Do people know what they're getting into?

Hey guys, new to the board; been reading it for about a week. I'm a undergrad with a year to go, and I've been researching careers and company. Even before I found the site, I had ZERO interest in working for Enterprise, or any job with 'management trainee" in the title!

Anyway, I have a question for current or former ERACers (that's what you call yourselves right?!)

When you go through the interview process, and prior to accepting the job, did all of you know what you were getting into? Did you know all of day-to-day responsibilities ahead of time; ie. washing cars, driving customers around, working behind a counter? It seems as if people accept this job and then are surprised about how it turned out! Like people don't realize they're working a retail/customer service job (which is exactly what this sounds like).

Am I correct in my assumption? If so, why is this the case? Is Enterprise vague in their description of the job; like in the interview process? Do potential employees not ask enough question and/or do the HR folks try and dodge any detailed questions?

Why would anyone accept this job without knowing EXACTLY what they're getting into?

I was told that 70% of the job would be outside sales. I was told within 6 months I would be a BM making 50k+. And, I was also told that they have never laid off anyone in the history of ERAC.

Lies, lies, lies.

[The-Grass-Is-Greener!]

I was recruited by an agency and my education was marketing/business, so they focussed in on the marketing aspect and told me I would be on the road mostly marketing the company to insurance companies, body shops, dealerships, and corporate clients. They told me I would have to learn the business for 3 months, by being involved in the rental process, but it would be 3 months max and then I would be in the sales/marketing field making more money. They do a great job at hiding what really goes on after you get hired, as they are just looking for warm bodies to rent cars for as long as you can stand it. Plus they tell you to dress to impress and buy suits, and ties etc., which makes you think its a professional job. If they showed me an Enterprise golf shirt as the wardrobe, then you would understand it may be a retail job. I admit I was duped!~

[Robert]

Originally Posted by The-Grass-Is-Greener!

I was recruited by an agency and my education was marketing/business, so they focussed in on the marketing aspect and told me I would be on the road mostly marketing the company to insurance companies, body shops, dealerships, and corporate clients. They told me I would have to learn the business for 3 months, by being involved in the rental process, but it would be 3 months max and then I would be in the sales/marketing field making more money. They do a great job at hiding what really goes on after you get hired, as they are just looking for warm bodies to rent cars for as long as you can stand it. Plus they tell you to dress to impress and buy suits, and ties etc., which makes you think its a professional job. If they showed me an Enterprise golf shirt as the wardrobe, then you would understand it may be a retail job. I admit I was duped!~

Guess they lied?

[Popper1977]

Every post on this thread is right on, unfortunately. You will be told false promises regarding your promotion criteria, your level of involvement in the sales field, work/life balance, compensation, and the type of work you will do. The job itself is garbage and that is why Enterprise puts such a positive spin on it's career description in various employment publications, to lure new employees to replace the rampant turnover.

It is the best job in the world. Those that don't like it, couldn't hack it. It is challenging but it is fun and very financially rewarding. 28 years old and I make 125K a year.
Go ahead and bash it, I feel sorry for you.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by Unregistered879

It is the best job in the world. Those that don't like it, couldn't hack it. It is challenging but it is fun and very financially rewarding. 28 years old and I make 125K a year.
Go ahead and bash it, I feel sorry for you.

If you make 125K, then why cant you afford lunch at Chilis?