Hired as a sales representative/ remodeling consultant. Here’s a few things I was told during the interview compared to what I experienced:
* Hours:
* Marketing “11-7 Monday thru Friday and every other Saturday from 9-3”: Actually your hours vary often, either due to “surges” (~10 hour work days twice a month) AND/ OR due to severe weather concerns (some Saturdays or Sundays required to work to make up for days off, even after working your required Saturday).
* Sales hours “10-8 Monday thru Friday and Saturdays 9-2”: Hours do not reflect the start and end of your shift. You may be issued an appointment as early as 8am during the week and may get home as late as midnight depending on how long the estimate takes, the location of the last appointment ran, and weather/traffic (average appointment runs 2-1/2 hours... and known to be much longer).
* Average first year earnings: My suggestion...ask for the MEDIAN salary for the branch AND position you are applying for, not the average in the entire company.
* “90 day training to sales”: Sometimes it works out and you are able to get into sales in about 90ish days. Many people I had met were hired with the impression they are going into sales and stuck in marketing until they can prove themselves. Others had to quit because they were not making nearly the amount of money as they were told they could “potentially” make from bonuses according to the average they’ve shared during the interview and left with a significant amount of credit card debt.
* Marketing: Getting crammed into a van typically with each seat filled with grown adults listening to vulgar/ profane music on your way to the territory while attempting to eat lunch in a moving vehicle. Walking door to door in all weather conditions. At times, having to “relieve” yourself outdoors if you cannot wait for a midday break... if you actually get one some days. Doing “75%” of the work for sales.
* Retail: a “promotion” from marketing (although you do not receive any pay increase in your base pay and do not receive any gas stipends or reimbursements in gas and tolls). Standing in random aisles or exit stores at Sams clubs. Again... “75%” of legwork for sales.
* Sales: $4k graduation bonus for sales does not come in one lump sum after sales training completion as stated in interview. Gas stipends for sales begin after selling $1 mil. Travel a “35 mile radius within territory” (40-45 minute drive): Actually it can be up to a 65 mile radius for both retail and sales, obviously more than a 45 minute drive. And there is no actual “territory” you just go wherever they need you. You are responsible for tolls and gas in both sales AND retail.
* Holidays: Get a list of the paid holidays before starting and ask about days you have to work leading up to the holidays.
* Training/Camps: Going over the same scripts you already learned as if every interaction with each home owner or Sams club member is ideal. Waste.of.time.
* Atmosphere: Power is made up of some incredible people who have a lot to offer. But if you decide to work here and aren’t able to make the amount of money you need to pay your bills, then it’s best to leave (in my opinion). Nobody is going to help pay your bills. A job in marketing/retail is ideal if you live with your parents, if you have no kids, or if you have no financial responsibilities. Don’t let the hype consume you.
* Turn over: There is very low retention, although they say otherwise. Almost everyone in my initial training class had already quit and many people I met when I started are no longer with the company either.
* Work/life balance: It’s not so much of a “balance” as it is an “integration”... meaning your family will have to accept your work as your life and you see that they “integrate” themselves to it.
I feel that people with a college degree or previous work experience in the field are treated as if they are entitled. However, those who earned a degree have a right to feel offended when unable to use their degree. And people that have previous work experience have a right to be upset if their talents are not being used in the position they were hired for. There is a lot of potential with the company, but this is not for me. If you can not afford to stick it out until you see the results you want or need, then be honest with yourself and ask if this is best for you.
And although I feel it is important to have goals in life for superficial objects like dream cars, engagement rings, and such... I personally feel like family is a priority above all and should be respected and treated as such. And no matter the amount of money you can earn in a lifetime, it may never amount up to your time with loved ones. So just be aware that even if you are successful at this company, you will be investing a lot of time that will not be spent with family and loved ones. I urge you to please consider these things before you commit to this company because you are going to miss some important moments life gives you.
Lastly, I lost trust in your company when you couldn’t follow through. My performance would have been a lot better had I not suffered from severe depression when I realized I gave up my career for this job. Shame on you all for your lies and misconceptions.
