Or should I say open pyramid?
I am graduating from college in about... oh, 2 weeks. I do not have a job. I am an accounting major, and I really need a job to support my wife and son.
So I was working at my part time gas station gig, and a lady comes in and buys something. She asks me if I want to get out of this job, and I said 'yeah, of course.' She tells me her company is looking for people and that she would give me a call. (first sign) I gave her my number and she calls and tells me they're having an open house(second sign) at the Holiday Inn (third sign) and that I should show up. So I did, and they come out and talk about the company, and then about what the company does.
The company is Primerica. They are part of Citigroup, and they sell financial planning services. That's fine with me, but then they tell me that I have to find my own customers, and that if I don't sell anything I won't get paid. That's not fine with me, I need stability. Maybe as a part time gig, sure. Then they tell me that I have to pay them $199 for a background check and that $159 will be refunded to me when I pass it.(BIG sign) I don't think it's a good idea to pay a company anything to work for them, even $40. So that was a deal breaker. Also, their compensation was such that the more people you get under you, the more money you make. That's a huge sign that it's a scheme.
Maybe it's for real, but how can I know? I need to get a better job anyway, as I don't have $199 to spare. So I guess my search will continue. Still waiting on a first interview with a company that isn't a placement firm. Can't wait for that one.