Wth? Employers are freaks.

[LaraMN]

So the unemployed hubby has an "interview" this morning, in which the prospective employer would not tell him what kind of pay, benefits, or other essential job-related info. the job he was discussing would entail, but they want him to "come work for for a few days next week," to "assess his skills." WTF? Why should he take several days out of his job-hunting and interviewing schedule to come work at a job that he may not even want, once he finds out the pay & bennies? Is this normal?

[LeftyMom]

1. That's nuts

If they want to assess his skills they can doa 90 day provisional hire or something (which is pretty much standard now anyhow.)

[LaraMN]

9. That's what I thought!

The guy said they would pay my husband for the days he came in to be evaluated, or whatever, but why should he even bother? For all we know he could waste most of the week helping them, and they could offer him a wage that's not even in the ballpark of what he'd consider. :eyes:

[miss_american_pie]

2. That is bizarre

He's supposed to just show up and then find out what they'll pay him?

[Lars39]

3. If he was into cabinet-making it might make sense.

Sounds like they're trying to get something for nothing. I don't believe I'd do it if I was him.

[Bassic]

4. Not normal at all.

First I can't think of any reason why they would withhold that information from him, second they should give him a 1 to 3 month probationary job if they want to asses his skills.

[auntAgonist]

5. Just when you think

you've heard everything another scam comes along!!

I concur with the 1st post in the thread. That's what 90 day probation is all about. ASSESSMENT.

I'd run fast.

good luck Lara :hug: and good luck to your husband in his quest to find work.

aA

[ceile]

6. That's too wierd....

Sounds a little dodgy to me. Even temp agencies will tell you up front the pay at least.

[NewWaveChick1981]

7. Something's not right. But you already know that!

No reputable employer does things like that. :grr: I worked for an employer about fifteen years ago that treated employees like shit, but at least they actually paid us. That's really fishy... :yoiks:

[jane_pippin]

8. So he has to audition for them?

They get work done for free and he gets to go through that song and dance without knowing anything about what it pays? Or if they even want to hire him anyway?

I guess I can sort of see why they'd want to do that--actually seeing someone work can shed more light on how they work than just what's on paper--but still. It seems weird.

[SteppingRazor]

10. Run, don't walk, from that job...

No legitimate employer would do that.

[eyesroll]

11. I bet a shiny quarter it's selling knives.

Or at the very least, selling something he doesn't want to sell.

Be very, very wary of this...I went to an interview, they told me it was a customer service job, and they invited me back for a "group interview," in which they demonstrated some neat-o knives (that I would have to buy in order to start working). No bennies (independent contractor), and pay comission vs. appointment (and who wants an in-home knife demonstration? YES! I WANT STRANGERS WITH SHARP OBJECTS IN MY HOUSE.)

Google the company name (if he was given one) -- chances are, it's a d/b/a, and a front for Cutco knives or something similar.

[LaraMN]

12. It's actually a company that's been in our area for about 25 years,

and is legit, so I don't get why they're going about it this way.

He had another interview the other day (at a different local business), and the guy who interviewed him asked him to come out to a meeting, and help him negotiate a bid with a company (so he could ascertain his sales skills). :eyes: I think he wants to hire him on straight commission, which is a fucking joke.

I just feel like my husband's already lost his job, which sucks, and is now just getting jerked around by everyone he interviews with.

This afternoon he has an interview with an architectural firm that he formerly worked with, and some of the owners are keen on getting him back on board, but I don't know if they'll be able to reach a consensus on hiring him back or not. The benefits suck there, too, but so far it appears to be our only possible option.

[Crazy Dave]

13. I've always placed my demands up front

With the option open that if I sold them a bill of goods they fire me. No harm no foul. Not the "let us see what you can do first" shit. Meet my demands or no deal. Gotten screwed with the other option too many times before.
If I remember right, you said he does CAD work which is also my trade. I started my own business a little over a month ago with an S corporation and I sub-contract myself out to most of my ex employers. Now I'm actually subbing some of the work that has been subbed to me and I'm also having to turn work down. Not to mention the great tax benefits of having an S corporation too.

Edit - That was meant to be a suggestion for him too. Steal the clients from his ex-partners, etc.