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millermcnutt · 17-03-2012, 04:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Loverman

I shall make a bold prediction that you will be back shortly to say you successfully downloaded the book, it's a brilliant book, it's not a scam and we should have faith in Mermaid Group.

Well, I am not having much luck (with the book) I did get a response from ANN POWELL from THE MERMAID GROUP with a link, but I cannot get my computer to download it. HOWEVER, I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT I WILL BE TAKING THE PSYCHOMETRIC TEST ON MONDAY 3.19.2012. I just hope I can get a copy of the ebook BEFORE I take the test. There are 17 people taking the test and Ms. Powell replied that they are only accepting the TOP 3, so wish me luck, that I will be ONE OF THE THREE!!! I'm so glad to get your response. People on here were saying things about the people who replied about THE MERMAID GROUP have only had ONE post...WELL LOOK PEOPLE, THIS GENTLEMAN HAS MADE OVER 1000 POSTS!! I will keep everyone up to date on my progress with the company and any positions that I am subsequently offered.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

millermcnutt · 17-03-2012, 05:20

ok, I DID FINALLY get the ebook, from THE MERMAID GROUP, downloaded ON MY CELL PHONE, not the best choice to try and view the thing, but it worked. I have to say that I was a little disappointed [just with the information covering the PSYCHOMETRIC TEST] It was (I was lead to believe) important to read the ebook so one would be WELL PREPARED FOR THE TEST...as only the TOP 3 are kept [in the application process]. But after downloading and reading it, there was ONLY ONE PAGE that was Psychometric Test SPECIFIC.... they gave you about 6 questions as "sample questions" then after you answered them the response was..."ok, if you answered YES to questions 1 then you should have answered NO to questions 3 & 4" THAT WAS IT!!! That was the extent of covering this MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS! It is reiterated many times that THIS TEST WILL DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL IN SECURING A JOB WITH THE CRUISE LINES...and THIS was all it was covered in the ebook..... So, wish me luck on the test!! I may need it!!!!!!!

Mr. Loverman · 17-03-2012, 06:33

Whoosh!

millermcnutt · 18-03-2012, 05:43

Ok, well the verdict is not in yet regarding the "possible scam" The lady who has been contacting me seems on the up & up but as I said, the verdict is not in yet. I did download the ebook. IF YOU DOWNLOAD IT WITH THE PRECISE INTENTION THAT IT WILL HELP YOU (IN ANY WAY) WITH THE PSYCHOMETRIC TEST, THEN YOU ARE WASTING YOUR MONEY!!!! They play it up like the book is going to tell you "what" and "how" to answer the questions....NOT SO AT ALL!!!!! Don't get me wrong, it does give you good information, but it is information that you could get online for NOTHING! It DOES NOT, I REPEAT, DOES NOT go into any detail about the test!!!!! I went online and google'd 'PSYCHOMETRIC TEST' and got more sample questions than I got from this book. And here is the thing about a psychometric test: THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG ANSWER to any of the questions!!!!!!!! You can answer it TRUTHFULLY and HOPE you end up as a candidate, or you can TELL THEM WHAT THEY WANT and you MAY OR MAY NOT still end up a candidate. It is like they have a size 7 shoe to fill, and they want to see if you are a PERFECT SIZE 7.... if you are a SIZE 9 (this derived from the answers you give) then they don't want to try to shove you into a SIZE 7 SHOE! They want to make sure that YOU are going to be a "good fit" for the particular job opening they have. And as someone already posted, they [MERMAID] ARE NOT DIRECTLY AFFILIATED with any particular Cruise Line. They are a THIRD PARTY that does "outsourcing". I actually have been speaking with a woman who is in "this kind of business" basically she does the "pre-interview" and then if she feels that this person [like ME, who is applying] is a "good fit" for the job [which the Cruise Ship] is hiring for, then she will inturn, pass my name and information along to the Cruise Line. IF THEY CRUISE LINE HIRES ME, (and I stay for a set contract of time) THEN, AND ONLY THEN, WILL SHE (in this case THE MERMAID GROUP) collect a "placement fee" FROM THE CRUISE LINE. So this is HOW this company gets paid. That part is legitimate I think. The whole thing with the ebook is a way for them to make EXTRA MONEY. I think they played the book up in a [not really "malicious" way...but I don't feel that they were completely TRUTHFUL about the abilities of this book helping a person]
The book DOES contain information that will help you contact the Cruise Lines DIRECTLY. However, I paid $3000+ to attend a training class (for TOURISM & TRAVEL) and upon completion of this class, they provided me with a book, of much the same information. So it could be helpful (to some degree) to some people, but for me...IT WAS A WASTE OF $32.12USD.
My psychometric test is scheduled for Monday (3.19.2012) through ANOTHER OUTSOURCED COMPANY (not The Mermaid Group) there are 17 people taking the test and ONLY THE TOP 3 BEST FIT (to fill the current vacancy at the Cruise Line) will advance to the next stage. Again, there is really no "preparing" for this test, you just take it and see what happens.... And as promised, I will keep everyone (who is interested) up to date of the progress. If there are people who are looking for some sort of answer to the question "IS THE MERMAID GROUP A SCAM?" I hope this post has in some way helped you come to a definitive answer.

MrStuffins · 18-03-2012, 05:49

LAD why is it that YOUR POSTS seem to have RANDOM capital letters?

Also, may I ask where you are from? Are you from Ireland?

millermcnutt · 18-03-2012, 06:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrStuffins

LAD why is it that YOUR POSTS seem to have RANDOM capital letters?

Also, may I ask where you are from? Are you from Ireland?

Good Morning!! They aren't really "random" we just do silly little things like that over here on this side of the pond... I am in The US - Kentucky to be exact. Nice to meet you!

millermcnutt · 22-03-2012, 05:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Loverman

I shall make a bold prediction that you will be back shortly to say you successfully downloaded the book, it's a brilliant book, it's not a scam and we should have faith in Mermaid Group.

well, I don't know about your prediction. I was SUPPOSE to be receiving (email) of the psychometric test THIS PAST MONDAY, it is now THURSDAY and I still have not seen any test. I even contacted this ANN POWELL from THE MERMAID GROUP on numerous occasions to inquire about the test and I cannot get ANYONE from The Mermaid Group to even acknowledge me. I purchased the ebook, wasn't impressed, and now it looks like I am just out $32!!! Wouldn't really be a big deal, IF I HAD A JOB or IF I COULD SPARE $32, but when you are UNEMPLOYED and your parents are helping to pay every bill you have, $32 REALLY COUNTS!!!!!
So MY OPINION of The MERMAID GROUP isn't a good one at this point!!!

Graciefacey · 22-03-2012, 08:22

Typing in capital letters is akin to shouting. And its irritating

poozers · 22-03-2012, 12:23

yeah, its a bit annoying alright! only because it makes your posts really tedious to read!
anyway, i went for this aaaaages ago, and after they told me to buy the book, i just forgot about it! especially when at the time i went looking for info on the company, and this thread is basically all i could find!
@millermcnutt - i wouldnt trust that few people on here that said got jobs through the company are actually real people (maybe reps for the mermaid group themselves!) it pretty easy to set up a fake account and leave a msg here and there! i dont think "bennyrep" is still at sea or anything! just said id say it!

millermcnutt · 23-03-2012, 01:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graciefacey

Typing in capital letters is akin to shouting. And its irritating

i am so sorry, is this better?? Where I come from, it isn't shouting, it is placing EMPHASIS on something. If I were shouting, you would know it...just sayin

JennC · 22-08-2012, 11:34

Hey everyone. I know I'm a little late to the party but I read this thread a couple of nights ago. I had applied for a job through Mermaid Group about a week ago (Casino Cashier). I was emailed and told I was shortlisted on Monday, and was advised to download the ebook. At that point sirens started going in my head. Obviously a company asking for money comes across as a scam to alot of us. So after going through this thread (and a few on Yahoo Answers) I decided to respond to the latest email stating I didnt want to download the book but would still like to proceed with my application. I honestly didnt expect a response, or if i got one i assumed I'd be told my application wouldnt be going any further. However, lo and behold, I got an email last night being told I would get the test sent out to me today. I havent had the test yet, hopefully it will be in when i get home from work.
I was told similar to what other people have been advised on here - only the top 3 tests will progress to the next stage. I was also told that the test has recently got much harder, a point that was reitterated a couple of times through out the email.
In the email where i was informed I had been short listed I was told that, if I passed all the stages, a face to face interview would be held in 4 weeks, and the successful candidate would then fly out 9 weeks later to meet the ship in either Miami or San Paulo.
I have decided to follow this application for as long as i can, and I'll post the progress on here. I havent paid any money so i've not lost anything. And I found it hard to find any definitive positive answers so hopefully it'll help someone else.
Also, i know i only have 1 post, but i promise i dont work for Mermaid Group!!

leighhobson89 · 22-08-2012, 17:30

Hi ... I am in just the same position as JennC, I have today just received my shortlist. I am not going to buy the book, and if I can I would like to proceed with the application, so I, too, will keep you all informed. I am applying for a cashier job. I got the Miami, or San Juan information too.

Also I thought that someone might be able to interpret the official government website for Companies House, to see if they are registered on it. Heres the link...

http://wck2.companieshouse.gov.uk/b1...essCompanyInfo

I couldnt find them, though I dont know what their registered name is...

Also, last thing, again maybe not important, their address is iffy, on the contact us page of their website, not giving specifics...Furthermore I "virtually" drove up the said street on Google Street View and could find no trace of an office or sign in their name...again dodgy, but sometimes the company is newer than the photo.

Lastly the phone number works, but always diverts to an answer phone saying lines are busy, and the voice message sounds like a crackly old woman!!

JennC · 22-08-2012, 23:04

Oh Leigh, we are up for the same job! haha!

Well I had my psychometric test in my inbox when I got home tonight so I have completed it and sent it back. If i am successful I will get an email on Sept 7th. If I dont hear anything I havent been successful. Fingers crossed!!!

poozers · 23-08-2012, 11:39

well, actually, dont want to be putting a dampner on ye're applications. but about a month ago i got an email from allcruisejobs.com (who i originally went through to apply to the Mermaid group, like jobs.ie, except for cruise jobs) the subject of the email was "Validity of the Mermaid Group".
and they said

"At All Cruise Jobs we continually strive to ensure our services are ethical.

Therefore we take action when we are made aware of potential scams.

We notice that you have applied for at least one job through The Mermaid Group, and would like your help in ascertaining they are a valid Company.

Please could you respond to this email if you have found work through
The Mermaid Group?

Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
"

a direct copy and paste, bold font and all . so i didnt respond to the email because (obviously) i didnt get a job through them. In fairness i didnt pursue my application after they told me to buy that book. still, if the job host website is looking for validity that they are real themselves... thats a warning enough for me!

JennC · 23-08-2012, 11:43

Hmmm, that is quite interesting. Thats what I have been struggling to find - someone who has actually had a job through them. I guess that is why I am going on with my application. I am not going to spend any money (ie, didnt buy the book and wont pay for travel for an interview, they have offered skype interviews). I just want to see what happens because I havent found anything confirming that they are a scam, but also haven't found anything that completely convinces me they are genuine.

22-08-2012, 11:34	#41
JennC Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 5 Adverts \| Friends	Application pending Hey everyone. I know I'm a little late to the party but I read this thread a couple of nights ago. I had applied for a job through Mermaid Group about a week ago (Casino Cashier). I was emailed and told I was shortlisted on Monday, and was advised to download the ebook. At that point sirens started going in my head. Obviously a company asking for money comes across as a scam to alot of us. So after going through this thread (and a few on Yahoo Answers) I decided to respond to the latest email stating I didnt want to download the book but would still like to proceed with my application. I honestly didnt expect a response, or if i got one i assumed I'd be told my application wouldnt be going any further. However, lo and behold, I got an email last night being told I would get the test sent out to me today. I havent had the test yet, hopefully it will be in when i get home from work. I was told similar to what other people have been advised on here - only the top 3 tests will progress to the next stage. I was also told that the test has recently got much harder, a point that was reitterated a couple of times through out the email. In the email where i was informed I had been short listed I was told that, if I passed all the stages, a face to face interview would be held in 4 weeks, and the successful candidate would then fly out 9 weeks later to meet the ship in either Miami or San Paulo. I have decided to follow this application for as long as i can, and I'll post the progress on here. I havent paid any money so i've not lost anything. And I found it hard to find any definitive positive answers so hopefully it'll help someone else. Also, i know i only have 1 post, but i promise i dont work for Mermaid Group!!

22-08-2012, 17:30	#42
leighhobson89 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 2 Adverts \| Friends	CASHIER Hi ... I am in just the same position as JennC, I have today just received my shortlist. I am not going to buy the book, and if I can I would like to proceed with the application, so I, too, will keep you all informed. I am applying for a cashier job. I got the Miami, or San Juan information too. Also I thought that someone might be able to interpret the official government website for Companies House, to see if they are registered on it. Heres the link... http://wck2.companieshouse.gov.uk/b1...essCompanyInfo I couldnt find them, though I dont know what their registered name is... Also, last thing, again maybe not important, their address is iffy, on the contact us page of their website, not giving specifics...Furthermore I "virtually" drove up the said street on Google Street View and could find no trace of an office or sign in their name...again dodgy, but sometimes the company is newer than the photo. Lastly the phone number works, but always diverts to an answer phone saying lines are busy, and the voice message sounds like a crackly old woman!! Last edited by leighhobson89; 22-08-2012 at 18:25. Reason: Additional Info

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17-03-2012, 05:20	#32
millermcnutt Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 14 Adverts \| Friends	ok, I DID FINALLY get the ebook, from THE MERMAID GROUP, downloaded ON MY CELL PHONE, not the best choice to try and view the thing, but it worked. I have to say that I was a little disappointed [just with the information covering the PSYCHOMETRIC TEST] It was (I was lead to believe) important to read the ebook so one would be WELL PREPARED FOR THE TEST...as only the TOP 3 are kept [in the application process]. But after downloading and reading it, there was ONLY ONE PAGE that was Psychometric Test SPECIFIC.... they gave you about 6 questions as "sample questions" then after you answered them the response was..."ok, if you answered YES to questions 1 then you should have answered NO to questions 3 & 4" THAT WAS IT!!! That was the extent of covering this MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS! It is reiterated many times that THIS TEST WILL DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL IN SECURING A JOB WITH THE CRUISE LINES...and THIS was all it was covered in the ebook..... So, wish me luck on the test!! I may need it!!!!!!!

17-03-2012, 06:33	#33
Mr. Loverman Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Beijing Posts: 2,884 Adverts \| Friends	Whoosh!

18-03-2012, 05:43	#34
millermcnutt Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 14 Adverts \| Friends	Ok, well the verdict is not in yet regarding the "possible scam" The lady who has been contacting me seems on the up & up but as I said, the verdict is not in yet. I did download the ebook. IF YOU DOWNLOAD IT WITH THE PRECISE INTENTION THAT IT WILL HELP YOU (IN ANY WAY) WITH THE PSYCHOMETRIC TEST, THEN YOU ARE WASTING YOUR MONEY!!!! They play it up like the book is going to tell you "what" and "how" to answer the questions....NOT SO AT ALL!!!!! Don't get me wrong, it does give you good information, but it is information that you could get online for NOTHING! It DOES NOT, I REPEAT, DOES NOT go into any detail about the test!!!!! I went online and google'd 'PSYCHOMETRIC TEST' and got more sample questions than I got from this book. And here is the thing about a psychometric test: THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG ANSWER to any of the questions!!!!!!!! You can answer it TRUTHFULLY and HOPE you end up as a candidate, or you can TELL THEM WHAT THEY WANT and you MAY OR MAY NOT still end up a candidate. It is like they have a size 7 shoe to fill, and they want to see if you are a PERFECT SIZE 7.... if you are a SIZE 9 (this derived from the answers you give) then they don't want to try to shove you into a SIZE 7 SHOE! They want to make sure that YOU are going to be a "good fit" for the particular job opening they have. And as someone already posted, they [MERMAID] ARE NOT DIRECTLY AFFILIATED with any particular Cruise Line. They are a THIRD PARTY that does "outsourcing". I actually have been speaking with a woman who is in "this kind of business" basically she does the "pre-interview" and then if she feels that this person [like ME, who is applying] is a "good fit" for the job [which the Cruise Ship] is hiring for, then she will inturn, pass my name and information along to the Cruise Line. IF THEY CRUISE LINE HIRES ME, (and I stay for a set contract of time) THEN, AND ONLY THEN, WILL SHE (in this case THE MERMAID GROUP) collect a "placement fee" FROM THE CRUISE LINE. So this is HOW this company gets paid. That part is legitimate I think. The whole thing with the ebook is a way for them to make EXTRA MONEY. I think they played the book up in a [not really "malicious" way...but I don't feel that they were completely TRUTHFUL about the abilities of this book helping a person] The book DOES contain information that will help you contact the Cruise Lines DIRECTLY. However, I paid $3000+ to attend a training class (for TOURISM & TRAVEL) and upon completion of this class, they provided me with a book, of much the same information. So it could be helpful (to some degree) to some people, but for me...IT WAS A WASTE OF $32.12USD. My psychometric test is scheduled for Monday (3.19.2012) through ANOTHER OUTSOURCED COMPANY (not The Mermaid Group) there are 17 people taking the test and ONLY THE TOP 3 BEST FIT (to fill the current vacancy at the Cruise Line) will advance to the next stage. Again, there is really no "preparing" for this test, you just take it and see what happens.... And as promised, I will keep everyone (who is interested) up to date of the progress. If there are people who are looking for some sort of answer to the question "IS THE MERMAID GROUP A SCAM?" I hope this post has in some way helped you come to a definitive answer.

18-03-2012, 05:49	#35
MrStuffins Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 13,410 Adverts \| Friends	LAD why is it that YOUR POSTS seem to have RANDOM capital letters? Also, may I ask where you are from? Are you from Ireland?

22-03-2012, 08:22	#38
Graciefacey Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 324 Adverts \| Friends	Typing in capital letters is akin to shouting. And its irritating

22-03-2012, 12:23	#39
poozers Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 154 Adverts \| Friends	yeah, its a bit annoying alright! only because it makes your posts really tedious to read! anyway, i went for this aaaaages ago, and after they told me to buy the book, i just forgot about it! especially when at the time i went looking for info on the company, and this thread is basically all i could find! @millermcnutt - i wouldnt trust that few people on here that said got jobs through the company are actually real people (maybe reps for the mermaid group themselves!) it pretty easy to set up a fake account and leave a msg here and there! i dont think "bennyrep" is still at sea or anything! just said id say it!

22-08-2012, 23:04	#43
JennC Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 5 Adverts \| Friends	Oh Leigh, we are up for the same job! haha! Well I had my psychometric test in my inbox when I got home tonight so I have completed it and sent it back. If i am successful I will get an email on Sept 7th. If I dont hear anything I havent been successful. Fingers crossed!!!

23-08-2012, 11:39	#44
poozers Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 154 Adverts \| Friends	well, actually, dont want to be putting a dampner on ye're applications. but about a month ago i got an email from allcruisejobs.com (who i originally went through to apply to the Mermaid group, like jobs.ie, except for cruise jobs) the subject of the email was "Validity of the Mermaid Group". and they said "At All Cruise Jobs we continually strive to ensure our services are ethical. Therefore we take action when we are made aware of potential scams. We notice that you have applied for at least one job through The Mermaid Group, and would like your help in ascertaining they are a valid Company. Please could you respond to this email if you have found work through The Mermaid Group? Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated. " a direct copy and paste, bold font and all . so i didnt respond to the email because (obviously) i didnt get a job through them. In fairness i didnt pursue my application after they told me to buy that book. still, if the job host website is looking for validity that they are real themselves... thats a warning enough for me!

23-08-2012, 11:43	#45
JennC Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 5 Adverts \| Friends	Hmmm, that is quite interesting. Thats what I have been struggling to find - someone who has actually had a job through them. I guess that is why I am going on with my application. I am not going to spend any money (ie, didnt buy the book and wont pay for travel for an interview, they have offered skype interviews). I just want to see what happens because I havent found anything confirming that they are a scam, but also haven't found anything that completely convinces me they are genuine.