Applied through company website. Submitted application, resume, and general cover letter describing past experience, skills, education, and credentials. Received a telephone contact. Went through a telephone screening. Had a face to face interview. First with human resources, then with CEO of the firm. Interview process and actual face to face went well. After about a week, received a telephone call from CEO (what CEO calls an applicant?"). CEO makes a verbal proposal (NOT an offer, proposal). The proposal is that Gateway would like to offer me the position. However, they are going to offer 75% of my current salary. Then CEO provides an in depth, near REGRESSION ANALYSIS example of how I could achieve my current salary. Not more. Not even a little bit more. No promise of anything additional than what I currently had in order to attract me to the company. The proposal is, if I were to take the base salary they are offering, then work a minimum of 60 hours per week (as I would now become an hourly employee), and IF I were able to earn potential bonuses (based on absolutely nothing I can directly impact, mainly overall company revenue and profitability), if I achieve all of that, I can achieve the exact same salary I am currently making.
I mean, are you actually serious? You want me to work 50% more, hope that I am able to earn bonuses that may or may not be there, and be away from my children 20 additional hours per week...JUST TO MAKE THE SAME SALARY? I would like to know what twisted, delusional world this individual exists in.
First of all, even IF I were stupid enough to agree to such a ridiculous arrangement, what happens when work slows down? Is the company going to increase my base salary to make up for the deficit? Of course not. This is an unsustainable financial model, that is not attractive on any level whatsoever. Let us not omit the phantom bonuses that may or may not be there at the end of the year. Again, really? You are serious?
I immediately rejected the "proposal" (not an offer), and vowed never to deal with this firm on any level again.
I had always heard negative things about this company, but I was willing to give them a try. However, they absolutely confirmed my initial sentiments about them and how they treat people.
They should be ashamed of themselves, and frankly management should be severely shaken up to root out those who possess this sort of philosophy and mentality. Anyone who believes that what I was proposed as financial compensation is legitimate, truly has taken leave of their senses and should consider a career in stand up comedy.
Sickening and sad.