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Job position with questionable terms - What to do [closed]
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I have just applied to a position posted but have concerns with some of their job requirements. This position is a business consultant position. One of the requirements is a 3 month training program during which I will be unpaid. Afterward, the company will attempt to outsource me to a client of theirs that can use the skills I have. Successful employment placement would not be guaranteed. I have concerns about this arrangement and perhaps whether its unethical. I have not heard of such an arrangement in the industry(financial services) before. I would appreciate some advice on how to proceed with the firm. Finally, I am in the United States.
Thank you and I appreciate any feedback the community may provide!
recruitment ethics training consultants
asked Nov 29 '14 at 3:53
Anthony
5,1661255
closed as off-topic by Joe Strazzere, Kate Gregory, gnat, Jim G., Michael Grubey Nov 30 '14 at 19:19
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions asking for advice on what to do are not practical answerable questions (e.g. "what job should I take?", or "what skills should I learn?"). Questions should get answers explaining why and how to make a decision, not advice on what to do. For more information, click here." – Joe Strazzere, Kate Gregory, gnat, Jim G., Michael Grubey
 |Â
show 11 more comments
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I have just applied to a position posted but have concerns with some of their job requirements. This position is a business consultant position. One of the requirements is a 3 month training program during which I will be unpaid. Afterward, the company will attempt to outsource me to a client of theirs that can use the skills I have. Successful employment placement would not be guaranteed. I have concerns about this arrangement and perhaps whether its unethical. I have not heard of such an arrangement in the industry(financial services) before. I would appreciate some advice on how to proceed with the firm. Finally, I am in the United States.
Thank you and I appreciate any feedback the community may provide!
recruitment ethics training consultants
asked Nov 29 '14 at 3:53
Anthony
5,1661255
closed as off-topic by Joe Strazzere, Kate Gregory, gnat, Jim G., Michael Grubey Nov 30 '14 at 19:19
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions asking for advice on what to do are not practical answerable questions (e.g. "what job should I take?", or "what skills should I learn?"). Questions should get answers explaining why and how to make a decision, not advice on what to do. For more information, click here." – Joe Strazzere, Kate Gregory, gnat, Jim G., Michael Grubey
11
Run. Run like the hounds of Hell are on your heels. Don't look back. "Unpaid training" is what most of us know as "College," and you end up with an accredited degree at the end of it. This doesn't even come close to passing the "Smell Test."
– Wesley Long
Nov 29 '14 at 4:51
2
@WesleyLong Thanks. Its what I thought as well. The unpaid training part sounded like a ploy to extract labor from the employee without a guarantee of placement afterwards. Really shady.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 5:52
@WesleyLong I don't know how you can say this does not even come close to passing the "Smell Test". Back in the 80's IBM had an 18 month training program with a very low salary that was the equivalent of an MBA. "College" has tuition.
– paparazzo
Nov 29 '14 at 5:54
@Blam I dont understand that comment. I don?
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 5:58
1
@Blam - IBM was still paying people at least the minimum wage, and I believe they hired everyone who didn't wash out, but that was before my time, admittedly. You can take this opportunity, if you wish, but this reeks of a scam, based on my experience: workplace.stackexchange.com/a/17195/9264
– Wesley Long
Nov 29 '14 at 8:10
 |Â
show 11 more comments
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I have just applied to a position posted but have concerns with some of their job requirements. This position is a business consultant position. One of the requirements is a 3 month training program during which I will be unpaid. Afterward, the company will attempt to outsource me to a client of theirs that can use the skills I have. Successful employment placement would not be guaranteed. I have concerns about this arrangement and perhaps whether its unethical. I have not heard of such an arrangement in the industry(financial services) before. I would appreciate some advice on how to proceed with the firm. Finally, I am in the United States.
Thank you and I appreciate any feedback the community may provide!
recruitment ethics training consultants
asked Nov 29 '14 at 3:53
Anthony
5,1661255
I have just applied to a position posted but have concerns with some of their job requirements. This position is a business consultant position. One of the requirements is a 3 month training program during which I will be unpaid. Afterward, the company will attempt to outsource me to a client of theirs that can use the skills I have. Successful employment placement would not be guaranteed. I have concerns about this arrangement and perhaps whether its unethical. I have not heard of such an arrangement in the industry(financial services) before. I would appreciate some advice on how to proceed with the firm. Finally, I am in the United States.
Thank you and I appreciate any feedback the community may provide!
recruitment ethics training consultants
asked Nov 29 '14 at 3:53
Anthony
5,1661255
asked Nov 29 '14 at 3:53
Anthony
5,1661255
asked Nov 29 '14 at 3:53
Anthony
5,1661255
asked Nov 29 '14 at 3:53
Anthony
5,1661255
5,1661255
closed as off-topic by Joe Strazzere, Kate Gregory, gnat, Jim G., Michael Grubey Nov 30 '14 at 19:19
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions asking for advice on what to do are not practical answerable questions (e.g. "what job should I take?", or "what skills should I learn?"). Questions should get answers explaining why and how to make a decision, not advice on what to do. For more information, click here." – Joe Strazzere, Kate Gregory, gnat, Jim G., Michael Grubey
closed as off-topic by Joe Strazzere, Kate Gregory, gnat, Jim G., Michael Grubey Nov 30 '14 at 19:19
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions asking for advice on what to do are not practical answerable questions (e.g. "what job should I take?", or "what skills should I learn?"). Questions should get answers explaining why and how to make a decision, not advice on what to do. For more information, click here." – Joe Strazzere, Kate Gregory, gnat, Jim G., Michael Grubey
11
Run. Run like the hounds of Hell are on your heels. Don't look back. "Unpaid training" is what most of us know as "College," and you end up with an accredited degree at the end of it. This doesn't even come close to passing the "Smell Test."
– Wesley Long
Nov 29 '14 at 4:51
2
@WesleyLong Thanks. Its what I thought as well. The unpaid training part sounded like a ploy to extract labor from the employee without a guarantee of placement afterwards. Really shady.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 5:52
@WesleyLong I don't know how you can say this does not even come close to passing the "Smell Test". Back in the 80's IBM had an 18 month training program with a very low salary that was the equivalent of an MBA. "College" has tuition.
– paparazzo
Nov 29 '14 at 5:54
@Blam I dont understand that comment. I don?
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 5:58
1
@Blam - IBM was still paying people at least the minimum wage, and I believe they hired everyone who didn't wash out, but that was before my time, admittedly. You can take this opportunity, if you wish, but this reeks of a scam, based on my experience: workplace.stackexchange.com/a/17195/9264
– Wesley Long
Nov 29 '14 at 8:10
 |Â
show 11 more comments
11
Run. Run like the hounds of Hell are on your heels. Don't look back. "Unpaid training" is what most of us know as "College," and you end up with an accredited degree at the end of it. This doesn't even come close to passing the "Smell Test."
– Wesley Long
Nov 29 '14 at 4:51
2
@WesleyLong Thanks. Its what I thought as well. The unpaid training part sounded like a ploy to extract labor from the employee without a guarantee of placement afterwards. Really shady.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 5:52
@WesleyLong I don't know how you can say this does not even come close to passing the "Smell Test". Back in the 80's IBM had an 18 month training program with a very low salary that was the equivalent of an MBA. "College" has tuition.
– paparazzo
Nov 29 '14 at 5:54
@Blam I dont understand that comment. I don?
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 5:58
1
@Blam - IBM was still paying people at least the minimum wage, and I believe they hired everyone who didn't wash out, but that was before my time, admittedly. You can take this opportunity, if you wish, but this reeks of a scam, based on my experience: workplace.stackexchange.com/a/17195/9264
– Wesley Long
Nov 29 '14 at 8:10
11
11
Run. Run like the hounds of Hell are on your heels. Don't look back. "Unpaid training" is what most of us know as "College," and you end up with an accredited degree at the end of it. This doesn't even come close to passing the "Smell Test."
– Wesley Long
Nov 29 '14 at 4:51
Run. Run like the hounds of Hell are on your heels. Don't look back. "Unpaid training" is what most of us know as "College," and you end up with an accredited degree at the end of it. This doesn't even come close to passing the "Smell Test."
– Wesley Long
Nov 29 '14 at 4:51
2
2
@WesleyLong Thanks. Its what I thought as well. The unpaid training part sounded like a ploy to extract labor from the employee without a guarantee of placement afterwards. Really shady.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 5:52
@WesleyLong Thanks. Its what I thought as well. The unpaid training part sounded like a ploy to extract labor from the employee without a guarantee of placement afterwards. Really shady.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 5:52
@WesleyLong I don't know how you can say this does not even come close to passing the "Smell Test". Back in the 80's IBM had an 18 month training program with a very low salary that was the equivalent of an MBA. "College" has tuition.
– paparazzo
Nov 29 '14 at 5:54
@WesleyLong I don't know how you can say this does not even come close to passing the "Smell Test". Back in the 80's IBM had an 18 month training program with a very low salary that was the equivalent of an MBA. "College" has tuition.
– paparazzo
Nov 29 '14 at 5:54
@Blam I dont understand that comment. I don?
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 5:58
@Blam I dont understand that comment. I don?
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 5:58
1
1
@Blam - IBM was still paying people at least the minimum wage, and I believe they hired everyone who didn't wash out, but that was before my time, admittedly. You can take this opportunity, if you wish, but this reeks of a scam, based on my experience: workplace.stackexchange.com/a/17195/9264
– Wesley Long
Nov 29 '14 at 8:10
@Blam - IBM was still paying people at least the minimum wage, and I believe they hired everyone who didn't wash out, but that was before my time, admittedly. You can take this opportunity, if you wish, but this reeks of a scam, based on my experience: workplace.stackexchange.com/a/17195/9264
– Wesley Long
Nov 29 '14 at 8:10
 |Â
show 11 more comments
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
up vote
1
down vote
accepted
Unless you are an undergraduate getting credit hours for it (or doing it to improve your resume for future "real" jobs, AND would otherwise be idle), I don't consider an unpaid internship reasonable. Low-paid until you meet some clearly specified and achievable certification requirement, with raise guaranteed thereafter, might be acceptable, but be sure to get that in writing.
Most "trial periods" are of the latter type, paid at least a reasonable living wage for that time period.
If they can get your landlord to give you free rent for those months and your grocery store to give you free food, then maybe you can afford to give them free work with no guarantees. If not, then if they're at all serious about having you work for them they should at least pay you enough to cover those costs.
EXCEPTION: If there really is specialized knowledge which requires additional training you didn't get in college, there might be some justification in essentially charging you for the training. Maybe. But I would bet that if you continue looking you'll find someone who will make you a better offer. (With the possible exceptions of insurance salesman or real estate agent.)
answered Nov 29 '14 at 16:06
keshlam
41.5k1267144
It was clearly stated that a condition of employment was to be able to support myself economically during the three months of unpaid training
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 16:21
1
Well, up to you, but I wouldn't take that deal unless it really is the norm for the profession or there is something which makes this position a truly exceptional opportunity.
– keshlam
Nov 29 '14 at 16:23
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I have concerns about this arrangement and perhaps whether its unethical.
I cannot tell you whether it is ethical or not. However, I would not take up the offer. Free training often includes contractual conditions. For example, if you leave the training or the company before a set date, you likely have to pay a fee. The "training" may include real work you should be paid for. You also imply you may not be paid if they cannot place you with a client.
Ironically, if they charged you for the training then only agreed to hire you if you passed the final exam, it would be much more straight forward. Presumably, the training would have value by itself and the job at the end being a bonus. Paying you a trainee salary during training then increased it for successful completion would also be cleaner.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 6:24
akton
5,4811732
To add more information, during training I will be taught by the company all the skills to be a successful consultant to the client. This is done on an at-will basis. If I am outsourced to a client, I still remain as an employee of this company.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 6:46
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I remember hearing pitches from companies like State Farm and Primerica that would be similar to this from the perspective that initially one would be working unpaid to "learn the ropes" where one could get residual income based on various products and services customers bought. The question is how well do you want to be the guy that is selling insurance and investments to people compared to other jobs. In the US I was ineligible to take the work but I have seen some Canadian companies that have a similar process where the idea is to start out doing the work part-time though I can wonder to what extent is this tapping into one's network for new clients as a lead generation technique. I'd imagine for some people this works quite well and others may not have it be so good and thus your mileage may vary would be the standard caution I'd give.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 5:11
JB King
15.1k22957
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
The other answers have already explained that this is a questionable offer, unless the training is really valuable.
In addition to that, you should check whether this offer is even legal. In many countries there are laws about minium wages, and these laws generally make it illegal to work without being paid. There may or may not be exceptions for "training periods", but to be sure check with someone who knows employment law in your jurisdiction.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 17:24
sleske
9,79633655
suggest improvements |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
1
down vote
accepted
Unless you are an undergraduate getting credit hours for it (or doing it to improve your resume for future "real" jobs, AND would otherwise be idle), I don't consider an unpaid internship reasonable. Low-paid until you meet some clearly specified and achievable certification requirement, with raise guaranteed thereafter, might be acceptable, but be sure to get that in writing.
Most "trial periods" are of the latter type, paid at least a reasonable living wage for that time period.
If they can get your landlord to give you free rent for those months and your grocery store to give you free food, then maybe you can afford to give them free work with no guarantees. If not, then if they're at all serious about having you work for them they should at least pay you enough to cover those costs.
EXCEPTION: If there really is specialized knowledge which requires additional training you didn't get in college, there might be some justification in essentially charging you for the training. Maybe. But I would bet that if you continue looking you'll find someone who will make you a better offer. (With the possible exceptions of insurance salesman or real estate agent.)
answered Nov 29 '14 at 16:06
keshlam
41.5k1267144
It was clearly stated that a condition of employment was to be able to support myself economically during the three months of unpaid training
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 16:21
1
Well, up to you, but I wouldn't take that deal unless it really is the norm for the profession or there is something which makes this position a truly exceptional opportunity.
– keshlam
Nov 29 '14 at 16:23
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
accepted
Unless you are an undergraduate getting credit hours for it (or doing it to improve your resume for future "real" jobs, AND would otherwise be idle), I don't consider an unpaid internship reasonable. Low-paid until you meet some clearly specified and achievable certification requirement, with raise guaranteed thereafter, might be acceptable, but be sure to get that in writing.
Most "trial periods" are of the latter type, paid at least a reasonable living wage for that time period.
If they can get your landlord to give you free rent for those months and your grocery store to give you free food, then maybe you can afford to give them free work with no guarantees. If not, then if they're at all serious about having you work for them they should at least pay you enough to cover those costs.
EXCEPTION: If there really is specialized knowledge which requires additional training you didn't get in college, there might be some justification in essentially charging you for the training. Maybe. But I would bet that if you continue looking you'll find someone who will make you a better offer. (With the possible exceptions of insurance salesman or real estate agent.)
answered Nov 29 '14 at 16:06
keshlam
41.5k1267144
It was clearly stated that a condition of employment was to be able to support myself economically during the three months of unpaid training
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 16:21
1
Well, up to you, but I wouldn't take that deal unless it really is the norm for the profession or there is something which makes this position a truly exceptional opportunity.
– keshlam
Nov 29 '14 at 16:23
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
accepted
up vote
1
down vote
accepted
Unless you are an undergraduate getting credit hours for it (or doing it to improve your resume for future "real" jobs, AND would otherwise be idle), I don't consider an unpaid internship reasonable. Low-paid until you meet some clearly specified and achievable certification requirement, with raise guaranteed thereafter, might be acceptable, but be sure to get that in writing.
Most "trial periods" are of the latter type, paid at least a reasonable living wage for that time period.
If they can get your landlord to give you free rent for those months and your grocery store to give you free food, then maybe you can afford to give them free work with no guarantees. If not, then if they're at all serious about having you work for them they should at least pay you enough to cover those costs.
EXCEPTION: If there really is specialized knowledge which requires additional training you didn't get in college, there might be some justification in essentially charging you for the training. Maybe. But I would bet that if you continue looking you'll find someone who will make you a better offer. (With the possible exceptions of insurance salesman or real estate agent.)
answered Nov 29 '14 at 16:06
keshlam
41.5k1267144
Unless you are an undergraduate getting credit hours for it (or doing it to improve your resume for future "real" jobs, AND would otherwise be idle), I don't consider an unpaid internship reasonable. Low-paid until you meet some clearly specified and achievable certification requirement, with raise guaranteed thereafter, might be acceptable, but be sure to get that in writing.
Most "trial periods" are of the latter type, paid at least a reasonable living wage for that time period.
If they can get your landlord to give you free rent for those months and your grocery store to give you free food, then maybe you can afford to give them free work with no guarantees. If not, then if they're at all serious about having you work for them they should at least pay you enough to cover those costs.
EXCEPTION: If there really is specialized knowledge which requires additional training you didn't get in college, there might be some justification in essentially charging you for the training. Maybe. But I would bet that if you continue looking you'll find someone who will make you a better offer. (With the possible exceptions of insurance salesman or real estate agent.)
answered Nov 29 '14 at 16:06
keshlam
41.5k1267144
edited Nov 29 '14 at 16:12
answered Nov 29 '14 at 16:06
keshlam
41.5k1267144
answered Nov 29 '14 at 16:06
keshlam
41.5k1267144
answered Nov 29 '14 at 16:06
keshlam
41.5k1267144
41.5k1267144
It was clearly stated that a condition of employment was to be able to support myself economically during the three months of unpaid training
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 16:21
1
Well, up to you, but I wouldn't take that deal unless it really is the norm for the profession or there is something which makes this position a truly exceptional opportunity.
– keshlam
Nov 29 '14 at 16:23
suggest improvements |Â
It was clearly stated that a condition of employment was to be able to support myself economically during the three months of unpaid training
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 16:21
1
Well, up to you, but I wouldn't take that deal unless it really is the norm for the profession or there is something which makes this position a truly exceptional opportunity.
– keshlam
Nov 29 '14 at 16:23
It was clearly stated that a condition of employment was to be able to support myself economically during the three months of unpaid training
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 16:21
It was clearly stated that a condition of employment was to be able to support myself economically during the three months of unpaid training
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 16:21
1
1
Well, up to you, but I wouldn't take that deal unless it really is the norm for the profession or there is something which makes this position a truly exceptional opportunity.
– keshlam
Nov 29 '14 at 16:23
Well, up to you, but I wouldn't take that deal unless it really is the norm for the profession or there is something which makes this position a truly exceptional opportunity.
– keshlam
Nov 29 '14 at 16:23
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I have concerns about this arrangement and perhaps whether its unethical.
I cannot tell you whether it is ethical or not. However, I would not take up the offer. Free training often includes contractual conditions. For example, if you leave the training or the company before a set date, you likely have to pay a fee. The "training" may include real work you should be paid for. You also imply you may not be paid if they cannot place you with a client.
Ironically, if they charged you for the training then only agreed to hire you if you passed the final exam, it would be much more straight forward. Presumably, the training would have value by itself and the job at the end being a bonus. Paying you a trainee salary during training then increased it for successful completion would also be cleaner.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 6:24
akton
5,4811732
To add more information, during training I will be taught by the company all the skills to be a successful consultant to the client. This is done on an at-will basis. If I am outsourced to a client, I still remain as an employee of this company.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 6:46
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I have concerns about this arrangement and perhaps whether its unethical.
I cannot tell you whether it is ethical or not. However, I would not take up the offer. Free training often includes contractual conditions. For example, if you leave the training or the company before a set date, you likely have to pay a fee. The "training" may include real work you should be paid for. You also imply you may not be paid if they cannot place you with a client.
Ironically, if they charged you for the training then only agreed to hire you if you passed the final exam, it would be much more straight forward. Presumably, the training would have value by itself and the job at the end being a bonus. Paying you a trainee salary during training then increased it for successful completion would also be cleaner.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 6:24
akton
5,4811732
To add more information, during training I will be taught by the company all the skills to be a successful consultant to the client. This is done on an at-will basis. If I am outsourced to a client, I still remain as an employee of this company.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 6:46
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
I have concerns about this arrangement and perhaps whether its unethical.
I cannot tell you whether it is ethical or not. However, I would not take up the offer. Free training often includes contractual conditions. For example, if you leave the training or the company before a set date, you likely have to pay a fee. The "training" may include real work you should be paid for. You also imply you may not be paid if they cannot place you with a client.
Ironically, if they charged you for the training then only agreed to hire you if you passed the final exam, it would be much more straight forward. Presumably, the training would have value by itself and the job at the end being a bonus. Paying you a trainee salary during training then increased it for successful completion would also be cleaner.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 6:24
akton
5,4811732
I have concerns about this arrangement and perhaps whether its unethical.
I cannot tell you whether it is ethical or not. However, I would not take up the offer. Free training often includes contractual conditions. For example, if you leave the training or the company before a set date, you likely have to pay a fee. The "training" may include real work you should be paid for. You also imply you may not be paid if they cannot place you with a client.
Ironically, if they charged you for the training then only agreed to hire you if you passed the final exam, it would be much more straight forward. Presumably, the training would have value by itself and the job at the end being a bonus. Paying you a trainee salary during training then increased it for successful completion would also be cleaner.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 6:24
akton
5,4811732
answered Nov 29 '14 at 6:24
akton
5,4811732
answered Nov 29 '14 at 6:24
akton
5,4811732
answered Nov 29 '14 at 6:24
akton
5,4811732
5,4811732
To add more information, during training I will be taught by the company all the skills to be a successful consultant to the client. This is done on an at-will basis. If I am outsourced to a client, I still remain as an employee of this company.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 6:46
suggest improvements |Â
To add more information, during training I will be taught by the company all the skills to be a successful consultant to the client. This is done on an at-will basis. If I am outsourced to a client, I still remain as an employee of this company.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 6:46
To add more information, during training I will be taught by the company all the skills to be a successful consultant to the client. This is done on an at-will basis. If I am outsourced to a client, I still remain as an employee of this company.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 6:46
To add more information, during training I will be taught by the company all the skills to be a successful consultant to the client. This is done on an at-will basis. If I am outsourced to a client, I still remain as an employee of this company.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 6:46
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I remember hearing pitches from companies like State Farm and Primerica that would be similar to this from the perspective that initially one would be working unpaid to "learn the ropes" where one could get residual income based on various products and services customers bought. The question is how well do you want to be the guy that is selling insurance and investments to people compared to other jobs. In the US I was ineligible to take the work but I have seen some Canadian companies that have a similar process where the idea is to start out doing the work part-time though I can wonder to what extent is this tapping into one's network for new clients as a lead generation technique. I'd imagine for some people this works quite well and others may not have it be so good and thus your mileage may vary would be the standard caution I'd give.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 5:11
JB King
15.1k22957
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I remember hearing pitches from companies like State Farm and Primerica that would be similar to this from the perspective that initially one would be working unpaid to "learn the ropes" where one could get residual income based on various products and services customers bought. The question is how well do you want to be the guy that is selling insurance and investments to people compared to other jobs. In the US I was ineligible to take the work but I have seen some Canadian companies that have a similar process where the idea is to start out doing the work part-time though I can wonder to what extent is this tapping into one's network for new clients as a lead generation technique. I'd imagine for some people this works quite well and others may not have it be so good and thus your mileage may vary would be the standard caution I'd give.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 5:11
JB King
15.1k22957
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
I remember hearing pitches from companies like State Farm and Primerica that would be similar to this from the perspective that initially one would be working unpaid to "learn the ropes" where one could get residual income based on various products and services customers bought. The question is how well do you want to be the guy that is selling insurance and investments to people compared to other jobs. In the US I was ineligible to take the work but I have seen some Canadian companies that have a similar process where the idea is to start out doing the work part-time though I can wonder to what extent is this tapping into one's network for new clients as a lead generation technique. I'd imagine for some people this works quite well and others may not have it be so good and thus your mileage may vary would be the standard caution I'd give.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 5:11
JB King
15.1k22957
I remember hearing pitches from companies like State Farm and Primerica that would be similar to this from the perspective that initially one would be working unpaid to "learn the ropes" where one could get residual income based on various products and services customers bought. The question is how well do you want to be the guy that is selling insurance and investments to people compared to other jobs. In the US I was ineligible to take the work but I have seen some Canadian companies that have a similar process where the idea is to start out doing the work part-time though I can wonder to what extent is this tapping into one's network for new clients as a lead generation technique. I'd imagine for some people this works quite well and others may not have it be so good and thus your mileage may vary would be the standard caution I'd give.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 5:11
JB King
15.1k22957
answered Nov 29 '14 at 5:11
JB King
15.1k22957
answered Nov 29 '14 at 5:11
JB King
15.1k22957
answered Nov 29 '14 at 5:11
JB King
15.1k22957
15.1k22957
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up vote
0
down vote
The other answers have already explained that this is a questionable offer, unless the training is really valuable.
In addition to that, you should check whether this offer is even legal. In many countries there are laws about minium wages, and these laws generally make it illegal to work without being paid. There may or may not be exceptions for "training periods", but to be sure check with someone who knows employment law in your jurisdiction.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 17:24
sleske
9,79633655
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up vote
0
down vote
The other answers have already explained that this is a questionable offer, unless the training is really valuable.
In addition to that, you should check whether this offer is even legal. In many countries there are laws about minium wages, and these laws generally make it illegal to work without being paid. There may or may not be exceptions for "training periods", but to be sure check with someone who knows employment law in your jurisdiction.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 17:24
sleske
9,79633655
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
The other answers have already explained that this is a questionable offer, unless the training is really valuable.
In addition to that, you should check whether this offer is even legal. In many countries there are laws about minium wages, and these laws generally make it illegal to work without being paid. There may or may not be exceptions for "training periods", but to be sure check with someone who knows employment law in your jurisdiction.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 17:24
sleske
9,79633655
The other answers have already explained that this is a questionable offer, unless the training is really valuable.
In addition to that, you should check whether this offer is even legal. In many countries there are laws about minium wages, and these laws generally make it illegal to work without being paid. There may or may not be exceptions for "training periods", but to be sure check with someone who knows employment law in your jurisdiction.
answered Nov 29 '14 at 17:24
sleske
9,79633655
answered Nov 29 '14 at 17:24
sleske
9,79633655
answered Nov 29 '14 at 17:24
sleske
9,79633655
answered Nov 29 '14 at 17:24
sleske
9,79633655
9,79633655
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
11
Run. Run like the hounds of Hell are on your heels. Don't look back. "Unpaid training" is what most of us know as "College," and you end up with an accredited degree at the end of it. This doesn't even come close to passing the "Smell Test."
– Wesley Long
Nov 29 '14 at 4:51
2
@WesleyLong Thanks. Its what I thought as well. The unpaid training part sounded like a ploy to extract labor from the employee without a guarantee of placement afterwards. Really shady.
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 5:52
@WesleyLong I don't know how you can say this does not even come close to passing the "Smell Test". Back in the 80's IBM had an 18 month training program with a very low salary that was the equivalent of an MBA. "College" has tuition.
– paparazzo
Nov 29 '14 at 5:54
@Blam I dont understand that comment. I don?
– Anthony
Nov 29 '14 at 5:58
1
@Blam - IBM was still paying people at least the minimum wage, and I believe they hired everyone who didn't wash out, but that was before my time, admittedly. You can take this opportunity, if you wish, but this reeks of a scam, based on my experience: workplace.stackexchange.com/a/17195/9264
– Wesley Long
Nov 29 '14 at 8:10