Friday, May 5, 2017

Article On Fancy Hands AKA Why Am I Not Good Enough For You?

Update 4/9/18:
I was actually reached-out to by someone at Fancy Hands near the end of the previous month, but due to now being a stay-at-home dad and how busy that can make me I told them I was unable to join the company now, but appreciated the offer.

So, you maybe have heard of Fancy Hands. It is a website/service where people pay a monthly fee and can get a number of tasks they post-up for random strangers to do who freelance for Fancy Hands. Perhaps someone wants to cancel their cable, make a reservation at the most popular Italian restaurant in Cleveland, book a hotel room, etc. Essentially if you are wealthy enough you can do this service to have stuff done for you that would take too much of your wealthy-person time.

Now, as I said, people can work for Fancy Hands in a freelance manner where you log-on to the site, see tasks that need doing and get anywhere between $3-$7 for doing a task. As our son will hopefully be coming home from the NICU super-soon my wife and I imagine we will have a lot of time spent at home in the evening and on weekends. Therefore, I figured I could apply to work for Fancy Hands and do that in my free-time to get a little extra spending money. That way I could buy some more comics, get my wife and I a treat at Dairy Queen, something like that. I mean, how hard could it be to get approved by Fancy Hands?

I was rejected, twice.

I do not want to brag as there are tons of people much smarter than me. However, I did graduate with my Bachelor's of Science with a 4.0 GPA, I have a Master's Degree in Public Health from the highly respected Washington University, I write often enough I have a a good grasp of the English language and proper grammar (your versus you're as well as to, two, and too trip everyone up), and thanks to my moving around a lot when I was growing-up I never developed a particular accent and speak clear, concise English. Also, I am a great conversationalist and can actually stand calling AT&T when we need help with our service. I personally feel I am a skilled, smart, people-person who has the writing and speaking abilities necessary to help someone set-up a dentist appointment. You know what Fancy Hands said after I took their grammar test, supplied audio of me speaking, and answered sample questions however? They said, "Fuck you, David, you aren't good enough for us!"

Look, I know there are plenty of ways to make a little extra scratch, and I'm sure a number of other side-gigs would be happy to utilize me. That said, some part of me is just really insulted that Fancy Hands has said no to me twice, because if I did everything right and exceed all their qualifications, what else do I have to do to get approved? Do I need to get that PhD I've always considered? Perhaps I should send them an extra-long audio sample of me pronouncing really difficult words? Hell, maybe I can just send them an edible arrangement with a note politely begging for them to reconsider me as if we were feuding lovers?

Seriously, Fancy Hands, I don't know what you want from me. I gave you my all, twice, and I never would have thought something I was just planning to do in my spare time to get a little extra moolah would be harder to get approved by than anything else I've ever encountered. Just tell me what you want, Fancy Hands, and I'll do it! This isn't even just about the supplemental income anymore, it is about proving to you that I'm good enough to cancel a dog-grooming appointment, tell someone if they can practice law in another state without taking the Bar again, and order catering for a meeting. I don't like rejection, but I can accept it when it happens. I just never thought you would reject me Fancy Hands, because I'm clearly a great person to have in your corner!

Clearly I'm kinda upset about the whole thing but will get over it. We as humans have to understand that sometimes we will fail, and learn from that failure so we can succeed in the future. It still stings though, and I really wonder if sending an edible arrangement might help...

60 comments:

  1. I too wanted some additional income like many of us do and recently came across the Fancy Hands website and thought it would be a great thing. I completed their application and received the same denial email as you shown above. I share the same feelings as you do! I have been a Virtual Assistant for about five years and took my time as I completed the application for Fancy Hands. I was considering applying for a second time but wanted to do my research first and that is when I came across your article. I am starting to believe that when some of these websites are inundated with talent they begin to deny others. I think the reasoning behind this is that it cuts down the amount of people they have to manage, lessening complaints. Especially those complaints in regards to there not being enough jobs opportunities. It at least helps me sleep at night to consider this being the possible reasoning for why so many great talents such as yourself would receive two denials when your more than qualified to complete the tasks.

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    1. Corrine, I am sorry you found yourself rejected as well. With your great deal of experience as a virtual assistant I would expect you to be approved easily, making the rejections we got from Fancy Hands really sting! I think you are onto something with your idea they limit new people to a certain number lest they have too much new talent to wrangle at a single time. It is unfortunate Fancy Hands did not want our help but it is missing out without good folk like us!

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  2. I could hire you both. Not sure if you'd like it as the platform is not for everyone.

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  3. I love this article. I was also just denied and was so angry when I read the email. Like you, I didn't really care until I was denied! I have a Communications degree and lots of writing and media experience. I am also "good enough" and would like to know, what do you want from us Fancy Hands!? ��

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  4. I was denied today as well. I have a doctorate so I don't think going back to get the PhD will help. I was just looking for a way to supplement my income while I am starting my own business. Was denied by Fancy Hands and a transcription service. All I wish is that these companies would tell you why you have been denied. Being a type A person I take this stuff really personally and kind of feel like a failure!

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    1. Hello! I recently applied and haven't heard back from them yet, I was just wondering how long it took them to get back to you?

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    2. I have been waiting months and it is just pending.

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    3. They just responded to me in less than 12 hours (it was a denial of course!)

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  5. Yeah, I got my denial letter yesterday. I'm not as formally educated as the OP but I was a personal assistant to the CEO of a company and, after my maternity leave, he begged me to come back to him. I've also run CS departments. I've been working from home for 15 years demonstrating my ability to commit and dedication to the company I work for. I may or may not apply again as I have already found another job but seeing this makes me feel a little better about myself.

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  6. I was also rejected from Fancy Hands. It didn't make sense to me, and I scoffed at the denial notification. My education is not as prestigious as yours, but I can write well, and I thought I knocked my assessment out of the park. They say they'll get back to you after 5-7 business days from your application, it took them well over that time to decline my application. I wouldn't take it to heart though, they are probably inundated with applications since many people are looking for a side hustle to supplement their income. I chalk it up to them not having enough demand/clients for the applications they receive. I did get accepted for a transcription job, and let's just say the pay is poor for the amount of work you need to do to transcribe audio. Unless you're an expert transcriptionist or just have bionic ears and typing abilities, it isn't worth it, and that's mainly because most of the audio is not easily transcribable (i.e. bad audio quality).

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  7. Same deal. I too have multiple degrees and have worked as a freelancer for quite a long time and was looking for easy supplemental income on the side. More than anything, I wish that Fancy Hands would tell you why you are denied. I did not care very much and had almost forgotten that I applied until I got the rejection. Did anyone get a reason why they were denied?

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  8. I was just denied too. No explanation. And the questions were super easy and I know I answered them correctly

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  9. Yes, same here. It really irritates me that these companies encourage people to waste their time. Why not just close their application page or put a message on the website explaining that they're currently not accepting anybody? It's a simple change. It's ridiculous. I, also, am educated and have worked for years in professional roles, most recently as East Coast Project Director for a software company. I'm currently home with a family member and need a way to procur income from home. Too many of these companies lack professionalism and ethics. I'm certain that I'd answered the questions correctly both times. I'm also certain that I am fully capable of canceling a doctor's appointment or ordering lunch. Ridiculous and a complete waste of my time.

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  10. I am so glad I stumbled on this post. I was just denied today after they said it would take about 5-7 business days to review my application, I received my rejection email in just a little over 24-hours. Just like so many others who have also responded in this comment section, I was an over-qualified candidate for Fancy Hands. Really I was just looking to make a little change. I agree with Anonymous, if they have too many applicants applying than they need to close their application page and let it be known that they're not currently accepting new applicants. Either that or let people know why you're rejecting them.

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  11. I was denied twice too. I received my response within hours of applying. I truly thought I was missing something because I know I answered all their questions properly. Glad I found this post. If their reasoning is too many applicants, than shut down the application process and don't make us feel like we are incapable.

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  12. I am yet another over-qualified, freshly denied Fancy Hands reject. I love the internet for this blog post and comment thread. Now I'm left craving a pastrami sandwich and contemplating pursuing a JD then moving to Minnesota.

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  13. Might as well and fess up - I am too am the over qualified reject from Fancy Hands! I was so bothered by the rejected and found your article and the followers in the same boat. I too assume there must not be enough jobs being requested to hire more people at this time.
    Communication would be nice - like we did not like your speaking voice or no you did not answer the Minnesota Attorney question correctly ... or how about we have no openings at this time. Anything except you are rejected. Oh well off to find another side hustle.

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  14. Yep twice now, what gives? I assume the screening process is like this elsewhere also, because I had the same issue at Wonder. Very disappointing. Especially when we are genuinely trying to be a stay at home earner. I was wondering if this was a huge mistake, like I had no idea what I was doing.

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  15. Happy to see I'm in good company. ☺

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  16. I have over 10 years of progressive HR Management experience, I am professionally certified as well. I've literally completed any administrative task you could possibly think of as I worked my way to the top of the ladder. I was also denied twice, with no reason what so ever given. I was just looking for some extra spending money to supplement my income and they seemed to have good reviews. The application process could be completed by a 10 year old, but apparently well-rounded, experienced individuals is not who they prefer to hire, mind blown.

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  17. I’ve been denied twice, as well. This last time, I was denied immediately after submitting the application. Like everyone, I have the credentials and virtual assisting experience to back my professional prowess. Based on the automatic rejection, the part of me that wants to remain positive can only think they are not truly accepting applications. *shrug* ?

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  18. I was also denied twice. I wish there was a reason. I know my responses were correct. I also know I spoke very clearly for the mock phone call. What gives.

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    1. I know mine were all correct as well. Can't figure what they are looking for unless, they've met their quota and if they have, they should say so in their rejection emails.

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  19. I'm joining the club. I received my denial letter today. We know that we are well qualified. It is their loss, not ours. Any company that would be that rude is not worth working for.

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  20. Just read my rejection email a minute ago. Oh well, *sigh* I suppose it means that we should look for something that pays more.

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  21. I didn't even get to submit my application. I'm "not the right fit at this time". I suspect it's another (or a continuing) case of too many applicants because I tried twice and answered everything correctly.

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    1. Me too, I didn't even get to the application part. I was like, "Gees that was quick!"

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  22. I answered a post saying Fancy Hands was currently looking to add new talent to their assistant pool. Still rejected. With experience in remote work, writing, travel and event planning, voice acting, and admin; I thought this position was a good fit. At least I know I am among great people! Fancy Hands, please issue a style guide so that candidates of the non-telepathic variety have an equal opportunity.

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    1. Thats funny, me too! From a youtube channel that focuses on work from home jobs. Maybe so many of us applied so quickly they filled their spots faster than expected.

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  23. Not wanting to be bored during a new long term assignment via consulting project, I thought I'd add extra work & applied at FancyHands ... & was rejected, too. Well, in the case of this specific company, I think one shouldn't take it very personally. This viewpoint of mine came about merely because I actually have worked for &/or with many top notch professionals as well as very "picky type" people like Richard Branson. ... Moreover, included within a past circle of colleagues are those used to delivering quality results. So based on experience, I feel most pros looking for support (similar to FancyHands services) would hire the various people posting here in a heart beat. (such as a close relative that's a producer and has multiple Emmys and another media-tied pal of mine has worked directly for George Lucas for 2 decades & neither would reject ones here that point out great skill plus experienced highly regarded backgrounds) - Thus it seems many are on-point here when narrowing down the rejection explanation. Evidently, excellent skill-level/talent simply gets sidestepped in order that FancyHands attains a convenient way to slim down their overload of submittals from applicants. / With this in mind, I do think it's a shame places like "Fancy Hands" just casually displays their job offer details without intent of filling several openings. This sort of thing highly disappoints as they carelessly appear to lead people on. It would make better sense to me if they pinpointed an exact number of possible hirees ... plus verified current jobs-available stats with ongoing updates. That way all interested in a job with this company would initially feel a level of respect ... Plus one can even easily decide to completely skip an application process if not caring to compete for a job-placement amidst the limited actually-available positions. Oh well, au revoir FancyHands. ...And good luck everyone as you move onward toward better job opportunities.

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  24. Thank you so much for this article. I was also just denied as well and I was looking for some answers. So thanks again.

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  25. Add me to the rejection list. I too was put off by my rejection e-mail. I was going to re-apply but am deciding to wait to try again. I was in CS for over 10 years, have a clear speaking voice and can navigate my way around the internet with no issues. I guess misery does love company because I actually feel better knowing you fine people were also rejected.. I wish you all the best in your future WAH endeavors.

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  26. Oh hallelujah! I feel much better about myself now that I found this "Fancy-Hands-rejects" club! Looks like I'm in good company, and I will delete that nasty rejection email without giving it a second thought. On to better things!!

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  27. Lol I sent their damn mailbot a Big Eff U after denial. Seriously. They need all the help they can get lol. They really shouldn't deny anyone. But its ok...Fancy hands only hires felons.

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  28. I have a BBA and an IT cert. and they denied me too 🤣🤣🤣🤣

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  29. As a Military veteran with 7 years of military experience, an additional 4 years of political campaigns experience, as well as a business degree, I was seething upon reading the denial email.

    Sending me to war at the seemingly infantile age of 19 was never out of the question. Allowing me to lead successful congressional campaigns proved to be a wise choice. Accepting me into a Top 30 US business program was a no brainier, yet, trusting me to accurately place a lunch order or cancel an appointment is far too absurd to fathom.

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  30. I hate to say it but I have also joined the Fancy Hands reject club after getting their rejection email. I'm pretty sure I absolutely aced the test for their 'rat' job, and by the way, I have a 5 year B.S. degree in Engineering from a major University as well as a minor in mathematics and physics. I am semi-retired and just looking for an easy and flexible way to make a little extra money. Also, for those interested, check out this current rating for Fancy Hands on Glassdoor - https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Fancy-Hands-Reviews-E685954.htm - that's right, a 2.1 out of 5. Good luck everyone and don't despair - there's got to be something better than this.

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  31. It seems there are a lot of us in this club which does make me feel a tiny bit better about it. I agree, they should just close the application process. I wasn't so much upset about the rejection, but I was looking forward to the flexibility and option for a little extra income from home. They kind of crushed my excitement but just for a day or so.

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  32. My goodness, I'm honored to be in the presence of such educated rejects. I too was rejected immediately. I was on my second application but after reading these comments, I may reconsider. I have a BBA and an MBA and I'm certain I answered the questions correctly. The only thing I can think of would be the sample tasks may have been answered in a formal manner and they were looking for something a bit more lax. Every single person that was denied (that I know of) has some form of higher education. Most people (read: women) that I've seen get hired are high school educated, stay at home moms. I say that to say, maybe we need to tone down the response a little *shrug*

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  33. Well I certainly take comfort in reading this and knowing I'm not alone. I am new to the field of being a VA and extremely interesting in entering into it. I thought Fancy Hands would be a great introduction. I have now applied maybe 8 times in the past 2-3 weeks and the only reason I keep doing that is because I have gotten NO RESPONSE. I'm not being accepted or rejected... I'm just being ignored!?!?!? Anyone else have this problem?

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    1. I’m also having this problem. I just sent an email to them so I can at least find out if I have been denied.

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  34. I was denied, too. After reading everyone's comments, I am beginning to form conspiracy theories. So here's a question: what did they ask you to record for your audio? and what was your written scenario about?

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  35. Damn, yo... After reading through this post and the comments, I'm surprised any of you were denied.

    Unfortunately, I'm not in the denied club. I did get accepted. However, it doesn't feel like it's worth it. Some of the tasks are easy enough, but I do think that some of them should require someone with a higher degree of education and professional experience than myself. This is essentially drone work. It's almost like scraping the bottom of the barrel. They don't even train you either. They just give you a pdf "field guide" to read over, and if you need clarification on something, they just tell you to read the field guide even if that's the part that made your brain feel like mush to begin with. It's almost like their hiring people who are total noobs at this, like myself, but expecting them to do self-training. Which, in my opinion, is okay to an extent, but damn...

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  36. It has been a total of two months now,and I haven't heard from them.

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  37. I wasn't over qualified as all- I don't have any degree yet and I'm not a computer techie or anything- but I was denied too. Anybody know of a VA platform that hires beginners? Trying to make a little extra so I can attend college.

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  38. I have been waiting 4 months for a response so I tried again and it has been 1 month with no response on that one. I have a BA in communications and am 1 class away from my MBA. Just wanted some extra money but I guess that is too much to ask for and I am not even worthy of a reply.

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  39. I was just denied. I answered the questions correctly I even provided the links for where I received the information. I was abruptly denied the next day. I have a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and have worked in customer service/support for 10 years.

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  40. So, what I'm gathering is that we were all over qualified? Who rejects over qualified people!! Wouldn't you want the best employees to get things done!? Most or all of us in these comments have had some kind degree! i'm so confused...

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  41. Looks like I'm in the right club.....denied, within 2 hrs of applying. I too have a Virtual Assistant business with active clients, just wanted some extra Starbucks money. I am a published author, and I had a career in the banking industry for many years as Asst. Vice President, Teacher in my younger years. Went into semi-retirement at age 50 to work 4 to 6 months out of the year in Human Resources in the Theme park industry so I could travel the rest of the year. I now have my VA business for flexibility so I can travel the world at the drop of a hat. I thought this would be a perfect fit for me. Oh well!

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  42. I got denied last month and I have a Bachelor's of Science in Management from a prestigious business school.

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  43. Denied as well and found this post. I don't think they actually are looking to hire. I applied and received a response 20 minutes later, it looks like a robot email. A real human could not have possibly reviewed the application.

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  44. 4 years later and the rejection trend is still on. I also am overqualified with 28 years of project management and IT related experience. I just wanted to try a little less stressful work from home life. well I am not good enough from FancyHand. or maybe they realized they are not good enough for me. makes me smile and feel better to think this way.

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  45. I felt really odd whenever I had to pretend to place an order for a pastrami sandwich or whatever. It was uncomfortable to let them record through my computer. I answered every question perfectly... and was rejected twice. But after doing further research on this company Fancy Hands... I'm actually happy I dodged this shady company. Apparently, they do not treat their employees well, and there isn't always enough work to go around. Just google fancy hands employee reviews and you will read some crazy stories.

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  46. Same here. I am honored to be in the company of such a prestigious group!

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