Need advice about potential client hiring process

[mibrzycki]

I received an invitation to apply for a project from Upwork Talent Specialist. I submitted a proposal and the client requested an interview. The process took place with the 'HR Director' on Skype. I submitted written responses to a document sent to me. The potential client then wanted to hire me. I asked several questions along the way, concerned that we needed to move to the Upwork platform for the Offer/Acceptance/Contract stage, but he stated that this off-platform is their process of getting me equipped to do the work. He then sent an Employment Letter. I asked again why not move to Upwork for a contract process, and that I needed to get advice from the Upwork people as not to get myself into trouble, and wouldn't sign anything until I had some answers.

I tried to contact Upwork directly to get the advice I need, and after two attempts on Upwork support chat (where they promise to email me), I've gotten no help from them. Can someone please advise me on how to handle this client?

Thanks!

[m_terrazas]

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Peter G wrote:

I'd rather have my fees increased and have Upwork do better vetting for everyone.

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Not I.

[jeremiah-brown]

Just because a client wants to communicate off-site doesn't mean they're a scammer.  Many of them can be legitimate businesses simply wanting to use THEIR tried and true processes.  I have interviewed for NON-UPWORK jobs via Skype and other virtual meeting platforms when I worked in industry, it's not an unusual practice.

That said, it very well could be that the client simply neglected to read the terms, or in the case of an HR department could have handed the task off to someone else.  I have had several initial meetings where multiple people were involved and/or a different person because an owner had other things going on.

OP, what I would do is exactly what you have done.  Steer the conversation back to Upwork where it's required to be.  If that becomes an issue to them, it may be a sign that they are trying to circumvent Upwork for whatever reason.  Ask probing questions to discern whether it's intentionally misleading or simply a misunderstanding on their part.  

It's good that you caught this early in the process, many people get blinded by the job.  Good luck!

[sparkesusan · Accepted solution]

Short answer is...run! Away! It is a violation of UW terms of service to even continue this. Zero communication, block them, give them NO information. And then move on.