So I recently graduated and I am currently working in the field that I studied for at the same place where I did an internship, which I'm very content with. The only downside is that it is only for two days a week, though with a good chance to get more hours relatively soon. In the meantime I'm looking for something on the side to pay the bills.
I applied at a couple of websites, and I was recently approached by a recruiter for a position as a customer advisor for an insurance company. I worked in customer service before, and although picking up the phone all day wasn't my favorite job, I didn't want to be too picky. The hours were acceptable, the pay was not great (~12$ p/h), but the interview went alright and was pleasant. They asked if I was looking for something long-term and I explained that if I would get a great offer in my field I would have to accept that.
However, to get started for this position I would have to take a mandatory exam, for which I would have to study ~40 hours, and for which I had to travel. They would cover the expenses for the test and study materials, but not the travel. I was a bit hesitant but alright.
After the interview I was sent a contract about this test which I had to digitally sign as soon as possible. It was longer than I expected so I figured I'd better read it. Here's the gist:
The expenses for the test would be ~330$ which they would cover, but if you failed you have to take a resit, which would be for your own expenses.
Should you sign this contract but not take the test, you would have to reimburse the full amount. Should you pass the test but not take the job, you would have to reimburse the full amount. Should you pass the test and take the job but quit within a month, you would have to reimburse the full amount. Should you quit within two months, you would have to reimburse 75%. Should you quit within three months you would have to reimburse 50%. Should you quit within four months tou would have to reimburse 25%.
As soon as the contract would be signed, they would have “made costs”, so the above would apply.
Personally, I would only know for sure if I want to work somewhere when I have worked there. Combined with the fact that I may get more hours at my other job relatively soon, this felt like a trap to pay money more than it felt like an opportunity to make money.
Combined with the ~40 hours of unpaid study time, a mandatory training of seven days for which I would have needed to get time off from my other job, only 2 weeks of vacation and a measly pay, this was a dealbreaker for me. And I shudder at the thought that I almost signed on my phone without reading all the details.