This is going to be an illustration on my experience with the hiring process at Progmax (or PIA or ShopGrid). My first impression was from the other negative company review on GlassDoor, from a former employee in 2019, and it is a very accurate depiction of what this company is. On-site, during my interview, I was told by the recruiter that he would 'hire me on the spot', depending on what I'm asking for. After being asked, I told the recruiter that my salary range is between 75k and 95k. That range was met with a deep breath, an exhale, and "I can't start you at 75." That's not the end of the world, I wouldn't mind starting at something smaller like 70k (or even lower). I proposed 70 initially, but did not receive a reply until I reached out, days later, and asked what the delay was. The delay was obviously my request for pay. instead of being told so, I had to prostrate myself a lower wage over the course of several emails, to determine what is an acceptable wage. Understand this is a small shop with a handful of people, and the person I'm communicating with is a recruiter for said company; my question is then, how would you not immediately know what the salary range is for your position, the same one that got over 300 applicants on LinkedIn? Did you intend to not tell them what you are willing to pay them either? The answer is that they have the answer, but will not disclose it to you. I was never able to get an answer to the question, "what is the salary range of the position?" Isn't it typical to discuss your wage with your employer? I received no information that was definitive. When speaking to the recruiter about details in-person, the things I was told were being revised while it was being told to me. You will be told that you will start as an hourly contracted employee on 1099 for 3-months, after which you will renegotiate a starting salary and be given a benefits package worth 40k. It is a falsehood. Below I'll paste the conversation between myself and the recruiter, you can determine for yourself if you'd like to go through this same experience. Me: "Good morning, As per our discussion last week, I have a clear understanding that I'll be starting on November 1st as an independent contractor for a 3-month period, with a transition to a salaried employee with full benefits starting on February 1st. I am eager to join the team and contribute my skills to the company. I’d like to discuss the hourly wage for the period between November 1st and January 31st. I am proposing a rate of $36 per hour. I have thoughtfully chosen this figure to reflect my commitment to the role, and my aim to align with the expectations we discussed. I am suggesting a wage that mirrors an annual salary of under $70,000. I believe this rate reflects my dedication to the role and my desire to contribute to the success of the company." Recruiter: "I’ll let you know if i will have $36 approval or not. Best Regards" 6 Days Pass Me: "I hope you had a good weekend. I'm interested in the decision that was made regarding my starting wage. I'm looking forward to starting my position at Progmax next week, and getting to know the team and our projects better. " R: "no approval yet.. i cannot write the offer if i don’t get approval for the wage" Me: "I'm curious whether there are any concerns regarding the proposed starting wage. If necessary, I am open to discussing adjustments during the three-month trial period. I attempted to reach you at the number provided in your signature, (number), but was unable to make contact. Could we schedule a brief call this week to discuss the offer approval? I'm available anytime during regular business hours at (number)." R: "to tell you truth i know i will not get approval for $36 per hour, taking way to long.. but i have a call with customer this Friday morning and will see what is the concern.. it is not my call to make since you asked over my limit.. (number) is my desk phone, I'm working remote" R: "They have big pockets, but they do look for skilled and experienced individuals. My authority stops at much lower rate.. $36.00 per hour is 72K per year based on 2000 hours. Our benefit package equivalent to another 40K+ would put you at over 112K total compensation. You would have to work for us at least 2 years to get that level.. If my customer says yes, or something close to what you are asking I will give If my customer says yes, or something close to what you are asking I will give you a call that same day.. Sorry I was really hoping you will come back with something smaller especially when I told you that 75K will not work due to your experience. If I’m wasting your time, I apologize, but we will not move forward until I get approval for something close to your asking or you come down to lower levels." I get called from a personal cellphone, get hollered at by a miserable recruiter telling me that he's my boss. Stay away. Stay safe. Protect your energy.
