Once upon a time, in a galaxy far away, temp agencies used to be more welcoming and accepting. They'd want you to join, even if unemployed or lack work experience period. I have an administrative assistant/data entry background, but I haven't worked in awhile due to the Recession. I was in a Catch 22 since you seem to need a job to get considered for a job.
I decided to try Office Team since they came to our local Work Source Center last year. They claim to be "the biggest and the best", working hard to find you the right match. I initially tried the Westwood office because they are closer. But the receptionist was snotty to me, and one of the recruiters (I think her name is Ani), never e-mailed me info I asked for TWICE. I also got 2 different answers on if I'm "registered" or not. I don't know if they're looking down on me because I've been out of work or they don't want to work with me for whatever reason. This was back in June of this year.
The snotty receptionist said I "must have done something" since I show up as a "candidate" in their system, even though I never filled out the usual disclaimer forms, had an in-person interview, etc. So I don't know if I was ever "registered" or not. I don't think submitting your resume is enough, as there's always more hoops to jump through.
3 days after this BS, I called to schedule an in person interview (I don't have access to Skype or anything) Something came up, so I had to cancel. Ani said, "Well, if you're no longer interested". I said I did NOT say I wasn't interested; I just need to reschedule. Jeez.....I had to give her my name and number again, which implies I'm not that important if I don't ring a bell in her mind after talking to her recently! I also preferred looking over whatever documents they were supposed to send me BEFORE the interview.
El Segundo might have been better....I talked to Jacquelyn Arthur (Staffing Mgr) back in March, and there's been a few e-mails. At least SHE responded, but El Segundo is a little far for me. She initially contacted ME via e-mail, so I would have gone with them if I found enough open positions suitable for me.
I swear I don't know how these agencies stay in business. Somebody is getting work, but it wasn't me. If it wasn't for some family help, I'd be on the street by now. They demand the utmost professionalism from a candidate which is understandable. But it's a double standard since they don't show that same professionalism towards candidates.
If it wasn't for us, THEY would be out of work since the agency would go defunct. I believe they forget this.....
At least their web site is user-friendly as far as searching for/filtering positions, but it's confusing on how to apply. You can click Apply, Apply with LinkedIn, call an 800 number, or call the local branch that posted it. Also, it seems you have to upload your resume every time you apply to a position, rather than just logging in and applying to multiple positions (like on Indeed or Monster). That's a PAIN! You can't set up a profile with one or more resumes and cover letters. I see no where to do this, and neither the Westwood nor El Segundo office was helpful in explaining why not or if it's possible somehow. Jacquelyn in El Segundo said she set up a profile for me, but it's something I cannot access or view. It's for them. So I don't even know what it looks like.
I even confirmed the link with them: www.roberthalf.com/officeteam
There are many agencies out there, and I'm sure some are better than others. But it's trial and error for me since I can't get a referral from someone. (I did get one last year from a friend, but alas that recruiter didn't respond to me either)
I'm glad to see it's not just me who has these humiliating and depressing experiences with temp agencies, as I see from the one star reviews.
Alas, I kept applying directly to employers, and after years of being out of work, I finally got an offer earlier this month. They were very professional about everything, and they know how to make a candidate feel somewhat relaxed both during the phone and in person interview. That's how you get the most of the conversation: Respect and comfort--for both sides.
They kept me informed of the status of the position, such as if I'm going to get an in person interview or if they filled the position. My calls and e-mails were always returned by the nice recruiter. This is how it's done.
Unless you get a referral to an agency by someone you know who works for them, stay away from them. Keep going directly to employers. They can be brutal too, but I prefer going to them as opposed to the run around from these agencies who say they have "plenty of positions" but never call you, never e-mail, etc. And when you call them, they say they don't have anything right now but try back later.
Right..........:-( read more
