An Australian company has come under fire for advertising ‘fake’ jobs to fill the office ahead of a client visit – with hundreds deeming the act an ‘unethical scam’.
A high-end skincare brand in Sydney wants to hire ‘office staff’ of all genders who can present a ‘polished, professional appearance’.
The job pays $150 per day and was advertised as a two-day contract.
Many speculated the company misrepresented themselves to an investor and now needs to keep up appearances for an audit.
The job description reads: ‘Seeking individuals to temporarily act as office staff during important VIP client visit.
‘Your role will involve sitting at a desk, appearing to work, and joining the team to welcome the VIP at the entrance upon their arrival.
‘No speaking or interaction is required; simply maintain a professional and friendly demeanor.’
Other key requirements for the role include: ‘Ability to wear standard office attire. Must be able to quietly work on personal tests while seated at a workstation. Available for the entire duration of the visit until the VIP departs.’
An Australian company has come under fire for advertising ‘fake’ jobs to fill the office ahead of a VIP visit
The job pays $150 per day and was advertised as a two-day contract
The job posting was listed on Star Now, a job website for actors and content creators.
Screenshots of the post went viral on Reddit where many others shared similar experiences.
‘I worked at a call centre in the 1990s that paid a bunch of backpackers to come in and pretend to be selling whenever we had a prospective client come through,’ one shared.
‘They could’ve boasted to a big potential client that they have a big office in Sydney to take on work, but don’t have the staff or the staff is offshore,’ another assumed.
One added, ‘My husband says this is because they’re selling the company – they want it to look they have lots of business and staff love working there to show off to the potential buyer.’
But others believe the ad is much less sinister.
‘This is definitely going to be a prank show,’ a man wrote.
‘I suspect this is a way to get extras for an advertisement shoot,’ another said.
‘The ‘VIP’ is probably some actor. Seems more likely to me than spending $150 per head to fool some executive.’
