Weird Job Offer ( I have to get appointments to get officially hired)

I have found an opportunity to sell digital marketing services. Digital marketing appeals to me much more than copiers and IT services do. I have been through 2 informal phone interviews and 2 sit down meet and greets with the 2 people in charge. They have said through all 4 instances that I'm there guy, I'm the next step in their sales team growing. However, due to my easy going and humble nature they have questioned my drive. I have always prided myself on the work ethic beast inside me that (in my opinion) is unmatched. The very last meeting was supposed to set up the next steps in getting trained on their product and processes.......but..........


The head of the company wants to give me 4 weeks to set X amount of appointments and once I have that I am officially in.....(bear in mind, I will be setting all of these off of my own sales processes and no training)


In the mean time, I am still grinding it out at my current sales position. What would you all do? What thoughts do you have about this?


P.S. Thank you to all the great ones out there that take the time to read these and post meaningful content!

What would you do if you were in my position?

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👥 Hiring
🎙 Interviews/Podcasts
☑️ Qualification Calls
41
funcoupons
WR Officer
32
👑
They're being ridiculous and it honestly sounds like they're trying to get free work out of you with no intention to hire. They know you have a full time job - do they expect you to work for them while being paid by your current employer? Shady. 

If they have concerns about your drive, they could dive deeper into references and ask more questions about your past results and experience. If they're still concerned, the appropriate thing to do would be to pass on hiring you. Someone's "quiet and humble nature," has nothing to do with their drive. To be frank, these people sound like clowns.

Based on the above I'd pull myself out of consideration. Digital marketing companies are a dime a dozen in most cities, you'll get interviews elsewhere.
GrindingSales
Politicker
2
Account Executive
Thank you for this @funcoupons!  They keep telling me I'm their person but this weird challenge has just got me all weirded out.  I hate backing down from a challenge but it just feels off.
funcoupons
WR Officer
11
👑
It's not backing out of a challenge, it's knowing your worth and part of that is being paid for your time. 
1nbatopshotfan
Politicker
2
Sales
Funcoupons nailed it. Agree 100% 
NoSuperhero
Politicker
0
BDR LEAD
Yeah, 100% agree with this.
Gottapumpthosenumbers
Opinionated
14
Biz Dev
Lots of folks in the thread have expressed that they wouldn't continue the interview process with this company. And to be frank, it's easy to agree with them without a second thought. However, I'll offer a slightly contrarian approach:

I'm assuming that this company/sales team is very small, and early in their growth trajectory.

While I don't disagree that this company is probably looking for free labor, I'd argue that it's a bit more complex than that. To me, this sounds like they don't have their sales process set and/or their current sales people are underperforming in some way. In my opinion, this is an even bigger red flag, because it speaks to potential unnatainability of success in the role. In other words, something with their current sales team or process is failing, and you're the experiement to see if they can fix it. Then, you're either the hero (read: everything gets dumped on you to fix the sales problems, but maybe you want that), or you're "just another AE that can't hack it".

I don't know where you're at in your career, or how important this specific company is to you. But if I were you, I would use this as an opportunity to find out WHY they need you to perform this trial period. Like, this needs to be the best discovery you've ever performed. Only then can you decide whether or not moving forward with the trial is right for you.

Hope this helps! Remember, there are tons of digital marketing companies out there - only a few GOOD ones. Don't be afraid to continue your search, you sound like a sharp sales savage. Also, if you do decide to move forward, get your compensation details in writing! You should be compensated for the work you're providing.

Good luck!
GrindingSales
Politicker
1
Account Executive
I propose to @GeneralCorp & @sahil that we reward great comments like this with extra commish.  Would be great to have the ability as an OP to vote this as a valuable comment and you to be rewarded.  In the mean time, thank you for taking the time to write this out!  Loved your contrarian approach!
SADNES5
Politicker
0
down voters are marketing spies
I had the idea to buy super upvotes with commish. Might be in the pipeline. Like Reddit badges.
GDO
Politicker
7
BDM
To me this is a huge red flag! Why would they expect you to set appointments on your own time without product training? Either they think you can and they hire you or they don´t.
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
My thoughts exactly!  I'm just trying to make sure I'm not missing anything by feeling put off by this.  I love to prove myself but this is just weird. 
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
just keep looking until you find something decent!

Good luck mate!
funcoupons
WR Officer
2
👑
Always go with your gut, you have intuition for a reason.
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
Intuition is key when looking for a job. I once put mine aside and ended up in a bad place.
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Same here!  
TheSolicitorGeneral
Politicker
4
Small Market AE
To hell with that company. Never work for free 
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Yea that part feels so weird.  
sales4lyf
Politicker
4
Business Development Manager
To me it sounds like a poorly run / kinda dodgy company. Sounds like their motives are to get sales out of you without paying you, cheap labour. Your talents will be put to much better use with a company that recognises your talents and takes you on board without all of this BS 
GrindingSales
Politicker
1
Account Executive
I wouldn't mind the challenge after I've been hired.  But like you said, so much bs 
sales4lyf
Politicker
2
Business Development Manager
Yeah it definitely doesn't seem worth the risk, as after the end of this 4 week period you're not even guaranteed the position!
Smithy
Politicker
3
Director of Sales
This is one of the biggest red flags I've ever heard of! I thought the thread about having to buy your own laptop was bad.

There are so many reasons as to why this is not a good idea or as to why walking away from this company should be instant.

As others have said, these companies are dime a dozen and you shouldn't have to work in your own time after being offered a job. 
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Well my current job makes me buy my own laptop, and no reimbursement for gas for cold calling.  So I guess I need to make sure I keep looking haha.  

His claim is he has never run a sales team before so this is all coming from books hes read and they are really at the ground roots of building a team.  Still feels very off. 
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Yeah, agree with other posters who advise not moving forward.  Also, they've never run a sales team?  How are you going to learn best practices, be mentored, better your sales skills?  This is not that place.
Nairobi
Politicker
3
AE
Oh hell nan. This sounds like my last company... so this is, for sure, a TOXIC environment. Run.

Also, that's what manipulators do. They tell you "positive" stuff and then negative stuff so that it makes you question yourself. Do not fall into their trap.
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Would you be willing to tell me more?  I could use all the help I can get at not making a terrible life decision!  
Nairobi
Politicker
2
AE
For sure. I wish I could send you a voice note cause there is so much lol but I'll try to make it short and sweet. Just like you, I'm very easygoing so my boss would also question my drive because I wasn't like the other frat arrogant dudes on the team even though I was booking way more meetings than them but it was NEVER enough for him. And it would have never been. As soon as someone makes an impression of you, it's very hard to change it, you can move mountains and they won't give a shit. But that's also what manipulators do; they play with you. The bright side is that you were able to see those red flags now and not after joining. 
GrindingSales
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Thank you for sharing your experience!  It is very helpful to me!  I'm feeling a lot of what you are feeling for sure!
Nairobi
Politicker
1
AE
My pleasure! I was in a terrible environment and if I can prevent someone from being in a similar situation, I'll always do it. 
SADNES5
Politicker
3
down voters are marketing spies
Typical Marketing, getting others to do their job and take credit.

Don't work for free.
Don't work for people who want you to work for free.
GrindingSales
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Technically it gets better....they would be paying me a loan of X amount until I work that back in commish and appointments.  Then once I reach that amount I can start collecting money more than I'm paid. 
SADNES5
Politicker
1
down voters are marketing spies
Sounds like a shadey Mortgage/Financial company. I'd pass TBH. 
Chep
WR Officer
3
Bitcoin Adoption Specialist
Without training, this is a ridiculous request. I'd look elsewhere asap
CuriousFox
WR Officer
3
🦊
You don't work for free. Remember that 🦊
Incognito
WR Officer
2
Master of Disaster
push back. tell them "if they like it then they better put a ring on it".

and I'm not even a Beyonce fan haha
GrindingSales
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Haha well done!  Seriously though, do I even ask for the ring after the initial proposition? 
jefe
Arsonist
2
🍁
NO!!!!! GTFO before you're actually in.

They don't trust you at best, and most likely are just trying to get free work before telling you to kick rocks.

It doesn't sound like you could learn anything from the sales manager as it's his/her first rodeo and they're relying on cobbling together BS practices (not best practices) from multiple books.

Don't waste your time, but seems like you should definitely look.

If you're really interested in digital marketing then perhaps do a bit of learning/upskilling on your own so you can blow the next interview (WITH A DIFFERENT COMPANY) out of the water.

What's the upside to this offer?! Seems like there is none.
Incognito
WR Officer
3
Master of Disaster
nope. unless they add a zero to your salary.

I've had so many try to ask why my referrals are from. I say NOPE every time. They get that info AFTER my first month and we're both sure its a good fit. 
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Love this approach!
Justatitle
Big Shot
2
Account Executive
RED RED RED LIGHTS EVERYWHERE. It's an insult to you that they'd do this. The company is literally taking no risk and in the end, if they decide you aren't good enough then there are no strings attached. If you want my advice you have the power to say no and quite frankly it's a little insulting that they'd offer that instead of a position. 
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
My biggest fear!  Maybe in my 20's this would have been a great opportunity but not at this age. 
Bandido
Politicker
2
Client Director
Unprofessional move by the leader of their company....rip their soul apart with a Glassdoor interview process review.
BlueJays2591
Politicker
2
Federal Business Dev Director
This may be the dumbest thing I've ever heard. You work for them and set appointments and they honestly don't have an obligation to pay you. hell no. that is a joke of a company to ask that.
asalesguy
Member
2
SAE (Senior Account Executive)
Ain't no fucking play-in game in the professional world.
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Golden metaphor!
recruitem
Opinionated
2
Partner
This company sounds like a fuckboi. Definitely do not take this offer. If this is how it starts....
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Great point!
AE88
Praised Answer
0
Account Executive
If this is how it's staring. Oh boy!
BdubSE
Opinionated
2
Global Manager - Sales Enablement
Huge red flags, move on, you have nothing to prove! If anything they can put you on a smaller retainer salary/payment plan for the trial then up it, but. noooooooooo.
fuzzy
Notable Contributor
2
CMO (Chief Meme Officer)
LMAO this is a long con scam to get cheap-to-free labor for leadgen services
justatopproducer
Politicker
2
VP OF SALES -US
If you can do something well, never do it for free. - Joker. Seriously though, for sales don’t ever work for free. Next thing they will ask you to do is give them your connections. Last, if you still want to try. Ask to be hired on as a 1099 and whatever you sell you make 100% commission on the deal. That way theres no risk for them, and if you feel youre up for it there is somethjng to gain.
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
I should get the leads and then hold them hostage, lol
HappyGilmore
Politicker
1
Account Executive
This is tough considering the amount of hoops they're making you go through, however I kind of lean towards grinding and setting the appointments. You've got the drive to get it done, and have a great chance to prove to show them this. I say go for it, crush the meetings goal they have set for you (especially with your interest in digital marketing), and prove to them you are their guy.
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
This is the thought I'm wrestling with.  If you have time, I'd like to follow your comment up with this.... Why not make me official and hire me and then set the challenge?  If I don't cut it to their expectations we can both move on.  It would all be a 1099 type job anyways.  Your thoughts?
HappyGilmore
Politicker
1
Account Executive
That's a good point, I think its totally fair of you to ask what their hesitation is to bring you on full time, instead of this trial period they want to put you through. I'm contradicting my OG comment (kinda dumb i know haha) but I think its fair of you to challenge them on this, and then see if you can take the excitement to get into digital marketing somewhere else.  
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Appreciate your candidness @HappyGilmore!  I like the thought of taking the excitement elsewhere!
funcoupons
WR Officer
3
👑
They'd still categorize you as an independent contractor after all of this? RUN.
GrindingSales
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Apparently it is their way of not having any overhead and would teach me on all the ways to write things off to avoid being taxed so heavily. 
funcoupons
WR Officer
3
👑
This company sounds shadier with every post you make...they'd categorize you as an IC so they have zero obligation to you. They can fire you at any time, don't have to offer PTO/benefits, pay overtime, most labour laws won't apply either. 
GrindingSales
Politicker
1
Account Executive
the more I read the more I'm realizing how hard I'm chasing being happier with the company I'm in...appreciate all of your solid advice more than you know!
funcoupons
WR Officer
3
👑
My pleasure! I definitely recommend sticking it out at your current job for now and continuing to apply to opportunities you like the sounds of. There are good employers and jobs out there, this is not one of them.
Kinonez
Celebrated Contributor
1
War Room Enthusiast
This looks fishy. It really looks like they want free labor, while they figure out what to do with the company. 

I wouldn’t take it, even if you set a lot of appointments, and get hired this doesn't seem like the kind of company that would survive a long time in the market.
SaaSsy
Politicker
1
AE
My company makes candidates set appointments, but it's during a set block of time after the final interview. To work for free for 4 weeks is an insane ask! How many meetings do they want you to set?
GrindingSales
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Can you tell me more about your company's process and the why behind it?  And they want to see how many I can set in 4 weeks.  Minimum of 4 is the floor and a reference to a person working part time for them was doing 2-3 a week.  
SaaSsy
Politicker
0
AE
Yep, it’s just to ensure people don’t have a total breakdown on the phones. Candidates call into an open territory for 2-3 hours. If hired quickly, you actually get to attend those meetings. Not ideal bc I’ve seen them miss out on a great candidate just because of setting less than 3. Maybe work on it for a day or so and see what kind of traction you get/if you like it,  it 4 weeks is asking way too much IMO. Good luck!
UserNotFound
Politicker
1
Account Executive
If this is what they're like when you don't even work for them, imagine what the culture is like once you sign on and sign that non-compete/non-solicit. 

If this is a field you want to be in, I'd for *sure* be checking out other opportunities. 
Broncosfan
Politicker
1
Account Manager
Their hiring process is completely broken if they can't get an idea of your drive in 4 meetings. I would absolutely say no.
Gottapumpthosenumbers
Opinionated
2
Biz Dev
This is a great point. And, I think it speaks to how young the company is. They clearly have A LOT to figure out.
Allisce
Tycoon
0
Account Executive
Exactly, i dont have mucch confidence the company won’t fold and then uoull have no job
Justinian
Good Citizen
1
Sales Manager
This is super shady! They want ypu to work for free and theyre going to tale the appointments and then drop you. There ate much better sales jobs out there that will treat you well and set you up for success. This isn’t one.
Skerp22
Catalyst
1
Account Executive, Expansion
 I just want to say, this is one of the best threads I have read on WR.

I feel like these kinds of things are popping up more and more - where you have to prove your own worth even more to get an opportunity.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all about work ethic and like you OP i feel that that's my greatest asset and I'm unmatched. 

And when I first read your post, I thought that "hey maybe if you really want that job and that's the company you want to be a part of - prove it to them and earn that spot".

However, after thinking it over more and hearing other people opinions I have to agree that you should turn and run. It's one thing if you try to get a job at your dream company who doesn't know you and isn't currently hiring so you go in cold and try to earn a spot by proving yourself, but if these people are powdering your asshole and saying "you're their guy" and still making you be their lackey for free - HUGE concerns.

I understand you might feel like you're "quitting" or walking away from a challenge or being "soft" or something - but you're not. You're much better than that.

Fuck em. On to the next opportunity - where somebody WILL know and respect your worth.
whathaveyousoldtomorrow
Opinionated
1
sales
I would counter with, whats the comp for the X # of appts. I do NOT work for free. 
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
I almost feel like this is illegal for them to do...is it not?
MrEffWord
Opinionated
0
Regional Sales Manager
Fuck anyone that wants me to do work for free. They are just leaching for your IP. Please fuck off to the next interview that will pay you for that appointment.
5

Have you ever gone and get another offer just to get more money at your current job?

Discussion
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Members only

Weird Job Offer (Setting Appts before I get Hired) Chapter 2

Question
76
How do you prefer to be handled in this situation?
61% Hire me, if I'm not meeting your expectations, Fire me!
5% I'll absolutely do the work to set the appointments so I can be hired and on the team!
12% I'm here for the Commish!
22% I'll provide a contrarian alternative to the choices below...
202 people voted
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Members only

The Thrilling End to The Saga of The Weird Job Offer

Question
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