Is It Safe to Pay a Consultant for a Job Without an Interview? Seeking Advice

I received a call from Gurgaon. A consultant promised to help me secure a job in an MNC. He requested me to meet him in Gurgaon, provide copies of all my documents, and give him Rs 3000. He mentioned that after selection, he would require me to pay an additional amount of Rs 22000, making a total of Rs 25000, which would be deducted from my first month's salary.

Question for Experts

I have a question for you experts: Is it realistic to be hired by paying my first month's salary without undergoing any interview process? The consultant claimed to have direct connections with the company's HR department.

Please advise.

This is absolutely a scam. Do not hand over your documents to anyone, no matter what your situation is.

Even I have heard such promises from consultants, but they charge the companies, not the candidates. So, do not fall into such traps and develop your skills for facing the interviews. Best of luck!!

Understanding Job Scams and How to Avoid Them

We understand and can see your concern related to your job, and you may be really worried. But do you really feel that you can buy a job by paying this amount to them? It seems you are not aware of the scams and these kinds of tricks by people who are always in search of individuals like you to benefit from by making them fools. Not only in Gurgaon but everywhere, you can encounter such individuals.

Alternative Job Search Methods

Secondly, don't you think you can apply and get a job through newspaper classifieds and job portals like Naukri and others that never demand this kind of money? Please do not engage with people who promise you a job and ask for payment.

Share Your Qualifications

Thirdly, could you share your qualifications and experience with me? Maybe I can help you in securing a good job.

Enhancing Your Job Search Strategy

Lastly, the most important thing is if you have good experience, knowledge, and skills, please update your profile on job portals and put sincere effort into finding a job by yourself. Do not waste your time with these things. Also, allocate some time to read newspapers and watch the news on TV to stay updated on current affairs and trends.

Thank you.

Thanks for your reply. Actually, I am not giving him any of my original documents under any condition. He needs copies of my documents only. Could it be harmful?

Please do not trust such promises. I have seen many consultants who take money from the candidate by assuring guaranteed jobs.

Regards,
Reshma Naikar

Job Application Warning

Don't go for it. It's a scam. Apply for jobs through portals. You can get one in a few days, but don't pay such individuals.

Regards,
Santosh

It doesn't sound dangerous to hand over photocopies to the consultant. Most of the time, they need it to document the candidate's profile. You may not require to use this idea. However, here's what I did.

Each time I shared photocopies of my documents with any prospective employer or consultant, I asked them to return them if the job was not offered to me. While handing over the attested photocopies, I used to email them and declare that they had agreed to return them to me without retaining any copies. Upon receiving the documents, I would forward the same email, thanking them for their support, with utmost gratitude towards the process we worked along.

This may seem irrelevant most of the time. However, the fact that I was strict with sharing my data left thin chances for anyone to mess around.

Furthermore, a professional and supportive attitude from you will build a better network with everyone you interact with during your job hunt.

On a lighter note, I used to treat job-hunting as a job and finding employment as a promotion. 

Remain extremely courteous throughout, especially when you draw your line. Wish you all the best. We know you will find a fitting job soon.

It's good that you have listened to the sound advice of so many members—some from their own experience and others by virtue of being in HR, seeing both sides of such situations. However, your actual problem/issue still remains to be resolved. Please let the forum know if you have any plans/ways in mind to handle your primary concern—getting a job ASAP. Let's take it from there and see how best this forum can assist your search. Anil has already suggested a few angles—please give your remarks regarding them. There's one thing that seems missing in your background; you mentioned you have 2 years of experience in the process industry. Then why did you leave that job without anything in hand?

All the best.

Regards,
TS

Going by what you mentioned, I suggest aiming for openings where your actual experience—production in a process industry—will be beneficial.

Since your initial post in this thread mentioned 'MNC', I presume you were targeting openings in CADD areas. However, due to the lack of real experience to support your qualifications, this could be the main reason why you haven't received any calls, and the Gurgaon consultant may have tried to take advantage of this by fabricating stories.

Once you settle into a job, you can then consider applying for CADD openings again—this will ensure you are not under any mental pressure when dealing with consultants or companies. Nevertheless, keep in mind that it may still be challenging, given the same reason—lack of relevant experience. To address this, perhaps you could engage in some part-time or freelance work in CADD areas to gain and demonstrate real-time experience.

If you are still in your current production job, you might consider starting freelance work now. One advantage you currently have is that you work in shifts, so your schedule is largely clear, and planning your free time is within your control.

All the best.

Regards,
TS