Pros
Great first job to someone willing to put boots on the ground, or wants to be effectively self-employed
Cons
No base pay, no 401K, advertised as an "Entry Level Public Relations Account Manager" even the pitch in the interview was for a Management position. I though 4-7 weeks of training sounded off. That's because they weren't hiring me as a manger, but as a door-knocker. The staff had come from another office and was already used to working with one another. Office looked very fly-by-night, folding chairs in the lobby, no receptionist to greet you when you walk in, and nothing but yelling, laughing and music coming from some back room. That was part of the morning meetings, as well as an exercise that makes you talk through someone to try and deliver the sales pitch while they are delivering there's over two other teams and loud music. Company did not tell me to bring more comfortable shoes, so I had blisters on my feet from my dress shoes from day 1. 10+ hour days and a long commute meant I was on the road from 7:30-9 every day. I was also told that since I was having trouble with the sales pitch, that I needed to manage the two hours I had before I went to bed better, so I could practice their pitch. The manager, and all the workers were all 20 somethings, suit and tie to the "office", but in the field, it was just sleeves of the dress shirts rolled up and reflective safety vests, or neon yellow shirts, yet my sunglasses and cap on a bright day were "unprofessional". Huge possible OSHA violations; We were in the field from noon to six, which was fine. But, no provisions for water. One of my goals was to ask a homeowner for water. In the field I asked about restroom availability. I was told that my body would adapt to not needing to use the rest room for 6 hours (It already was), but that if I had to go, I would have to ask a homeowner to use their rest room. As a homeowner, I would be flabbergasted if someone knocked on my door to sell me something, then asked to use my restroom. That is completely unprofessional. The Manager was a younger guy, nice enough, but the whole teem just spoon-fed each other "Tips on how to be successful", and I later learned that the track to be a manager, (or "entrepreneur" as they say) was simply to eventually open your own branch, and hire others to be door knockers. During my interview, I had to explain to the manager what the term "Eagle Scout" was on my resume, and why it was important. This is not a management position, it is not a business. It was a group of young people believing themselves to be a legitimate business, all the while being nothing more than your archetype door-to-door salesmen. Saturdays are "Voluntary", but let's face it, you wouldn't last long if you didn't show up, so expect 50+ hour weeks. I was willing to do the work, knocking on 120-140 houses a day (twice), but this job left no room for any kind of personal life. I was ready to stop all my hobbies just to pursue the money, which was not as stable at all, as it was solely dependent on a "Yes" from a home owner for a new roof or windows. Finally, the "R&R" incentive to send them some place nice is alright, but it's simply masking the fact that without your top sellers working for 3-4 days, they aren't making the money that they would be if still on the job. No PTO, No vacation, no sick days, no 401k, no medical, no dental, no vision, not even an employee stock purchase plan. Be prepared for a pay check that's anything but steady. Did not meet anyone above the local manager of the new office.
