The interview went well - they had at least one place they could put me - but they'd be sure the following day. When they called, they told me, in fact the one opportunity didn't work out, but they had another place I could work if I wanted to. I listened to the particulars, and agreed - Excited to finally be working somewhere. I gave notice at the part time job I was working because not only was this job closer, it paid more. Monday came and not only did the company not know I was coming, they ended up not needing a temp after all. Suddenly I'm out TWO jobs! Active told me I would be on the top of the list for another 'opportunity' but to date, nothing's come through. I won't be going through Active ever again. Nor will I refer them to anyone looking for work or looking for employees. I feel they totally dropped the ball here. read more

My experience with Active could not be more different than the previous reviewer's. I have used temp agencies at numerous points in my life, usually with decent results. I like to think of temp assignments as "paid interviews," since very often, the companies I have worked for use the temp position as an opportunity to see first-hand whether or not someone is a good "fit" for their company (far more effectively than could be determined in any formal interview setting). When I arrived for my interview at Active, I was immediately struck by their friendliness and responsiveness, something that is not always common in temp agencies. After the standard testing regimen to determine my skill levels on various computer applications and activities, I had a very pleasant interview, and immediately sensed that these people were interested in helping me get back on my feet after my previous 5-year employment fell apart when the organization gave company-wide lay-offs. Two days later, I got a call from them, and a couple days later, I was working a great job that lasted for nearly 2 months. And it was not a mindless filing job either. I was able to put my skills in database applications to work and really feel like I was contributing to the organization I worked for, rather than just filling a chair. Following that assignment, I did get a couple brainless one-day assignments, but that is to be expected in a temp position setting, and the folks at Active kept in touch with me faithfully as they worked to find something more long-term and with greater potential. Less than 2 weeks after finishing the longer assignment, I was assigned to a job that, were I to write out my own definition of a dream job, it would not be far different from this one. I immediately fell in love with the company and got along famously with the folks there. It was an open-ended assignment, and after about a month working there, a full-time position opened up in the company. Having been given a generous recommendation from Active and having worked at this company for a month, I was in a position where my application went to the top of the pile. Two days after completing the formal interview process, I was hired by that company for a full-time position. And now, nearly a month later, I can say that every morning, I look forward to waking up and starting my job. And I received a wonderful, thoughtful letter of congratulations from Active the moment they heard I was hired full-time. One quick side note: a few days after I was hired by my current employer, I received a note from the first position that Active assigned me to (the 2-month one), and they also offered me a full-time position! And though I was glad to remain where I am now, that job would have been enjoyable and fulfilling as well. So, in 3 months of working with Active, I received 2 full-time position offers from places Active assigned me. I cannot speak to the experience the previous reviewer had (although why someone would quit a consistent part-time job for a temporary job doesn't make much sense to me), but without hesitation, I would recommend to anyone that they give Active a call. Ask for Kate or Jenny. You won't be disappointed! read more

I worked with Active Temps. for several weeks before finding a job. I worked with Kate, and she was great. She was able to find work right for me right of the gates, and I actually enjoyed my gigs! I understand everyone has different experiences and situations, but mine worked out great with Active. I would recommend using them and staying proactive in your efforts. Show them you want to work, and they'll make something happen for you. read more

Great place to temp. They were the only one's who gave me a chance when I separated from the military and it proved to be well worth it. I temped at one place for four months and ended up getting hired in a full time position I was sent on assignment to many great places in Downtown Chicago. They also have a great staff that really want to help with your needs and care about what you are looking for. I'm not much for ranting and raving but this is a great place for ANYBODY to start looking for work. Thanks Kate and Jenny and everybody else at Active! You guys are great! Simon read more

I have been working through active for 4 months. They are a wonderful company to work for. They always have assignments for me to go on, whether one days or long term term, I haven't miss a pay check since I started. The staff is like family to me. My grandmother past last month and every one in the office signed a card for me. I was honored. Instead of feeling as if I'm a contract employee, I actually feel like an employee of Active.This company is good for students or anyone looking to change industries. If you are looking to get your foot in the door at a great company but don't know where you would like to work. Active is your networking headquarters! I have worked at different companies in downtown Chicago and the north suburbs. On these assignments I got an opportunity to meet some very influential people; professors of Ivy league schools, political figures, famous authors and many more. I recommend them to any one looking to gain employment or do part time work on the side. read more

I had a great experience with Active. After having negative experiences with some larger downtown agencies (they would claim to have tons of potential jobs for me, but then I'd never hear from them again), I went to Active, and they were able to find me a job in a matter of days. The staff are very friendly, and the position was a great match. If I'm ever looking for a job again, I will definitely go to Active. read more

i was enrolled to work in their gay pride parade security group. i called the company multiple times before the day to confirm that i am indeed working and that i will be there on time. 2 days before the parade they called me and they told me that i cannot work because there were cutbacks on the staff needed. i had already rejected 2 jobs by that time and suddenly i was without a job on that day. Because of Active, i ended up loosing instead of gaining any money. the lady that i talked to was rude and inconsiderate and did not even justify why exactly i was dropped from their list. i called to the owner of the company herself and she herself had only a "sorry" to provide for my loss of opportunities. their methods were unprofessional and rude. i will NEVER accept a job from them again. read more

I worked with Active for almost 2 years about 10 years ago, and again for 6 months exactly a year ago. The first time around I had just moved here from New York and needed something while I went to school to become a teacher. I picked Active out of the yellow pages because it said "woman owned." I was immediately given my pick of awesome long-term assignments and the three that I took all offered me a job - and praised Active. My good friend also worked for Active at the same time and had the same experience. This past year, I was in a similar situation after finishing a degree and contacted Active. Incredibly, they remembered me from 10 years before and took it upon themselves to find me work the next day, even though the economy was tanking!! The assignments I got this time around were short term and I did not have work every day, but that has nothing to do with Active. We're in the worst recession since the Depression! But they still found me a position that turned into a full time job and a whole new career. My managers say they have always gone to Active because the quality of the people they send is very high. I went on jobs last year where other temps and permanent staffers had worked for Active and felt great about it too. So, I got lucky when I picked the good one out of the phone book. read more