Job Seekers Beware: My Experience with Misleading Consultancy Promises and Hidden Costs

Dear All,

This is the real instance that happened to me and some of my friends.

Here is the situation: I was looking for an HR job in Bangalore in a real emergency, so I updated my profile on three portals - Naukri, Monster, and Times Jobs. Consequently, I received numerous calls, all for recruiter positions. However, I was not interested as I am specifically looking for a Generalist profile. One day, I received a call from a prominent job portal offering to make me a premium member. They claimed they would send my CV to various companies across Bangalore and their clients, assuring me of securing a job within three weeks. I waited patiently, but to date, I have not received a single call. My advice is: don't waste money on consultancy services like this.

A similar incident occurred with my friend. The consultancy personnel contacted him, claiming an emergency requirement for an HR position. He promptly visited their office where they demanded his original certificates, either to be held by the consultancy or for him to pay upfront before attending the interview. They stated that if he got selected, he would need to pay them one month's salary as consultancy charges. He complied and was promised a text message for the interview details. However, upon receiving the company's name, he was dismayed to discover it was for a recruiter role. How could a Generalist work as a Recruiter? Is it worth pursuing a role as a Recruiter after already paying one month's salary, especially when he has relevant experience? Therefore, be cautious and avoid paying money in advance. Look for reputable management consultancies instead.

In the meantime, seniors, please find my CV attached. I am genuinely seeking a job change.

Regards,
Ramkishore
9900565609

Dear Ram,

It is not the case that every RPO, as you mentioned, consultancy are doing so. I would like to point out some main points. Those consultancies asking for money from candidates are not professional. A consultant should always receive payment for their services from the client company. Companies that do not utilize the services of a consultant do not permit consultants to take money from candidates.

Always inquire about the company name to which you are applying. It is the consultant's duty to provide you with the company name. If they fail to do so, then they are not acting professionally. Consultants or companies that request your original documents are also not professional because your original documents are your property, and no one should take your property in exchange for a job.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to identify those engaging in unprofessional practices.

Thank you,
Parveen Rana
Director
VBS Consulting Pvt Ltd
VBS Group

Dear P.K. Rana,

Thank you very much for your explanation. I am aware that these are not professional consultancies that demand payments from candidates. However, several companies, particularly small and medium-scale companies, do not pay for hiring selected candidates. Instead, these consultancies charge candidates a consultancy fee, often equivalent to one month or 15 days of salary. It is not professional to collect advance payments or certificates. I wanted to share this with you all so that you are aware and do not fall into any traps.

Regards,
Ramkishore

Dear Ram,

Those are small companies; they never take services from consultants. As you said, consultants are placed in these small companies by taking 15 days' or one month's salary. Neither the consultant nor the company is under any agreement. If you ask the consultant to show their consultant agreement with the concerned company in writing, they will not show it to you. This is because small companies never enter into agreements with anyone. Therefore, without anything in writing, how can anyone be a service provider to any company? It is illegal; never engage with them.

Thanks