I applied for an Account Manager position for Cameron & Lennon and recieved a phone call to set up an interview almost immediately. I researched the company online only to find their barebones website and a vague Facebook page. I went ahead to the interview in DUMBO, Brooklyn. The office is nothing more than a small, third floor lobby space with reception. The interview is conducted in an even smaller room with office furniture that you'd find in a college dorm.
I was told this interview would be brief- that the second interview would be more significant. The interview itself was standard procedure. At the end, the second interview was scheduled in which I was shadow an Account Executive during meetings from 9:30am- 4:30pm on Thursday.
Despite the good meeting, something seemed off. Here are some items that made me suspicious.
- The other candidates who came in for an interview looked ragged, like they came from a set of a music video.
- For such a small office I cannot see how any work is conducted from here- and yet it is listed on their website.
- If you Google this company you will not find anything significant. You will however find a Facebook page with photos of people having a good time and a YouTube page of office workers celebrating.
- The receptionist, who is also the head of Human Resources, has the music cranked up at a high volume. I noted this during the phone call. I think this is to give the impression it is a busy, exciting office and mask how quiet it is.
- During my interview I was told the major account is Staples. In my years in this field, this is a first that a company reveals what account an A/E will be assigned prior to being hired.
- The second interview being in the field for the enitre day: I have never heard of a company what would allow non employees to go on marketing/ sales calls in the field, to meet their clients. Furthermore, mine was scheduled for Thursday and when I requested to switch to Wednesday there was no problem or hesistation on their end.
The big red flags are the lack of information on this company and their willingness to bring you in for an interview almost immediately.