouldn't be paying you a base to sit on your ass and not make them any money.
I'll definitely post an update after the interview tomorrow. I'm hoping it's the final stage, as it's with the business director.
The job itself is M-F, so weekends off. I know I said I'll be keeping the serving job, but that's just in the meantime until the actual commission begins to ramp up (if at all). I'm not going to quit the serving job right away, because if this doesn't work out I need to be able to go back there and switch back to full-time without an issue.
It would be far too costly, unfortunately. It would be about $250/mo and just under 2 hours of travel each way. This includes a 15-20 minute drive to the train station.
I did ask (as part of my questions at the end) if the interviewer had any concerns about my fit for the job, and he brought up the fact that I've been out of school for three years and working at a restaurant. He said he would have liked to have seen more of an effort to break out of that and begin a professional career. I tried my best to alleviate that concern, saying I'm definitely motivated and that my current position is one not just of necessity but of transferable skills that I've developed (customer service, stress management, etc.)
I also reiterated that fact in my thank you letter I just sent, but we'll see how it goes. Hopefully that is not a deal breaker. It's kind of like a catch-22 in that the longer you're out of a career-minded job, the more interviewers will think you don't want one badly enough, where it's not necessarily wanting one badly that lands you one. In any event, he said he will be following up within a few days. I also called the original recruiter I interviewed with over the phone to let them know how the interview went (they requested I do so).
I'll update when I know more!
Compared to working at a restaurant, I agree it's a huge change. But it's a change I am looking forward to. Also, it's not like I'm sitting in a chair on the phone for those ten hours every day. I'll be off in meetings, interviews, having lunches with clients, etc. To me, it sounds really exciting and a fantastic opportunity.
Either way, what I don't want to do is continue in the food service industry. No offense to those who are in it, but long-term it is not for me. I no longer enjoy it, and the motivators that were there that originally had me seeking out those jobs are long gone.
5am - 7pm is a 14 hour day basically. You're going to hate life no matter how much of a change it is. All you're going to be able to do when you get home is fall over and wake up for the next day of the same thing.
The actual hours are 7:45am - 6pm. I don't consider the commute and time getting ready in the morning as part of the work hours.
Unfortunately, jobs aren't flowing forth from a cornucopia of fantastic opportunities. I'm not averse to working long hours if it means I'll be in a field where there is advancement opportunities and a rewarding experience.
Yeah, I saw that, but you're going to start considering them part of the work hours REAL fast when that alarm goes off at 5am and when you're making that commute back and forth every day.
I'm just saying, be really, really sure you can handle it before you chuck your restaurant job in the trash. Besides the hours, it doesn't sound at all stable.
Congrats on finding this opportunity. You shouldn't be hesitant about this kind of thing of at all - what's the worst case scenario? I'm surprised this thread existed (the interview tips of course are great, but why would you be worried about a job where your only complaint is that you'll have to work hard?).
Best of luck, sounds like you dealt with the objection of the interviewer very well and may be on your way. A 45 minute commute is not that bad -- take it as an opportunity to listen to some podcasts, or see if there's a bus route you could take so you could nap/read on the way over. If things go well, is relocation an option?
Are you in SW Ontario?
Oh well, the search continues!
That's what you get for listening to a bunch of jackasses on the Internet.
Make sure you have good LinkedIn and Google profiles - they always hit highest in searches.