My interview experience with this company was, unfortunately, quite disappointing. To begin with, the meeting started late due to the recruiter’s delay. On top of that, the recruiter spoke very limited English, which made communication difficult. At times, I had trouble understanding her questions, which were mostly generic and formulaic.
The real issues began when we discussed compensation. I was informed that the salary for a full-time SEO Specialist role was $1,000 per month. My immediate question was about the legal structure of such employment, considering the company is based in the U.S. but is hiring internationally. The recruiter seemed surprised by the question, as if no one had brought it up before. Her explanation was vague and unclear. She said there wasn’t really a contract and that I would be considered an “independent worker” – something like a freelancer – but at the same time expected to work full-time hours, be constantly available, and follow direct instructions from a supervisor.
This is, by every definition, employment – just without the legal protections that should come with it.
Frankly, it’s a shameful setup clearly designed to avoid paying taxes in the United States by outsourcing labor to countries that are considered cheaper and less strict in terms of labor rights. When I asked how they determined the salary, I was told they “checked online what people earn in different countries” and simply picked the lowest rate they found. That answer was both unprofessional and revealing.
It didn’t end there. I was also informed that there is no formal contract or legal agreement in place. All taxes and mandatory insurance are the responsibility of the worker. The company does not provide any equipment for the job, and there is no reimbursement for internet or any other remote work-related expenses.
After calculating basic costs, it became clear that the actual net pay would be around $600 per month – for a full-time, experienced SEO professional.
The entire process lacked transparency, structure, and basic respect for the candidate’s time and expertise. I strongly advise others to approach this opportunity with caution.