A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:A man called me about a cleaning job last week, but i missed the call, and when i called back, he said he had given the job to another lady, but he said he would call me if it didn't work out with her. I got a phone call from him again today, saying that the other lady left, because she had two jobs ,and the employer at her other job wouldn't allow her to have two jobs, for some reason.So, she had done the job for eight days. He didn't tell me the name of the company when i spoke to him on the phone today, or what his position was with the company, but told me what i was supposed to clean, and said it was a small company. He said it would be a work trial. He asked me if my home was within walking distance of the building where the company is , as he could see it on a map. He also said that he would send a text message with the address later on, which i thought was strange, as he could have just told me the address when i spoke to him on the phone. It was a very brief conversation. He sent me a text about half an hour later, asking me to confirm that i would be there tomorrow, and gave the address ( but not the name of the place/company ), and said he would have a chat with me about the job and go through it all, and show me what they wanted me to clean ( i don't know who " they " are ), and he said he looked forward to meeting me, and then he said he would be parked outside in his van, which i thought was strange, as employers usually wait inside the building for you, and you can just walk in.I spoke to my parents about it, and they both said that they thought it sounded dodgy, and told me not to go.The thing is, i confirmed by text message, before i spoke to them, that i was going, and now i wish i hadn't. I don't know how to get out of it now, if i decide not to go. Do you think i shouldn't go ?. I know parents can be overprotective sometimes, but maybe they're right ?. What do you think ?. I'm worried because my address is on my CV too, so he will know where i live, and he has my mobile phone number. The job was advertised on the jobcentre plus website, so some jobs on there will be genuine, but i guess some might not be ?. I really want a job. I am depressed as i have been umemployed for years, but i just don't know whether to take a risk with this one.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (8 March 2012): My fiance and I run a cleaning company, what you've stated just sounds to me like standard practice for small cleaning companies.For instance; him meeting you outside where his van is; this is because he needs to brief you before you meet the clients. 'They' are the clients, the company that owns the building who outsource cleaning to Companies like the man who called you. He probably text you the address to make sure you had it written down correctly, as not having the address is a common excuse for staff letting the company down, again, asking if the building is within walking distance, this again, is because not being able to easily get there is another common excuse for staff letting cleaning companies down. In regards to the other cleaner, letting them down, because she can't have 2 jobs. This is either because 1. you pay a much much higher tax rate on a second job or 2. her original employer needs her to be more flexible with her availability.This is honestly just standard practice for start up companies as they don't tend to have an office to interview in due to costs, actually reminds me of when we set our company up, and things were really rushed and may have seemed unprofessional because we got a lot of staff letting us down at the last minute, which is probably what this Man is going through.
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (8 March 2012): Thanks very much for your advice everyone. I sent him a text message today, saying that i had been offered another job, and had decided to take it ,and thanked him for considering me. However, he didn't reply to the text message, and i thought that was odd, as employers usually thank you for letting them know. So i guess i have done the right thing. I just hope i can find something else. I would like to try applying to hotels, nursing homes, cafes, supermarkets, e.t.c.
My parents couldn't have gone with me today, as they were at work, and i didn't want to risk going alone.
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A
female
reader, Blonde68 +, writes (8 March 2012):
From what you have said, I agree with your parents in that it does all appear a little dodgy!
However, why don't you ring the Jobcentre and give them the reference number for the job in question and state that you have asked this guy for more info but he seems a little relunctant to give it. Be honest with them about how you feel and they will either smell a rat too, or they may just be able to provide you with the correct information. If it is the latter and it is that he is above board, why don't you put yourself at ease by getting one of your parents to drive you there and wait for you.
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A
female
reader, maverick494  +, writes (8 March 2012):
You ask this question which means your own gut is trying to tell you something. Listen to it. And keep listening to it in the future. Ditch this and walk away safe. I would also report it to the police for investigation incase other gals do fall for it.
When it's a risk meeting someone, it's NEVER worth taking. Unfortunately not everyone knows this and the consequences can be terrible.
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A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused +, writes (8 March 2012):
 Agreed. just because the address is real does not mean this man is.
MEETING in his van in front of the building is not NORMAL it's a BIG HUGE HUGE RED FLAG....
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (8 March 2012): There may be a company at that address but that doesnt really mean much. This person wouldnt give you any details about himself or his company, he couldnt give you the address off the top of his head, he had to text it later...for all you know he googled a place to meet up then text you! AND he will be waiting for you outside in a van! I would listen to your instincts and leave it.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (8 March 2012): Do not go. Also as it was on the Jobcentre Plus website I would report it to somebody in case they really are dodgy,the police or tell job centre advisor.
Its weird waiting for you in a van outside the place... thats whats wrong, never mind anything else. .
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A
female
reader, mystiquek +, writes (8 March 2012):
 You would be very wise to listen to the little voice that is telling you something is wrong. I wouldn't go. You could be walking into a very weird or even potentially dangerous sitution, who knows? Is it worth the risk? I think not. Just call or text the guy and say you've been offered something else and you won't be coming. Then never have contact with him again. Listen to all of the advice on here, its always better to be safe than sorry.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (8 March 2012): I've googled the address,and there is a genuine company there, but i'm still wary of this man.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (8 March 2012): I would text him first thing and just say I`d had a call and been accepted for another job I`d applied for earlier, so would like to cancel the interview. Then ignore any further contact from him. I would not go off alone to meet some guy in a van. Theres something a bit weird about it all. Apply directly to any hotels, rest homes, nursing homes, cafes, supermarkets ect in your area for a job. Something will turn up but dont put yourself at risk by going off on your own to meet some mystery man in a van. Its really NOT worth it.
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A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused +, writes (8 March 2012):
yeah it sounds odd.... just call him back and say you can't make it.
Also call the place where the job was advertised and let them know how odd it sounds.
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A
female
reader, Aunty BimBim  +, writes (7 March 2012):
 It does sound a bit dodgy, is there any chance one of your parents could walk to the interview and wait outside for you? This could help to ease everybody's mind.
Sounds to me his operation is a bit "hole in corner", he may be trying to pull some sort of tax dodge or not paying correctly, or they may expect more cleaning to be done in the time alloted than possible. With the other lady quitting after only 8 days does ring some bells.
I would go to the interview, remember the interview is not just for him to check out your suitability as an employee, its also a chance for you to check out his as an employer!
As the questions, ask for the company name, and contact details. Ask for your work conditions to be put in writing, and don't give an immediate answer, tell him you will contact him before 4pm the next day or something, and when you get home google, google, google.
If the job does turn out to be dodgy, advise people at jobcentre plus.
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A
female
reader, amenthyst3356 +, writes (7 March 2012):
Sounds really dodgy. If you go bring some muscle with you.
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