I cannot thank the LaSalle Network enough for what they did to help me make that next big step in my career. Shout out to Gage Nordlof! :)
I had been searching for a job for quite a long time. My experience had largely been in non-profits, but I was hoping to make an industry switch into the technology sector, as my strong-suite was in digital marketing and graphic design. I was having difficulties, namely because I think the larger companies I was interested in would look at my experience in a small agency and believe that I did not have the credentials or the understanding of the "corporate" mindset. It was tough... I did everything I could to pick up freelance work that was tech-related, but no one was giving me many double-takes.
I took advice from a friend and put my resume on Career Builder and on Monster, and within a few weeks, I was contacted by Gage at the LaSalle Network. I will say that in the beginning, I was quite skeptical. You hear so much nay-say about recruiting agencies and how the recruiters are looking out for their own personal gain... but after a week or two into building a relationship with Gage (coming in for the initial interview, looking at different jobs he would send), I began to genuinely like him and realized that he truly was there to help me.
Now, when you go in for the first interview, don't expect them to walk you down a red carpet. It's true... there are many people constantly coming in and out for interviews. It's easy to feel a bit rushed or to get that "herded cattle" sort of feeling. But don't be turned off! Otherwise you could miss a huge opportunity... Plus, I think that's more of a testament to the harsh conditions of the job market, than LaSalle Network's so-called "lust to make money off of more and more candidates" (I don't think that exists, I'm just trying to make a point). People need jobs! So DUH. There are going to be a lot of people in their offices, coming and going nonstop. Anyway, you fill out some forms that say what you're interested in, what your skills are. And then you also have to take a test to show your skills in basic Microsoft programs. Some companies have certain skill requirements, so they want to make sure you fulfill those, otherwise they won't recommend you to those companies.
MY BIGGEST PIECE OF ADVICE: Know what you want and commit to it. If you have a certain salary you want and you won't budge... commit to that and don't let anyone talk you down. Know what you're worth. If you want a job that's close to the place you live, then you need to commit to that choice and don't budge. Recruiters want to find you work, and that is their main objective. So if they try to talk you out of a choice you've made, don't view this as duplicitous. View it as them trying to help you obtain your ultimate goal of employment... they assume that if you're coming to them, you NEED a job, like... yesterday. So know what you know and know what factors you're willing to concede on.
Gage was extremely respectful of me and my wants and he even negotiated for me in the end on some items I was not willing to budge on. When it was all said and done, I got exactly the type of job I wanted in exactly the industry I wanted in exactly the location I wanted and with all the bells and whistles that I wanted. I was SO HAPPY and today, after 6 months at my new job, I'm even happier! Thank you so much, Gage! And the rest of the LaSalle Network.
Like some of the other responders who gave the LaSalle Network 5 stars, I am also surprised by all of the poor reviews of this agency. Listen people... you need to be realistic about what you're getting yourself into when you work with a recruiting company. Instead of being disappointed about their inability to place you, maybe the problem has more to do with YOU. #workharder And yes, I can use hashtags. I'm in Digital Marketing... the amazing job the LaSalle Network helped me land. Emphasis on "HELPED," because your professional career is ultimately in your hands. They can find you the opportunity, but don't blame them if you're not "shiny" enough or impressive enough to land the position. Plus, recruiters don't NEED you... YOU need THEM! They are there to get you a job... they already have a job, so why are you so offended when they aren't chasing you down, BEGGING you to come in, dramatically apologizing for a few unreturned emails or phone calls? You're being silly and petty. Basically, all you 1-, 2- and even 3-star people... maybe it's time to humble yourselves and get a little hungrier in life. read more