Complaint Review: American Institute of Consumer Studies

AICS field Interviewer Position.

I've done Field Interviewing previously for a reputable company & enjoyed it. So I applied & did 2 phone interviews, a supposed background check & was waiting to hear back regarding the skills assessment. The scam was getting you to do interviewing for free. 

Prior to mention of the Skills Assessment portion of the process, I was originally misled saying I'd be paid to "tag along" with another FI for a day & would receive $75. I waited a couple weeks to hear back regarding the skills assessment portion. Then they finally got back into contact with me. But this time the pay wasn't mentioned, just that I needed to get the 10 interviews which is very tough because you're going door-to-door and the people don't know anything about the study, who you are, nothing. (just showing up out of the blue) Plus the story was different this time because originally I was told one day's work, with another interviewer, & $75.

I assumed I'd still get paid the $75 & went out to interview. I managed to get 9 interviews after 3 separate trips. I tried calling to let them know I could only get 9 and they never called back. So I tried the next day. They ignored that call also. I called at the end of the day with a sharp tone explaining I had left several messages & put in hours of work & would appreciate a call-back. Ten minutes later, Sonja was back in touch with me. She apologized for my being misled in being paid which I felt at that time was purposely done. She advised me to send materials back. 

I didn't because I had a very bad feeling about this company. I've learned to verify things upfront such as the pay. I'm very angry I was taken advantage of, my time & money. Also, I should have known I shouldn't jump through so many hoops for a job. I'll take it as a learning experience & will google companies I"m unsure of in the future.