Craigslist....A Useful Employment Tool?

Craigslist is a phenomenal job resource and ultimately, any website posting job information, in an economy where jobs seem scarce, prove to be a useful job tool. For Denver, there are numerous jobs posted on Craiglist each day. From warehouse to retail, various employers utilize the convenience of this website to post information about their openings. They provide job fairs, addresses of their employer, how to apply, etc. What's not to like about that?

I am sure that every website gets postings that are vague and possibly misleading. Craigslist is one of those websites where you should take some caution as you review their postings and debate on where you would like to apply. I provide job lists each week to my clients - lists that simply indicate who is hiring and how to apply. Craigslist is one of the primary tools I tap into. After feedback from my clients on these lists, I have realized how much they appreciate the postings...yet how some employers postings, seem to lead people to believe they are hiring for something that they are not.

This seems to be most common regarding employers who are hiring for various positions, primarily sales, telemarketing, etc. Here in Denver, there seem to be a few employers who always tend to be hiring. They report openings in sales, telemarketing, shipping, receiving and warehouse. Given my clientele, most are interested in labor positions and are drawn towards the warehouse positions; as they also tend to offer a decent hourly pay/salary.

Upon applying or contacting the employer (who often remains nameless on the posting), indicating their interest in warehouse position, an interview is scheduled. Individual rolls into the interview with the expectation that he/she is applying for the position with which they have reported interest, obtain the job and show up for orientation to begin their new career and/or obtain some stable employment.  

Then the reality sets in. Not sure if there were no longer warehouse openings, but the position that individual just landed....is conquering sales. Selling whatever product to whoever is the desired consumer. And the kicker is...commisiion. No base pay. Just commission. Now the newly hired individual finds themselves in a difficult position. They may have been applying and job hunting for quite some time. Now, they have a position and have the ability to make some money. But, they received a position they didn't seek, have to sell the hell out a vacuum (per se) to make your money, to people who may also be struggling in this tough economy. They are now faced with the choice to keep the job or bow out gracefully.

I suppose there are two primary ways to combat this possible scenario. First and foremost, during an interview, it is essential to ask questions. Interviews are obviously an opportunity for an employer to ask the "interviewee" numerous questions about why they are a good fit for the position. However, it is also an opportunity for the "interviewee" to ask questions of the potential employer regarding the position itself. Make sure you are aware of the position, what it entails, what the financial details are, etc. This can prevent that awkward moment that you obtain a job that you seem to know nothing about.

Second way...be cautious before applying to a job. Ask questions when setting up the interview and ensure your interview is set up for the position that you want. Read the details in a job posting. Read through the entire posting. Being educated about the application process is just as important as the job process itself. Be attentive and don't catch yourself in this predicament.