Nick's review of recruitment agencies in general is pretty accurate. Although I think it's just a…read moreproduct of the recession to be honest. There are just too many people looking for work so the agencies are totally inundated. I've found that the trick is to keep ringing up and speaking to whoever is meant to be looking after you - that way they'll never forget you when jobs come along! Anyway, hindsight's a wonderful thing and I'm now gainfully employed, so *crosses fingers desperately* I won't be dealing with any recruitment agencies int he near future. As far as Apple went, I can't really complain. They have quite a few public sector contracts, and so manage to place a lot people in temporary (which very often lead to permanent) jobs in the civil service. I got a temp job with them and while it didn't get made permanent, I had no complaints with the way Apple dealt with me from start to finish.

Years ago I signed up with Apple Recruitment for some temporary work and found that even though I…read moredidn't have much relevant experience, they found me work fairly quickly. It served a purpose, though jobs were never going to lead to anything that would be of any long term interest to me. Like most temping agencies they will slot you in wherever it is practical for them to do so, often in public sector positions. Good opportunities for permanent jobs can arise, though it is the nature of the temporary work beast to feel exploited on occasions. I had found this firm useful over the years until I was hit by last winter's horrible economic downturn and there just seemed to be nothing doing with them for months, apart from the odd day of work here and there which doesn't keep the wolf from the door. Apple Recruitment will find you something if you're willing but I can't wait to find a dream, permanent job, temping's only ok up to a point.

I'm generally not a huge fan of recruitment agencies. I've had mixed experiences with them…read moreincluding a spell working IN one. So it was with some hesitation that I registered with Abacus earlier this week. I was interested in a particular short term job I had seen advertised online. However, I am really impressed with Abacus. I felt my enquiries and registration were handled professionally and promptly. They sent a text today to see if anyone was interested in a couple of days admin work which I took. Possibly all agencies do this but this is the first time I've experienced it. Quick and efficient. So far so good. I recommend them if you're between jobs and need some cash or if you're looking for your next job. Worth a look.

As a proper victim of the recession, I know pretty much every recruitment agency in Belfast, having…read moreregistered with most of them at some point or another! Abacus placed me in my current role, and I'd have to say my experience with them has been one of the best experiences I've had so far. With unemployment so high at the minute, most agencies are totally overrun with people applying for any job, so the recruitment consultants must have a tough time weeding through everything. I felt that with Abacus, from the minute I signed up, I was being looked after. I dealt with Lianne, and she couldn't have been nicer. She's even called a few times since I started the job to see how I'm getting on. Obviously if you're looking for a job, you're going to sign up with as many agencies as you can, but for what it's worth, you'll get more value out of Abacus than a lot of the others!

Although i was unable to secure a job through this agency (despite having several qualifications) i…read morefelt that the staff were helpful and pleasent and i did manage to aquire several interviews with clients of the agency.