- [ ] Few years ago I was interviewing for a position at a company that had an aging owner. A recruiter set me up. The owner had children that were unable to run the company and he wanted someone knowledgeable in the industry (sales, design, manufacture, and install) to run multiple factories and offices until one of his two children matured enough to tolerate their siblings and care for the business (I mentor) In addition, the hiring decision was to be made by the owner, a consultant (banking friend/associate of the owner), and CFO. The CFO took care of the administration as the owners health and memory slipped. The compensation was advertised at 250k plus bonuses, perks.
- [ ] I expected a through interview process and after three formal interviews, two lunches, and four dinners the consultant said “you are the guy”. The owner said “I like you, you are our guy”. So now we negotiate.
- [ ] The CFO tells me, “these two guys want you and I’m prepared to make an offer, but we have a couple of sales issues. Let’s get together Monday next week.”
- [ ] The consultant calls man that evening and tells me he doesn’t exactly know what’s going on but he says I should be getting a great offer. Monday rolls around and we meet. First thing the consultant offers me 2% on my sales ( fantastic and unheard of in this industry). Then he tells me he wants me to take and train two inexperienced salesmen, he will pay me a base of 40k, and I will only be responsible for the manufacturing of the smaller factory. The consultant immediately said that’s not the deal we started with. I asked how I’m supposed to get a commission while I’m dragging two salesmen, and a factory desperately needing management. CFO says we’ll get it all worked out as we go along.
- [ ] I thanked the owner and consultant for their time, declined the offer and immediately left. The recruiter was so angry I walked away because of the commission rate. The consultant called me and apologized (twice).
- [ ] So a couple of morals of the story:
- [ ] Most recruiters could give a damn about you.
- [ ] Most people in control want to stay in control even if they’re not qualified.
- [ ] Regardless of what the advertised job and pay are, bait and switch happens at any time at all levels.
- [ ] Be careful what you buy into during the interview process…. (It was practically impossible to get those commissions while training salesmen (possibly required to split with someone just because your training them). Impossible to change manufacturing/ processes while selling and trying to lead design (i.e. no bonus))
- [ ] Most employers will screw you out of what you know/do until your broken when/if they can.