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  • Report:  #651057

Complaint Review: Interbrand Marketing

Interbrand Marketing Marquetta Holst, Andrea DeMarcus Phishing! Preying on Job Seekers!! Internet

  • Reported By:
    meanbean — Cleveland Ohio United States of America
  • Submitted:
    Thu, October 14, 2010
  • Updated:
    Thu, October 14, 2010

After responding to a "Front Desk Helper" position on craigslist.org, I received a prompt reply outlining how great the company was and how well they treated their employees. After this lengthy brag, I was asked to complete an online application.

Once I linked through to the application I was prompted to answer normal application questions on the first of four pages- "Are you 18?" "Legal to work in the US" "Willing to travel?"

The second page was broken into many categories "...designed to help match your personality, work preferences and skill sets

with the position of your interest" (their emphasis) Here is the rest of page two's explanation:

"It will take approximately 7 minutes to complete.

Take your time. Do not rush through the questions. It's best to choose a time and place where you won't be disturbed or interrupted.


Keep in mind, there are no right or wrong answers

. We have a variety of similar positions in several departments of our company. We will try to place you within a team, where your education, experience and personality traits will complement the existing team, creating a productive work environment. We recommend that you select the answers that you can identify with the most. Avoid the temptation to choose answers that you feel employers would prefer.


Follow your first reaction. Select the answer that resembles how you think, feel and behave most often.If you feel like neither option describes you perfectly, select the one that suits you best. We will detect patterns based on all of your responses."


This basically set the stage for the company to seem like they really wanted to get to know the potential employee. Unfortunately, half way through the questionnaire they require a credit report:


"We do require that you submit a copy of your credit report (current within 14 days). We can only schedule an interview once you confirm you have one. This measure is taken for security purposes, as all employees will have access to a company card.


We have negotiated with our online partners to provide a  FREE credit check for our

applicants.


Mark the check box here to get your free credit report.


Please make a selection.


You must print it out and bring it with you to the interview.


Poor credit will have no effect on your

eligibility."

Of course you have to check the box to get to page three. Once there, you assign yourself some sort of working preference, and then have to complete an aptitude test, which just links you to some terrible generic I.Q. test that once completed requires your cell phone number. The small print on the site expressly states that once you click through to have your I.Q. sent to your phone, you will be charged $9.99/mo on your cell phone bill.

You get the idea. Every page has a new way of trying to trick you into buying something or signing up for something unwillingly.

Page four-

"The following section demonstrates your desire for long term growth within

our company.At our marketing firm, we believe higher education ensures a highly competent

staff that is able to compete against other top firms. We pride ourselves at

being equipped with the latest skill sets this industry has to offer.


Our current sponsor invites you to join their program to win a

scholarship grant of $10,000 that may be awarded monthly to each winner.

You will be granted study leave or a flexible work hour schedule to pursue your

educational goals.


We not only recommend you that you apply, but will reward our employees with

future opportunities for growth, allowing your career to evolve into new and

exciting roles within our organization.


Please select the option that best suits your current situation, and complete

the form on the website."


Through and through, it was a total scam. Bummer it wasn't a real job, they did a decent job of selling this imaginary company. I know most people who job-search on the internet are savvy enough to see this trick a mile away, but I didn't want those who might not be so experienced to fall prey. Happy job hunting!

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