USMA Interview for their "Account Representative" position turned out being Door-to-Door Commission Sales for AT&T Rancho Cucamonga, California

This report is not to defame USMA or its President / CEO Wanis Naguib, but rather to educate hard-working college graduates and job seekers who are NOT interested in door-to-door commission sales. 

So a couple of weeks ago, I put my resume on Monster with the interest of finding a job that would require a hard earned bachelors degree. From the many calls I received from various employers, I remember USMA because my experience with them was a COMPLETE waste of my time.

It all starts when they call you (which I wont lie, they're very professional) and was told by a Human Resources rep that they had found my resume online, reviewed it, and wanted to know if i'd be interested in scheduling an interview with them. Of course I asked for the position title (so I can research it online) and was told I would be working for AT&T as an Account Representative. Without thinking twice, I accepted.

I spend the next days researching the position, the company, any reviews people have written about the position, and quickly come to find that no one online has written anything negative or positive of USMA. Skeptical and surprised, I even called to reschedule my interview appointment and keep investigating.

On the day of my interview, I am prepared (in terms of knowing what an Account Representative is, what their duties are, pay scale is, etc.) and just ready to shine. I get to the office, am greeted by the front desk receptionist and immediately given paperwork to fill out (it was an application and a questionnaire that asks things like "what are your long term goals?" or "what are your short term goals?").  I answer all questions professionally, with ambition, and do my best to sell myself in a way that any company would see that i'm confident and looking for an opportunity to fly.

When everything was completed, I gave it to the receptionist and she processed it. Within 5 minutes, my names was called and my interview was conducted by Wanis Naguib (President / CEO of USMA). The interview began with questions like "Tell me about yourself?" and "Talk about your previous employers?"  so I answer everything to my best of my ability. Of course, while answering I did note that Wanis was very strong on the eyes throughout the interview (which didn't really affect me since I love the compliments and very cocky when it comes to interviews). 

Either way, after my interview, I felt like it all went well that day and Wanis even spoke about the job I was applying for... saying things such as "We need a well rounded person who can be able to do presentations, manage others, and have amazing customer service skills." I figured "Shoot... I'm perfect for the position, great with technology, and who wouldn't enjoy starting for a company like AT&T!" Wanis definitely made it seem like the position wasn't just "ANY" entry level position anyone could apply for but more like the type that "requires" an education. Like all job seekers he interviewed that day, I was very sold (and even thankful I had found a position where, if I made it, I would be doing administrative work for a reputable company).

Of course, I got phone call later that day from a HR rep to congratulate me on my performance and inform me that I had made it to the second round of interviews. In retrospect, how I wish today I HADN'T gone to this second interview because this is where all the "fun" started.

I attend the second interview (it was at 1:30pm) and go to it dressed in my best casual clothes and shoes because I remember that looks make an impression. I arrive 10 minutes early, check in, and wait to be called in. I honestly sat in that lobby for almost an hour just waiting to be called in! When the time finally came, I was introduced to Seth Filkins who told me what the second interview would consist of. The first surprise here was when I was told that the second interview was going to be an "all day" thing that would roughly end by 8:30pm (ouch!). I said it was OK and told them I had cleared my schedule. Either way, Seth gave me a brief overview of what I was going to be evaluated on (various things such as personality, skills, etc) and up to this point I remember how excited I was to show everyone what I was capable of.

Seth then introduced me to my evaluator, Misty (who to quote him was going to "pick, disassemble, and reassemble my brains" lol) but made the situation light by saying that she was only going to try to get to know me better, introduce me to the rest of the team, and at the end see if I could make great fit in the company. I, of course, said it was OK.

I got acquainted with her and remember how we started talking and walking (thinking we were going to go to another office) but I ended up following her out of the office and into the parking lot! Weird. Long story short, we drove out to Riverside where I met the rest of the team, received more information about the job opportunity, and this is where I remember regretting the interview. I quickly found out that it was Door-to Door sales. But here the interesting part, when I met with the rest of the team its like everyone was convinced that they were in an amazing job! One of the girls kept speaking of money this, money that, leadership this, pyramid that (i.e: the whole you start at the bottom and work your way up) and about the law of averages (i.e more doors more opportunities). I felt so bad for everyone, and even tried asking A LOT questions just to see if i could make them realize that the whole job is not an opportunity for adults who want financial independence but inevitably failed. I knew I didn't want the job from that point on.

After meeting with everyone and asking my ocean of questions, the time came to see everyone in action. I asked to be taken back but was told that I had signed a contract stating that I wouldn't interfere with a workers work routine. I basically spent the rest of the day being a free interpreter for my evaluator for all the houses we knocked on that didn't have an English speaking customers. 

In retrospect, let me let you all know that I basically ruined my interview shoes (scratched them walking through rural areas) had blisters, came home hungry and thirsty as Riverside is one hot place to be walking around in with a dress pants and a tie for something I thought would be an "opportunity" for a college graduate with bachelors degree.

P.S: I am currently seeking compensation for my wasted day, translation services, and personal losses.

• Ruined Shoes: $60
  
• 3hrs of Spanish Translation: $30 
• Walking on a hot day, with dress pants and a tie, without food or water: NOT PRICELESS