This was my first job after graduating law school. After the warm interview, I was quite optimistic about the job, even referring it to my friends. I was aware of the inescapable challenges of a door to door fundraising role but after selling me dreams of a comfortable and fun working and living environment, plus the prospect of a good pay, I was willing to try it. The company also tried to create the picture of this being a competitive role and made me believe I was lucky to have gotten it but in actual fact this is the kind of role that hardly anyone wants. The job started with a training at Letchworth in a very dreary looking hotel. It seemed like the standard simply went down the hill from the interview. From the training I got to the house which again was below my standards. I wasn't expecting 5 star quality accommodation but a clean, minimalist environment that didn't feel like someone's grandmas house would have been nice. Everyone in the house smoked despite the supposed no smoking policy and cats occasionally paid us visits in the kitchen despite the no pet policy both of which left me feeling sick and disgusted. The worst part was everyone smoking in the car on the way to work. Furthermore, the fact that they couldn't provide each house with wifi was inexcusable. The job itself is so challenging that you absolutely NEED an extremely comfortable environment to balance it out.
The company itself was disgustingly unprofessional. Once you don't hit high numbers which considering the nature of the job is an unrealistic expectation, they begin to put pressure on you to meet their targets at all costs. They use the disguise of 'objective handling' which in reality requires you to forcefully persuade people and play on their vulnerability. I told my team leader I was leaving at the end of my first week which to be honest was a stretch as I was ready to leave from the first day. They then asked me to meet a certain target on my working day in order to stay the full week. This was a clear strategy to get me to leave earlier rather than the full week's work since no one else was given this ultimatum.
Lastly, nothing about this company says that they care for the charity. It seems completely profit motivated. There are other ways to raise money for charity better suited for today's society...
