No toys for you! (On being a skeptical charity donor)
I hate being skeptical about charitable solicitors, but I am.
This evening there was a solicitor with a table display of children’s toys on the sidewalk in front of the Long’s Pharmacy on Middlefield Road, next to a barrel marked for donation to Toys for Tots. In general, I like to make planned donations, and usually only make unplanned donations to people and causes that I know or are reasonably likely to be who they say they are. (Girl Scout cookies come to mind…)
For some reason, this evening I actually took the time to stop at this woman’s display and hear her pitch. The basic idea was that you buy one of her “pre-approved” toys and put them in the donation barrel at the end of the booth. The suggested items were around $20, and at the moment I didn’t recall hearing of Toys for Tots before (it turns out they’re legitimate, and well rated at Charity Navigator), so I asked if she had any credentials or anything else to vouch for her. She had a letter in a plastic sheet protector describing Toys for Tots, but said she didn’t have any ID and no one there would know who she was.
I was starting to vaguely recall something about Toys for Tots (it’s the toy drive run by the Marine Corps), and it seemed they would be better organized than that. The woman offered to call her supervisor and proceeded to dial a number on her cell phone, but no one answered on the other end.
At this point in the conversation I’m thinking I’ve already spent too much time on this and want to leave, but I get out a pen to write down the contact info on the letter in the sheet protector anyway. The woman I’ve been talking with doesn’t offer her name, but volunteers that she’s working for a company called Fifth Dimension Promotions, so I write that down as well, and departed without making a toy or cash donation. I told her I wasn’t comfortable making a $20 donation to someone I didn’t know with no plausible credentials, and suggested that she have Toys for Tots or her company provide her with something for future outings.
Later, digging around on Google, no such company turns up as “Fifth Dimension Promotions”, but “5th Dimension Promotionz” is apparently a multi-level marketer based in San Jose. They don’t appear to have their own web site, but show many listings on various job sites. They describe themselves:
5th Dimension Promotionz is the nation’s leading provider of promotional marketing and event marketing solutions. We work in conjunction with industry leaders in the fields of hospitality, sports, and charities. 5th Dimension Promotionz provides unique cross promotional strategies and product launch promotions. We provide staff to represent our clients at trade shows and sporting events for sampling and product demonstrations, as well as providing sales and marketing efforts throughout our communities.
So, in the worst case, we have a freelance charity promoter, selling toys at what appears to be a relatively high markup in the name of charity, and perhaps even reclaiming the items from the donation barrel at the end of the day so little to nothing ends up going to charity.
In the best case, we have a freelance charity promoter, selling somewhat overpriced toys and using most of the profit margin to pay for the booth staffer and downline MLM, with some additional toys going to Toys for Tots. The donors would have achieved more by giving directly to Toys for Tots, although the promoter is arguably providing a marketing and convenience service. I probably would have donated if I were confident that some of the money would end up in right hands.
Having looked up Toys for Tots on Charity Navigator, it looks like it’s well run, with 98% of funds going to programs rather than overhead. I’m not sure that they even have an affiliation with 5th Dimension Productionz, other than having some extra toys turn up at the end of the season.
I have mixed feelings about all this. In principle, I think most people would like to help others who ask. In practice, I’m reflexively distrustful of anyone claiming to work for a charity or political cause. I was puzzled by the woman and her booth this evening, and was curious enough to spend a few minutes checking it out. I started out feeling kind of bad that I didn’t trust her, and ended up feeling kind of bad that I was probably right. I suspect that 5th Dimension Productionz isn’t doing anything wrong, exactly. The woman staffing the booth is just doing her job, trying to work up the MLM ladder. But at best they’re misrepresenting or conflating their objectives and the Toys for Tots. At worst they’re preying on the goodwill and lack of curiosity of passers-by to separate them from their money in the name of a good cause.
This is why I usually stick with planned charitable donations, other than to people and causes I know.
If you would like to make a donation and be sure that it’s going to Toys for Tots, you can use their online form here.
If anyone knows more about 5th Dimension Promotionz and Toys for Tots or their other charity clients, feel free to comment below.
No need to go over this again. Instead, here are some names they are operating under in Chicago:
Green Light Marketing
ID Promotionz
Sports Marketing International
Fast Track Marketing
SMI and Associates
Boomerang Marketing
Smart Circle
Also, look out for the name Doug Asher, who seems to be the man in charge of all this out here.
PS:
In regards to my last post, 91, PacWestern/World Solutions’ Craigslist ad also posted a compensation of 35-40k. Definitely not happening. And even if it does, it won’t come until you reach a management position. But who does that? Who posts what your salary MIGHT be if you work for them 8 months down the road?
WTF???!!!
In response to posts 55 and 88… I interviewed recently with a “High Performance Marketing” and was shocked to read this thread and discover the number and address for this 5th Dimension place is EXACTLY THE SAME as this High Performance Marketing (and BSR as noted in 88).
I actually did a first day at a new place here in San Jose called PacWestern (World Solutions). They offered me a position but I am growing very wary of them. After my “training day,” I’ve discovered their hierarchy system is laid out the same as High Performance. The numbers are literally identical:
2-4 weeks entry level
$300-$500 per week doing field work
6-8 months leadership/team leader
$500-$800 per week
assembling a team and continuing to also do field work
2-3 weeks assistant manager
salaried and doing primarily office work
I find it very interesting this pyramid style of advancement is identical for two completely unrelated companies.
I would like to thank all posters for their info, I had applied for a job and was getting all excited but my sister said it didnt seem right, there was something weird, this got us to google them and found nothing at first. Searched Paradigm Events, Paradigm Events Employee, Ex-Employee and nothing but the job postings came up. Finally did paradigm events scam and came up with this and I am glad to say I dont have to go on a dumb interview tomorrow.
Thank you.
I would like to thank all posters for their info, I had applied for a job and was getting all excited but my sister said it didnt seem right, there was something weird, this got us to google them and found nothing at first. Searched Paradigm Events, Paradigm Events Employee, Ex-Employee and nothing but the job postings came up. Finally did paradigm events scam and came up with this and I am glad to say I dont have to go on a dumb interview tomorrow.
Thank you.
Same deal, new company:
BSR Marketing
2998 Scott Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Recruitment e-mail:
I’d like to thank you for your general interest in our company. After reviewing the resumes, we feel as if yours exemplifies many of the qualifications that we are looking for in our team. We would like to meet with you within the next few days to begin the formal interview process. Prior to an initial interview we recommend browsing our websites to find additional information concerning our company’s innovative marketing concepts.
BSR Marketing, Inc. creates exciting promotional events for various non-profit and charity clients. You can review our site to learn more about our clients, services, and careers at http://www.bsrmarketinginc.com.
Below, you will find our contact information please give us a call @ 408-727-1110 in order to schedule a definite time to meet with you and discuss the opportunities that are available at our firm. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Jamie Hughes
BSR Marketing, Inc.
Ph: 408-727-1110
—
Cheers
As I’m job searching and looking up scams I came across this lovely page and time consumingly read every post. I wasted enough time so might as well comment on some things that made me laugh. Maybe it’s just me but if people want a job isn’t it good to see what you would be doing before you accept anything? oh well, maybe some people like to be surprised.
5% is actually a good percentage for a company to give to a charity. The company I most recently worked for cut their matching funds donation to their charity. I guess it wasn’t in the budget anymore?
How is someone too young to be a president of a company? We hear about Napster and Facebook being created by college students. Aren’t they their own presidents? Just a thought.
And, to the last poster. Did you seriously just get real upset because someone said a person was out on holiday? Isn’t it the holiday season? Don’t employees take off two or so weeks for Christmas vacation sometimes? I had to laugh at that one.
And kudos to those who put their names.
Thanks a ton for this post. I received the exact same email as the post above from ID Promotionz promptly at 830. The next day Im called back for an interview and all that is required is a Drivers License and if I was looking for “full-time”. Of course an entry level candidate is looking for full time. I said that I had read up about them on the internet and that it seemed very shady. She was familiar with the claims and said that they were not associated with 5th Dimension Promotionz and that the better business bureau could clear their name. This could be true, however, it definitely smells funny.
Thank you all so much for this information! I went to my first interview at Paradigm Events (obviously the same company as 5DP an all the others), and ended up getting the call-back for the second one tomorrow. The whole “direct marketing” pitch seemed strange to me, so I decided to google this first… and damn, am I glad I found this. You guys have saved me a lot of time and trouble.
I have a BA from one of the best universities in the country – no way am I putting up with this shit. I’d rather wait tables or serve burgers than do this. (luckily though, I already have a decent job, so I won’t need to do that just yet)
Due to the economy being in such a mess, I’m on the look out for a second job. Searching through Monster.com yesterday evening, I stumbled over an ad for a company called Paradigm Events. I applied & this morning received a ‘Congratulations’ email from someone named Kevin James asking me to call to set up an interview. I browsed through the ‘company’s’ website & didn’t like what I read. I googled the company name and this blog came up. After reading all the comments, & other people’s experiences, Its alarmingly clear that 5th Dimension Promotionz & Paradigm Events are one in the same. Beware!
hahaha yeah this place is a total scam! i have a B.A in Marketing and when i applied for them( yesterday) then sent me an email at 8:30 pm, saying call them as soon as i get the email.well heres the email…
I’d like to thank you for your recent application online and for your
interest in a career with our company! I’d like to let you know that I
recently received your resume that you submitted to our open positions and I
passed it along to my management team. After carefully reviewing it, they’d
like to invite you in to meet with our hiring manager for a one-one-one
interview, so Congrats! We are really excited about expanding into a new
location and expanding our client portfolio. So right now we’re focused on
building the team of people who will gain the opportunity to help us
represent these new campaigns. I know they’re looking to fill positions as
soon as possible, so as soon as you receive this email, please contact me
directly at (847) 285 – 5224 in order to schedule your interview. You’ll be
meeting with our manager here in our Schaumburg location, so please make
note of the address I have listed below. I would also really recommend you
read more about our company on our website at: http://www.idpromotions.com to find
detailed information of our campaigns and clients we work with and also so
that you may be more prepared to meet with our management team. Thank you
once again and I look forward to meeting you soon!
Sincerely,
Shannon Davis
HR Department
I.D. Promotions, Inc.
1125 Tower Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Ph: 847-285-5224
http://www.idpromotions.com
i called them, this morning, asked them for “Shannon Davis” when i was told by a girl name michelle that she was ” out of town for the holiday” the holiday was last fuckin week!!!! i call BULL SHIT! so anyways talking to this “michelle” she said i was “Way qualified for this position” cuz of my BA. They wanted me to come in tomorrow morning at 11 for an interview. After reading all this i know its a scam for sure. this company needs to be brought down! i feel bad for all you ppl who when to this company for and interview and had to endure all their bullshit! I thank you all who post everything saying this was a scam! i didnt bust my ass for 4 years to get fucked by this company!
They all seem to be the same firm, just with a new name.
They are carnies moving form one town to the next. After the word gets out they are a scam they change their name and get a new shitty web-site. I am sooooo glad I did not go to Hayward today.
They even have the same f***ing stock photos!
“Paradigm Events, Inc. is a privately owned promotional marketing firm located in San Leandro, CA. Sean Garner founded the company in response to a demand by local area consumers and businesses for a more effective, personal, and results-driven sales approach…”
I think this might be the same company, here in IL:
http://www.idpromotionz.com/
Also watch out for High Performance Promotions. They share the same office with 5th Dimension Promotionz. I got caught up in it. It was a very long day of standing on my feet. From 7:30 AM to 6:15 PM. They say that they aren’t the same, yet they are in the same office. They have meetings together in the same office, have group meetings together, have people from both companies train you, and both companies phone numbers are the same and answered by the same person. I found that this wasn’t the right job for me, no matter how desperate I am for a job. (I’ve been put of a job for 10 months now) I was once a store manager and never worked hours like I did nor stood up for as long as I did, nor did I ever worked with the limited breaks that I’d had or ever worked during a lunch break. (Unless it was an emergency) So just keep your eyes open for them as well.
OMG! I’m in dire financial need which is the ONLY reason why I’ve taken this job on. I was chosen today out of a room of 12 (weee) to have the HONOUR of being a part of this multi-level marketing gig, Paradigm Events (I’ll call P.E.). *sigh* I wish it wasn’t so.
I watched exactly what all of you have: “charity programs” & wavering customer product prices working (supposedly) hand-in-hand. I drove 25 miles to get to P.E., just to then find out that where I’m going to shaddow, was 10 minutes TOPS from my HOUSE!!!!! So, I’m driving my own car, and if you’ll do the math with me: 25 miles to P.E., 25 miles to drive to the “event”, 25 miles to P.E. for my 3rd “interview” & 25 miles back home, with the congrats to me that I have the F-ING job! *sigh* That was 100 miles today & just so you know, that’s 1/4 tank on my car!! Not like I’m getting paid yet or ever being reimbursed! This BLOWS! I could almost cry.
I’m job-shopping (as I’ve been doing for some time now) while enduring this nightmarish crap. Believe it or not, I’m ACTUALLY going in to my first day of “work” tomorrow….trust me, I wouldn’t if I didn’t need the $$$ so badly.
While you’re laughing at me for doing this, I hope you’ll also wish me luck. I’ll post back on here again when I finally LEAVE this joke-of-a-company (hopefully soon). And each & every one of you will say, “Told You So!”…. (I’m toughening up my skin since I know it’s coming)
Holy crap. You’re experiences are mirroring mine! I was called 1 day after my interview and was told to shadow some girl named Erica from 9a-6p. So, we got in her car (skeptical at this point, but I still thought it was legit), drove 50 miles up to Greenville, MI Wal-Mart and set up a table to “sell” things for the D.A.R.E. program. About 2 hours into it, Erica started changing the prices on customers. A little beach ball went from $5 all of a sudden to $7. I was really uncomfortable. So, I decided to call my fiance (who lives 60 miles away) and told him to get me the F out of there. Luckily, I didn’t put my SSN down. It’s a complete scam. DON’T FALL FOR IT!!!
WISH I HAD FOUND THIS SITE AND MANY OTHERS…I WORK THERE FOR LIKE 5 DAYS AND REALIZED SOMETHING WAS WORNG…NEVER RECEIVED MY PAY CHECK (THEY NEVER SEND MY CHECK THROUGH MAIL)
Oh yeah….I gave them my fuckin ss# b-day full name all that shit… If I get identity theft I’ll go back and kick some fuckin asses.
Good lookin out y’all. I interviewed today and was hesitating on going to the 2nd tomorow. Recent college grad lookin for an entry level position. I could tell by the 22 or some old dude working at the san jose office that I had a better resume than any of their ‘managers’. Could tell it was bullshit. But adter reading the blog, I knwew for sure that this is some horsecrap. I would rather bus tables than do this shit. They dont pay you enough for the shit it sounds like you go through. Peace 5th Dimentionz. Hello Red Robin.
You all in the San Jose area will find this funny. All of you who met with “Lindsay” at 5DP who was the “VP”. Well, I saw her out side of Trader Joe’s doing yet another flaky charity table. This time she was actually out of the street at the table though. This time it was selling make-up to help kids with clef pallet surgery. The funny thing was I knew I recognized her from somewhere, and as she tried her little “oh you can still help with buying a t-shirt” it hit me. I actually started to chuckle on the spot! I guess the VP position at 5DP isn’t working out, or maybe shes on her 2nd company now… who knows.
Thank you all so much for your input. I too found this horrendous job on careerbuilder a supposedly legitimate job finding site (filled more with temp agencies than actual jobs). I called and have an interview set up with this “Lindsay” on Monday as well! Thank God I didn’t waste my time or money putting my son in daycare for this scam!
I believe that this ‘virus’ has spread! I was looking for a job in the Central Illinois area, and saw a similar listing of jobs advertised… The name, however, was not 5th Dimension Promotions, but rather ID Promotionz. The common factor, of course, is the misspelled “Promotionz” in the name. I was only lucky enough to find this page when doing a search for ID Promotionz… And found many ‘companies’ with teh misspelled Promotionz. Figuring that the name couuldn’t be that much of a coincidence… I clicked. And am glad that I did.
Thank you all who have taken the time to provide your stories. I’m sorry to hear about your adventure… But know that you’ve saved many from the same fate! I KNEW it just sounded too good to be true… Maybe someday I’ll learn to listen to that little voice. I wish you the best of luck on your job searches.
1. This is not a scam, its called a pyramid scheme where you move up through recruiting suckers…i.e. people who work all day for free. (5% goes to charity, 95% administrative fees)
2. Its not really for a good cause, its for yourself, and if you are greedy and don’t have morals this is a great job for you.
3. It isn’t illegal, people volunteering their money, that isn’t illegal, but they are stupid. Most people don’t have the heart to say no to a nice looking girl or a guy in a suit. They feel inferior.
4. Many companies are like this and they aren’t for everyone, but this is the least of our worries as far as ethics. all you people are venting, which I would too, but it was your choice to stay their all day, I walked HOME and got a ride to my car in Santa Clara on Scott Blvd.
5. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL, NIGGA THIS BITCH THAT BLEARING IN THE LOBBY FROM HE SLUTTY RECEPTIONIST WHO TALKED ABOUT DRUGS WITH ME… and I LOVE RAP TOO!!!!!!!!! Still offended.
6. IF you are VERY desperate and need money and don’t mind making like 8$ an hour for a 54 hour week this is your gig.
7. If you have a college degree. please have some fucking pride, these people are full of greed.
Hello Everyone,
I found the same thing with Paradigm Events. Apparently they work the same way. Please don’t trust these companies.
Oh yeah one other note about the nielsen group, not only that it is better, you have the chance to climb up the latter with your outcome of work! You can start out as a representative and be area coordinator or manager in about 6 months to a year. So you are not wasting your time. Also, the pay is based pay with bonuses if you can get more people to use the Nielsen Service (this job is not commission like 5dp or the marketing group based in san francisco). Don’t fall into the scams, if you want to do direct marketing or start out with marketing best to do it with a respected company and recognized worldwide and will give potential of completing long term goals (to those that have to pay bills and want to advance in thier careers). Visit their website: http://www.nielsen.com Its a huge company don’t get nervous about it. Oh yeah, make sure you list your college education—which I think only college gradutes can apply. Peace out!
Hey Guys,
I remember, I did this exact same thing. I went on the interview and had a horrible second interview and the trainer was a complete idiot that didn’t know a thing about marketing. Like Mr. Dibbs, I have to say that only do 5dp if you really want to do it and if you don’t have a college education (sorry the pun, but its true). The person that trained me never finished college and knew nothing about marketing. She also tried to educate me on marketing, even when I told her a few weeks ago, I just graduated with a Marketing Degree from a university. She only knew the difference between direct and indirect marketing, as for marketing management, she knew nothing. She didn’t even know the basics of marketing. So, it is very important for a person to have an education to figure out the idea of these MLM schemes. Be careful, and don’t get sucked in. Don’t worry, even though, last year was hard, I can tell you now that with patience your dream job does come. I am only 24 and I am making in the high five figures, and when I say hi, I mean much higher than the 5dp ‘leaders’ are making. Don’t worry, just be patient and the job will come. Also, if you are looking to find a job like 5dp, but don’t want to be apart of their scandalous scams, try The Nielsen Group. Nielsen Research Group is a marketing firm that deals with media and its outlets. What you basically do is similar to the 5dp, but you are part of a world-wide recognized company, doing marketing that will allow you to do management, operations, finance, and allow you to transfer anywhere around the world. So if youw ant your start, try The Nielsen Group! And the last time I checked, about 5minutes ago, Nielsen is currently hiring for Marketing/Account Representatives for the Bay area and Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto area. You do almost the same as 5dp, but better. And heck its worldwide (and also in the entertainmetn industry, visit their website, you will not be disappointed)! The potential there is better and you will get paid no matter what! And if you outpreform yourself, you get a huge bonus! Trust me, I did it before I got the job at HP! Its one of those companies that if you work there for a good time, and develop new skills you can almost be guaranteed first interviews if you decide to leave the company.
Well thats just my take. For those looking for a job and seeing about 5dp and their scams, don’t waste your time. Try Nielsen or something. Why am I posting this? Well, I was one of those naive persons tha went to the second interviews and for those researching on 5dp, avoid it and try to get an interview with a company like Nielsen (also, they provide you with a car!).
Peace out and I hope this out for the job seekers!
When I first graduated from college this was one of the first offers I received. Initially they looked like a legit company, but the selection process was a little bit too much for such a low starting pay. I spent my day in front of Trader Joe’s in Campbell asking for donations and selling I.D. kids to help missing kids. It seemed like a good cause, but of course I wouldn’t know how the contract or structure actually workd. Anyhow, I’m glad I didn’t take the job. I mean I’m making more now with much lesser stress. The funny part is, this was nearly a year ago and they continue to post on monster/careerbuilder/craigslist with the same punch lines. So I would assume the rentention rate must be very low. It’s not worth it, while the person at the top is making 6 figures, you’re making like 1/5 that amount if that. Seriously, I would not recommend 5dp unless it is something that you really like doing and I can’t stress the really like part enough.
I don’t understand why everyone is hating against direct marketing. I use to work with lindsey in 5dp. Actually I think what she does is smart. The best way to market something is to do it yourself in person. Commercials and billboards are hardly remembered. Even then, they don’t make me impulsed to purchase something right then and there. i’m easily impulsed for anything if someone pitch’s me right. At least they help different charities and make money at the same time. What’s wrong with that? The only reason I left was because I physically cannot stand on my feet for more than a few hours at a time due to stress fractures from flat feet. Other than that, i’d still be there doing it. you guy’s gotta be open minded and see the opportunity. Believe me, i’ve done the research from top down. It works for some, but not for all. you guys don’t have to rip on it though, just cuz it didn’t work for you. ya know?
Well… Here’s the thing with charity organizations, especially the ones into marketing. They have no souls. And yes I like charity organizations, because it’s a way for people to feel that they are doing something good and they sleep better at night, while I pad up my pockets. And I know how charity organizations are, famous ones like breast cancer awareness? They give a whopping 1 % to the breast cancer society which then gives half of that to actual research?
These people have to eat too. And in an economy as volatile as this, I’ll take anything. But I will not work for free. I expect to be paid for my efforts, including wasting my time on a second interview if that is the case. Donate cars to charity? The people who needs it will probably see a nickle’s worth of it while I work to keep my place. I’m in a 1 BR apartment that I pay 1000 a month for, these bills don’t pay for themselves. I don’t even own any furniture because I don’t make enough money! So… I do not work for free, and I know all about charity organizations. They’re all the same.
I don’t care, I’ll join the soulless bastards, at least it helps these rich fools sleep better at night as I take their money away from their hands being that they’re the ones that’s contributing to the bankruptcy of the US.
Thank god for this blog! I also received the email from them and when I didn’t call them back, they called me to set up an interview. I went to their website and my nephew could’ve done a better job on creating the website than what they had!
I felt like there was something wrong with this company and apparently I was right.
Well, I better go and cancel my interview for tomorrow afternoon before I have to also give 3 reasons why I should be hired!!!
On second thought maybe that’s not such a good idea…
http://www.newdawndistributioninc.com tried to give my pc a few viruses.
visit http://www.anissaroth.com, click on Portfolio.
You’ll notice that most of the links on the left side are broken, but if you write down the names of the companies that flash through the preview pane, you’ll find that they are all carbon copies of 5dp with different names.
Lindsey as president of the company?!? To young to be one.
Lobby area…music blasted really loud. Unprofessional.
You guys are all right about this company.
Wow! im sitting here in my suit ready to interview for a good cause!
Wow! Thank God for you guys! I can’t tell you how depressing it is to sit here and get hasseled by people like this.
It’s as if not having a job isn’t bad, they have to toy with your emotions too.
Thanks you u guys…..I also received the same mail today morning, and when I called them in the afternoon I was told the interview is tomorrow, which was a flag#1 for me. when I tried to ask any more questions the person hung up on me….flag # 2. But still I started preparing for interview, and in the process stumbled across this page. Now I am not going there.
last week at safeway as we were coming out one lady came to us and told us abt the charity for lost chindren and asked us to buy two shirts for just 20 dollars. The whole time she was looking at my son, so I caved in and bought the t-shirts. so beware…..they are just waiting for u…
WOW. Another dumbass (me) over here. I basically spent the whole day outside Safeway selling their “new client” Victoria Jackson cosmetics (i dont even know who the fuck she is) to support Operation Smile. There were so many shady things but I just blew it off because I needed a job so badly.
Well we all know about Lyndsey, so I will just start with my second “interview”.
FIRST: the first shady thing was when my “trainer” asked me right before we got into the car if I brought a copy of my resume. I don’t know wtf he was thinking bc when I looked in his hand THERE WAS MY RESUME that I had handed in for the first interview.
SECOND: during the car ride he asked me stupid questions that only apparently has one specific answer to each question. then he said to be sure to take notes b/c i will be tested on it later. i idiotically took notes.
THIRD: when we arrived, we went to the safeway manager place and told them we were setting up. i think it was supposed to be “important” but they didnt care at all.
FOURTH: i felt like the dumbest person in the world b/c i actually dressed business formal while standing outside the entrance of safeway HASSLING people.
FIFTH: many prices didn’t match. i didn’t understand. but i didn’t care anymore b/c i knew this job wasn’t for me. my trainer was teaching me how to greet people, and how we can’t ask yes/no answers bc people usually say no. -_- gee i wonder why.
SIXTH: after a whole day of shit, for some weird reason another trainer who came with us asked me to go with her to “check out”. i didn’t get why she couldnt do it alone.. so when we went to the manager place, she was like, “i just wanted to talk to _name_ to let her know we’re checking out”. they did not give a shit.
SEVENTH: when i got back, i was made to fill out a questionnaire. when it asked what the least favorite part of the day was, i said “getting out of my comfort zone to hassle people”. 5 min after i submitted it for my trainer and “Loo” to discuss, (I think Loo is lyndsey but i’m not sure), my trainer brought me outside to talk to me about all the “mistakes” i did on my questionnaire/test. they were circled in red marker. he circled the word “hassle” and wrote PROBLEM next to it. then he told me “you know, hassle is very negative. did you really think I was hassling them?” i lied b/c i felt bad saying he was. then he said Loo was unsure whether or not I am qualified, so I needed to give 3 things that make me different from other interns. I gave 2 b/c I couldn’t think of a third one. and I didn’t care. Then he told me to give him three reasons why I wanted this job. I gave him bullshit.
He immediately then asked me when I’d be available for the job. i told my trainer i needed ONE DAY to “discuss with my mom” when its just a reason to decline if i were offered. my trainer immediately said “you know, between two interviewees we will hire the person who is most available to us.” Then I said, I still needed to discuss with her. He asked me, “Is this your decision or is it your mom’s.” That made me really annoyed and I told him “It’s ultimately mine but I take my mom’s opinions very seriously.” He knew I was annoyed so he became very nice again and said “of course very understandable.”
Then he went back and came out. He told me the last “space” is already filled for a summer intern, and that if I really wanted the job I will have to email Lindsey by tomorrow noon 3 reasons why I deserve the job and why I wanted to work there. they wouldnt even give me ONE DAY??? Geez. Anywho. I said fine and left.
what a horrible day.
I wish I would have found this page before my horrible day I just went through today!!!!!!!! WHAT DID I GET OUT OF THIS??? A HEADACHE, SORE FEET FROM STANDING IN HEELS ALL DAY, AND OH YEAH A COMPLETE WASTE OF MY ENTIRE DAY..
God bless the internet!.. I just recieved my congratulations letter tonight and checked out the website… Like someone above said, it seemed sketchy so I googled further… Thank you to all of you who posted your horror stories! You have saved several of us…May good karma come your way…
This was the lovely email I received this morning. After reviewing their website and speaking with their ‘HR dept/ receptionists’ I realized something wasn’t right here. Thanks for blogging this scam.
After carefully reviewing your resume, we here at
5DP would like to congratulate you, for you have
been selected for a preliminary interview.
5th Dimension Promotionz develops and executes
innovative marketing campaigns for high profile clients
in the San Jose area. Recently expanding into the area,
we are currently interviewing candidates for several
openings available on our team. Those openings currently
include Event Marketing Assistant, Manager Assistant, Customer
Service, Event Coordinator and Public Relations. For more
information about us and our available openings please visit
our website at: http://www.5thdimensionpromotions.com.
The preliminary interview is a one-on-one interview
with our directing manager. You will be meeting
with Lindsey Barnes and your interview will be
conducted here in our San Jose location, so please make
note of the address listed below.
Please contact Michelle Ross at (408) 727 -1110
to schedule your interview right away.
Once again, Congratulations!
Thank you in advance for your interest and your time.
Sincerely,
Michelle Ross
HR Department
5th Dimension Promotionz, Inc.
2998 Scott Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Off: 408-727-1110
Fax: 408-727-1115
http://www.5thdimensionpromotions.com
Maybe the San Jose building is closed but they have an office in Santa Clara. Had an interview scheduled for today @ 2 p.m. Thank God I read this blog just in time to cancel my interview and save myself from such crap people…
Thought all of you might find this amusing. I just happened to run across this blog because I was searching an address on the Internet and found that 5th Dimension Promotionz used to be at this address. Well, looks like this place has closed down in San Jose because the space is available for lease. Which I am considering. In any case, hope that those of you who wasted your time with them now feel better that they are no longer there. Good luck with your job searches!
Thanks a Million to all, I went through the same crap for 5th Dimension Promotionz, interviewed with Lindsey at San Jose & I was called to for the 9.30 – 6.30 process tomorrow. Thanx to all of you, you saved my whole day, in fact I was about to turn down another offer for this.
is Paradigm Evens Inc (http://www.paradigmevents.net)
like 5th dimensions promotionz??
there is an another website with the exact name, Paradigm Events but their website is (http://www.paradigmevents.com)