First Job Advice

[Jordan0526]

I'm 18 and a full time student and basically i've been applying for jobs for around a year and not had one interview, but then i got a call for an interview,I went and then got called back for a trial day, did that and did a second interview same day and got the job on the spot ( There was 3 of us up for the job) but then i found out its 100% commission based and is direct marketing ( promoting/selling on the street) everyone I know has said its not a good idea and not to do it because the whole not being paid and that basically your on the street bugging people pretty much, but I feel like if i stick at it just for the experience it will make it easier getting another job. Also i'm supposed to be trying to get people to sign up for a credit card which allows people to safely online shop and buy things abroad.

any advice on what to do?

[Buenchico]

I've worked on a 'commission only' basis and hardly covered my expenses.

On the other hand though, my current work (occasional, on a self-employed basis) involves stopping passers-by and persuading them to answer lots of silly questions. (I'm not selling anything though). I generally find it highly enjoyable but, as you can imagine, it's not so much fun when the rain's coming at me sideways in a gale!

So you need to consider
(a) whether you can actually survive for a while on a very low income (if that's how things work out) ;
(b) whether you're an 'outdoor' person ;
(c) whether you're a 'people' person ;
(d) whether you've got selling skills ; and
(e) how you'll present your experience on a c.v. for any future job applications.

However I'd be very suspicious of any firm that hides the fact that a job is 'commission only' until after you've got it. (I also attended an interview for a salaried job but, when I got there, I was told that all of the salaried jobs had gone. A total lie of course!).

Perhaps it might be best to give it a try but to set yourself a deadline when you'll either stay or leave. (e.g. say to yourself "I'll give it three weeks. If I've not started making reasonable money by then, I'll pack it in").

[Jordan0526]

I'm not to sure how to reply, but on the actual applicated it does say that it is commission based, but they found my CV on a job website and contacted me so i didn't know, its a proper business there a small office of a bigger business which is world wide

[rsvp]

My suspicion is that it was only after you'd been called back for a second interview and offered the job that you discovered it was a commission only direct selling thingie. To me that would seem they weren't up front with you from the start.

[DaisyNonna]

If you are not happy with what you expected to do, turn it down.

[Buenchico]

It would be lovely to think that 'genuine' employers, seeking new recruits, would scour through online CVs, looking for suitable candidates.

The reality, however, is that they simply don't. The only employers that search through online CVs are those that are looking for mugs, whom they find difficult to attract through conventional advertising. (Double-glazing and 'home improvement' firms are among those that regularly contact people who've posted their CVs online).

I'd always be wary of such firms but, as I've indicated above, you might decide that it's worth trying it for a few weeks (as long as you've decided, in advance, when you'll make your 'stay or leave' decision).

[Pelkey]

That actually can be a good experience for you. My first job was in the call-center of the bank, i have studied to solve some conflict situations and properly communicate with different kinds of people. It is always very hard to find a job for a student. It will not be a big plus in your CV, but, anyway, it is better then nothing, in any case you can always quit.

[needawin]

Give It A miss. Volunteer work looks better on a cv even though there is no pay.

[abcedez]

Are you looking for experience or you need a job to earn. If for experience you can give it a go. It is really hard to work commission based so if you want to earn, better look for work that has a stable income. You can hardly recover your expenses if you'll do the commission based job.