Should I even bother trying to get money from these people?

Question

A place that I interviewed at called me in, sounding very interested, for a second interview. They told me they would pay me if I cam in and worked with them for several hours. I agreed, and came in and build graphic piece for them to show my capabilities (I am a graphic designer). They seemed pleased with what I made, thanked me and told me they would be in touch with me within a week. I emailed them 7 days later since I hadn't heard back... no response. Now it has been almost a month! If they don't want hire me, fine.... whatever... but what kind of crap is it that they tell me the are going to pay me - and then don't. Should I harass them about the money?

Answer 1

You've been scammed.....they can't pay you as an employee until you are hired and put into their payroll system so they can deduct the appropriate taxes, etc.

They could pay you as a contractor through Accounts Payable, but without a written contract stating what they will pay and what the scope of work is, you will have a hard time getting $$ out of them in court (unless you have witnesses who can attest to the "verbal contract" between you and the company - unlikely since any potential witnesses are probably company employees.)

In future, don't agree to do work for a company without some sort of written document that describes the terms and conditions under which you'll earn those $$.

Answer 2

It has happened to me also a few times. Once I put in about $40 worth of telephone calls to complete an assignment given to me at the job interview. When I called up, the company said I made the short list and for me to send them the telephone bill. They never paid my bill or called. Most likely, you are going to need to harass them a lot before they'll pay up.

Answer 3

There are government offices that take care of worker's rights.
You could also sue them in small claims court (if you think it's worth that).