TCG in Philadelphia customized my job match to a T more than once. I highly recommend them - especially to talented writers and creative professionals - as their recruiting process is quick, painless, and yields highly detailed job matches not found on my own or via other agencies. Finally, you can work on the side or seasonally-so as a freelancer, for me they're an ideal contact/partner. read more

David Young, maybe the most unprofessional person to have ever called me. Guy got extremely frustrated when I asked two simple questions. Called me with a potential job couldn't tell me the potential pay, and also told me work from home jobs are impossible. Meanwhile David works from home calling me. So I proceeded to ask more questions and David got frustrated and just hung up on me. Not great for someone who is a potential client look elsewhere as this company is completely unprofessional. read more

This is sad that all these reviews are the same and nothing is changing. The automatic system is replying back telling you to contact them like it's going to make a difference. I literally just got an email from a recruiter stating, " I would just apply directly to these roles and if the recruiting manager thinks it would be a good fit they will reach out to you." This is after going back and forth checking jobs that I have applied for the last 3 months. They were still posted and was up for over a month! I don't know, but as a recruiter why don't you point me into the right direction. Then my follow up question was, could she give me a direct number or email and she gave me the main office number. To which they never answer nor never call you back. It's sickening that we have to go through an interview process for what to sit on file, so they have good number to show at the end of the year, having recruiters get promoted to senior and executive levels for not doing nothing... I can go on and on about them being rude to me when asking about a job posting, not picking up the phone, not returning phone calls, transferring you to someone because they don't want to talk, or for bonus putting you on hold but hanging up instead :) but for now I will say working with this location (Philadelphia) has been the worse and I don't recommend. If you get a national worker great! They have been the best and understanding and help you for the most part. read more

If I could give this company less than one star, I would. I don't even see what work they do, because based on what I've experienced and what people I know have experienced trying to find employment with this agency, they are not placing anyone in roles. You apply endlessly on the website anticipating a response only to get nothing and then when you call them directly to speak with someone regarding a role, you are always transferred to someone's voicemail because someone is ALWAYS on the phone with a client and you never receive a callback. Completely useless. read more

I've worked with quite a few recruiters in the Philadelphia area, and Robert Half/The Creative Group is by far the worst. Being overqualified for positions and hearing nothing, an online system that is ancient and completely lacking, and myriad recruiters who never answer messages and never record a thing about you because every time you do eventually get a hold of them, they need to re-question you about everything. To be clear, this isn't a negative review based on not landing a position. Many recruiters fall short in that regard, but The Creative Group is so inept in all forms of service, I assume they are staffed with those who used their service and realized it must be the easiest, non-responsibility job out there. read more

They didnt help me at all and once i declined a job that wasnt good enough for my background they told me to look else where. worse temp agency experience ever! read more

Dear Office Team, What's that? I have the highest Excel score that any of your temp recruiters have ever seen? I have a degree from an Ivy? I also have the president from my last company emailing me because she really wants to give me a glowing recommendation? But what you want is to tell me that you can't really do anything for me, unless I have grant writing experience. Gosh, you know what, I think I'm going to have to pass on your bullshit. Good luck and all that! I would hate to see anything bad happen to you in this economy! read more

So, it's been about a month since my original review. To recap, unfortunately, it wasn't a good experience working with The Creative Group in any regard. For what few offers my recruiter sent me, she couldn't be bothered once to return any of my attempts to contact her. With that said, the day after I posted my review, someone from TCG's customer service department contacted me. She was courteous and apologized for the bad experience. She requested my full name and phone number so that a member of management could be put in touch to discuss my experiences in more detail. I was appreciative of the offer, and replied. She acknowledged my reply and offered kind wishes. So, a week went by. Then, week two went by. No response from management. So, I followed up with the contact from customer service, stating that no one had contacted me despite her offer. Again, she apologized for the lack of courtesy and that "this is not the experience that we want any of our candidates to have working with our firm." She stated that she had contacted senior management, and they "assured [her] that they will be reaching out to [me]." Alright, it's a nice gesture. (Of course, I'd like to be using a staffing service to find better work rather than critiquing their unresponsiveness, but so it goes.) So, week three went by. And, now it's near the end of week four. No contact from management; still no contact from my recruiter. Oh, wait; I almost forgot! About my recruiter who was impossible to contact... According to her public LinkedIn profile, she's now been promoted to a Robert Half account executive! I couldn't tell you how a recruiter who can't place recruited candidates in jobs she offers or reply to any inquiries manages to get a gold star and snag a promotion like that, but what do I know? Anyway, after dealing with an unresponsive recruiter, disinterested management, two apologies from customer services, my most recent message was as follows: "Dear [Name Omitted], I hope that you are well. It has now been almost a month since I first posted about my experiences with the Creative Group. I appreciate that you have been generous with your outreach. However, despite your offers, I have not been contacted by anyone from the Creative Group--management or otherwise. It seems that there is no sentiment to follow through within the company. I recognize that job placement is difficult. Few jobs are opening, and even fewer new ones are being created. However, it is not appreciated being offered jobs with a fast deadline and then being completely ignored. It is not appreciated having to chase down recruiters who can't be bothered to reply and are never available to speak. It is especially not appreciated dealing with a recruiter who could not return a single call, e-mail, or even an offer to provide access to TCG's learning resources to have a place to develop skills to improve my marketability and now seeing her promoted to an account executive position according to her public LinkedIn profile. Your management team has not solicited feedback, but if they are open to it, please pass on that some professionalism and responsiveness outside of the customer service department would be appreciated. I would have been glad to support the Creative Group, but my experience has still given me no reason to express gratitude or recommend the company's services. Respectfully, Michael Z." As I said before, I wish I could recommend this agency. However, while the customer service is courteous, the lack of professionalism and unresponsiveness everywhere else and the inability of recruiters to follow through on offers is horrible. Sorry, but I'm looking to staffing services for better work, not to get flipped off. It's unfortunate, but the follow-up was just as bad as the original experience. Save yourself the trouble. Avoid the Creative Group, and hunt for work elsewhere. read more

Brian Portny, awesome. He is amazing and is extremely hard working. He not only assists you with finding the right fit for you, he also gives you the tools to succeed. He and Robert Half do an amazing job. read more

I personally had a good experience with TCG. I don't believe it's for everyone, but I was running my own small out of house business and when times were slow, it helped a lot. I was able to pick up temp work pretty easily and stop it whenever necessary. The recruiters are very friendly and give as many details about the assignment as possible. I didn't like to be called as often as I was by them, but it showed they were doing their best to keep track of everyone's position and contacted appropriately based on your needs. When I told them I was busy with my own work they wouldn't bother me and just check in occasionally, and when I wanted work, I would contact one of the recruiters and I would get a list of a few opportunities each week for the most part. It wasn't always fantastic creative work or high paying, but what do you expect with a temp job? I was very happy to have TCG as quick backup and I think they're doing a good job. I've heard from friends of bad experience with other creative staffing agencies where they got into issues with unmentioned non-competes and other bullcrap, which TCG doesn't seem to have. If you need help finding work in the creative field, this is a great option. read more

Applied online. Got a phone call stating that the client needed someone immediately and that they wanted me to interview with the client the following week. The very next day, I went to the Robert half office and was told by a recruiter that the client called earlier in the day and that the client chose to go in a different direction. I never interviewed with the "client." If there was one..... Pathetic! read more

The Creative Group and particularly Cortney Petrillo are excellent recruiters. Cortney called me first for a senior level advertising position in Philadelphia and was there for me every step of the way. As typical during the summer, the interview process was lengthy taking over 2 months. However, Cortney never forgot about me, checking up on my search status and updating me quickly whenever requested. Cortney was very supportive during a stressful job search and her ability to make me laugh was very appreciated. She's a thorough, friendly, and highly professional recruiter which is not always the case. I can totally recommend her and the TCG group for anyone looking for a new position in the advertising industry. read more

I recently started working with TCG, though, honestly not expecting much from a staffing agency because of past experience with TCG and some others, but so far have been pleasantly surprised. During my interview/portfolio review, my recruiter stopped my presentation to invite in an associate to listen in in consideration of a specific potential client he had been contacted by. Currently, I am working on assignment for this client! Additionally as my recruiter knew that I am a resident of South Jersey, she shared my information with a recruiter at TCG in Princeton, who placed my in a two week long position! This is still an early review of my latest experience with TCG, but considering these placements and the potential for more, I have high expectations and hopes moving forward with TCG. read more

My earlier assessments of the Creative Group remain the same. Response to emails and voicemails leaves much to be desired.

If I could rate a 0, I would! LIES! The Company is all about lies! I applied for a position that was posted as a "temp to hire!" When the Agency called me (Nicole P), the position was only a contract position! It was a "Bait & Switch! She tried really hard to sell me on taking a temp position. When I asked her if I took a temp position, would they continue to find me a temp to perm placement & she said "no," but we wouldn't stop you from seeking out permanent positions on your own! That's awesome that they are ok with me seeking a job on my own! Then what's the point of RH?!!! If you are a job seeker, go to a different agency! Ask lots of questions & require honest answers! read more

TCG and RH is a waste of time! both agencies are terrible with returning your phone calls and never seem to be there when you try to reach them for an opportunity. I've been trying with TCG for graphic design work but they quickly dismissed my resume, claiming that it doesnt "fit" the criteria when clearly I have a BA degree in the field and experience to boot! And lets not forget the empty promises of "I'll call you when we find something that fits you". ABSOLUTE WASTE! read more

I have a resume post on Craigslist and those people called me. I couldn't get the call right away so I was able to reach to my phone in less than 5 minutes. I listened to the message but the caller was talking so fast that it was actually impossible to catch her name. I called back right away and I explained to the receptionist that I received a call just 5 minutes before regarding my resume posted on line, and also that I couldn't catch the name of the caller. This very haughty woman told me in a rude manner that they couldn't help if I didn't know the name of the caller. Wow! Really?? She just called me 5 minutes before! I guess the office isn't big since they didn't leave a number-extension. This lady scolded me because I didn't know the name and just hung up. Very haughty, very rude. I looked up the number and I saw it's a legal employment agency from Philadelphia, PA???? LOL! I have an MBA and definitely not prepared to work as a paralegal! Also, I am in Atlanta, GA! What an agency from that far away can get me? Well, I guess, I will never know, since the haughty secretary decided I wasn't worth enough to interview me! Haha! read more

TCG is a creative person's best friend. Their experience, network, contact list, and skills are second to none. Christine Kochevar, Ginger Kochmer, and the entire team really get the needs of the ad business. They are supportive and found exceptional opportunities for me personally, and have sent me truly outstanding talent for hire. I highly recommend TCG whether you're looking to make a move, or looking for great people to fill any creative position. read more

No follow ups on positions. Dishonesty is a huge thing with this company in regards to what their looking for in their job posting. The bouncing around and then the silence was is unfortunate. Barely replied back to emails. Not shocking to say the least. read more

Terrible. The "recruiters" here are useless. Did not get me a single interview in 2 months. I switched to a different legal recruiter and not only got 3 interviews in a week... but found a job. read more

The Creative Group seemed great at first - professional, eager to help, and my first meeting with them went very well. I walked out of the office thinking I could easily land a job within a month. The good vibes, however, began to quickly seep away. My recruiter began to send me fewer e-mails about opportunities, didn't return e-mails or phone calls, and if I went to TCG's office that person was always 'allegedly' out of the office or in a meeting or swamped with work. Maybe the recruiter was actually busy, but I went to TCG enough times to the point where it was highly suspicious. I would talk to the recruiter when I could about certain opportunities that fit me very well, and there was always the promise "I'll contact them right away and shoot you a call or e-mail later today" - of course, such promises were unfulfilled. Eventually I stopped receiving all contact from TCG for some time. I'd try to get in touch, to no avail; I had to physically walk in and ask who I should speak to if I wasn't getting anything out of my experience. I was handed business cards of all the recruiters and apparently it was expected that I should contact them myself. So I did, and for a short period of time I began to once again receive e-mails with job opportunities. Unfortunately nothing came of this. Currently I receive periodic contact from The Creative Group, but it's completely unrealistic. I have a part-time job which I had to get myself (unfortunately unrelated to my degree or anything that TCG would do), and recruiters only send me these silly time-sensitive e-mails. Things like "oh, it's 10am now. Do X, Y, and maybe Z for me by noon or this opportunity expires! Thanks!" Of course I'm at my job, and have been for some time, and it's not like I have access to certain programs on my phone or anything. It's literally impossible for me to display any kind of interest in nearly all 'opportunities' because there is no physical way for me to 'apply' to them in any sense of the word. Overall my experience with The Creative Group has been very unfulfilling. I would not recommend them if you need a job within 12 months. read more

I was hoping this office would help me find work as the Officeteam where I used to live was really great. No such luck here. I have to give them credit, as they did call me a lot over the summer to tell me they had positions available and they sent me out on a few interviews. Follow up was their problem. Having common sense, I assumed that I didn't get the jobs when I didn't hear a month later, but they never told me anything was filled. I liked working with Christine, but Steve F. tried to send me out of some job with extremely vague details and the few details I got sounded extremely shady. Eventually, I took a break from them since nothing was panning out to look for full time work instead of temp work. After the new year, I told them I was available again but I guess they're mad at me now. Now when I tell them I'm available I get no response whatsoever. read more

I have signed up with many agencies through the years and in my experience, this is the hands down most unprofessional one out there. I first signed with them in 2011. Not only did I not receive one assignment, I was passed off to three different recruiters within an 18-month period because they either got fired or quit. The turnover was insane. So I rightfully decided to give up on them. Then, out of the blue, I got a call from a rep who had just been hired, and sounded like she was about 14. She asked me to come in, then told me that she would send me an email to confirm the appointment and to instruct me about what to bring. After not receiving an email, I called her to ask what happened. She recited the email address she had for me, and it wasn't even close. So I gave her the correct address and she said she would email me. After a few more days, with the appointment coming up, I still didn't hear from her. So I called her, twice, but never heard back from her. I have never, ever dealt with such amateurs! My advice is, don't waste your time. This agency is way ridiculous. Update: Like others who have posted similar reviews here, I received an apologetic email from "customer service" literally within minutes, asking me to contact them. But judging by the experiences of others, this would just be a further exercise in futility. This company is hopeless. read more

During the period I was laid off (2012-2013) I joined this group, took all their tests, etc. It amounted to absolutely nothing. They did nothing for me. read more

The Creative Group was recommended to me by one of their other partner firms. I had expectations of experiencing the same level of professionalism as I had with other Robert Half organizations. Was I wrong! The recruiters here seem to think that their job is done if they post the opportunities on social media. They certainly aren't concerned with returning phone calls or emails -- or even acknowledging questions on their news feeds. I'm with Gordon -- it seems like the recruiters are never available for one reason or another. I mean never. I've been working with them -- or trying to -- for six months. I've had literally dozens of calls and emails ignored by five different recruiters. I have never had a call answered, and only two call-backs in six months. With all of us looking for employment, it is absolutely galling that these recruiters stay employed. Robert Half should take notice. read more

Jaime Fortino has helped me get a freelance position at a really great agency, and Jaime is going to help with turning it into full time if all goes well. Jaime has been really supportive and convinced me to try this agency even though at first I was not excited about the opportunity. I'm really grateful to her, because I really love this job! read more

I've been working with the Philadelphia Branch since April and was interviewed for two assignments right away. Alyssa Kennedy has been extremely helpful in getting me the best opportunity until finding permanent work. She is great about following up with me and I look forward to working with her and the team on future assignments. read more

I applied for a job on TCG site. As a creative executive I've been limited in positions opened but I'm a hands on designer too. That said, got a call from Brian @TCG, positive, upbeat, good call, giving me info about job (client's looking for someone to fill position asap), wants to meet with me next week and asked for dates open. I sent email with dates available, looking forward to working with TCG, etc...couple days go by, no response, call and leave message, then email and call one last time, no response...never heard from him again. Since that experience, I started asking around, writers designers, and other creatives in Philly area have had the same experience. It's hard enough to be looking for a job but to be abused while searching sucks. THUMBS DOWN TCG. HOPE: I have since had a GREAT experience with another "Creative" placement agency in Philly, extremely professional. Good luck if you're looking, keep putting yourself out there! read more

Robert Half contacted me after filling out an online job application that they had posted. At first my contact with TCG was really encouraging, the recruiter there seemed to be very invested in my skills and talents and sent me several aptitude tests after my initial interview--all of which I scored in the mid 90%. Nothing came out of this at all. I was invited to a networking event which I attended and payed for, for again, nothing (though i did network which is always helpful). I then went on another interview with another recruiter at their office in Center City. That recruiter told me to contact him in 2-3 days and to think about the job offer that he had just explained to me. I called once that day. And the next day. And the next. I decided to give up and haven't heard from them since. I work a fulltime job and honestly having to change my schedule so many times for something that netted me 0 results is really a shame, and a waste of time. They should certainly have better diligence with their clients/perspective employees. I will receive a spam e-mail from them telling me about their amazing job opportunities that fit my experience and background most of which I delegate to the trash bin. I'm sure RH and TCG are great for some clients. You literally would not even have a business unless they were able to staff SOME employees. Recruiters are salesman, keep this in mind--they are taking a portion of your pay as long as you are contracted through them. So while for some this could be a lucrative networking connection, I'd expect for the vast majority of artists and writers this is probably going to be a giant waste of time. I should bill them for opportunity cost. read more

I have been working with TCG for most of my career. I enjoy working with the recruiters which makes the experience amazing for me. The recruiters and I have a great first name base relationship when something comes in which is considered a fit for my background. If it wasn't for TCG, I don't know where I would be in my career now. read more

In 2010, I was working hard to get my career bootstrapped in Technology. I was working for a substandard hourly wage as a freelancer for a crappy geeks on site company for a while and could not get a break into the Tech industry. I was lucky to have sent an application to RH and the Director of Technology Staffing at RH gave me a clean shot in the industry by taking an entry level temp staff position as a release tech for a new hardware and software rollout at Peps Boys. By far, was not a dream job and was temporary. But, if it were not for this, I probably would have given up and tried to move on to another career path. RH and their tech staffing director, at the time, in the downtown Philadelphia office gave me a shot at it. That director was very good at giving me advice for my resume and how to craft it. All in all, I owe him a huge THANK YOU for the opportunity. I moved on to a better market for Tech jobs in Austin TX in 2011 and have been working remotely since 2014 as Director of Technology and Lead DevOps Engineer. I owe one to this director of staffing at RH and am very greatfull for the opportunity he gave me and how it helped in my career. Ultimately, moving to Austin TX and now elsewhere close to Silicon Valley defined my career further. Thank you for the trust in me and the opportunity! read more

The Creative Group are the best and professional recruiter that helps you find the right placement for your talents. Jenna Santore has impressed me as one of the best talent recruiters in the Philly area. Her attention to finding the right fit for your talent is impeccable. Great group to work for! read more

The creative group was amazing for me. I recently graduated and moved to the city and Samantha Hawkins found me a job for the day after my graduation! They helped me improve my resume and Portfolio and got me my first job. I highly recommend them for anyone looking in the web design world. read more

The TCG has been a great program to work with. They found me countless doorways of opportunities around the city as well as a great benefit plan for freelancers! I can only say great things about my experience with TCG and highly recommend their services to any post-grad creative. read more

I've been pretty fortunate in my work with OfficeTeam in Philly. I first reached out to them when I moved to Philadelphia in August 2011, and since then I've been put on some great assignments by them. I like to think that I'm pretty well qualified for the work that I seek through them, and when I've been clear about my requests and preferences, they've been able to hold up their side of the bargain and find some great work for me. The team as a whole is very fast-paced and busy and sometimes things drop through the cracks, but if you're able to help them out (like I try to) and check in with them regularly, you're more likely to find some success with them. I've worked with only a tiny number of Robert Half recruiters that I really wasn't fond of, or who didn't seem to get it. Otherwise, Olivia, Amanda, and most of the others I've been connected with have been great about keeping in touch with me and finding me some really neat opportunities. OfficeTeam has been the most successful connection I've made with a staffing firm in the Philadelphia area, by far. I'd highly recommend them if you know your stuff! read more

I had a positive experience working with The Creative Group. They helped me find a variety of opportunities that allowed me to build my resume and add to my skill set. I've since landed a full-time job thanks to the connections I made working through The Creative Group. read more

I am so happy Robert Half completely stopped communicating with me with no explanation what-so-ever, AFTER offering me a direct hire position. Why, you may ask? Because I ended up staffing through Philly Temps, who have been nothing but awesome. Thank you Robert Half for over-looking my talent, because I love the company I work for, and wouldn't have gotten here with Robert Half and the dismissive, uncommunicative way they treated me. read more

For all of those that think the Creative Group is so wonderful. The one here in Philadelphia is a load of shit. I was sent on an assignment that started to becoming verbally abusive and being threatened EVERYDAY in the staff meetings for the temp pools. I noticed that he never threatened to fire the temp pool in front of permanent staff members. He always made 2 separate staff meetings. Anyway, I called and left a v-msg and a email to my recruiter at the Creative Group. He NEVER acknowledge my messages for 3 weeks. I was trying to tell him that I drew the line at being threatened of being fired(basically from week 2). What drew the final straw was when the supervisor stated that we should not be taking breaks when we have work to do. Now, I'm sorry I'm entitled to a 10 minute break after working 4 hours. People started quitting, but he claimed he fired them because they didn't want to do their job. Now the job that we originally signed on to do was scheduling, that's it nothing more. He changed the job assignment entirely, forced to learn 15 software applications within 3 days, train another temp and be able to work independently or as they put, "go live". I did not sign on for this. I got the recruiters attention when I quit the assignment. Here comes my phone ringing 8 am with an urge message on it. A email asking me what happened. LOL, that's only time recruiters care is when they lose head count at a job site. The supervisor told the recruiter that I was not welcomed back, and the recruiter believes his bullshit. I emailed the recruiter a day later(take my time just like he did me) and explain to him was went down. Now the supervisor couldn't say anything bad about my work ethic, lateness, etc. I just politely laid the recruiter out in the email. Now he wanted to know what happened after his head count went from 6 to 3, and that doesn't include the previous temps that quit. So, my advice is work with the Creative Group at your own risk. The are really a crappy temp agency just like the rest of them in this city. read more

I interviewed with Brian Murphy and it was a dismal experience to say the least. He was rude to me during my interview exclaiming "I've seen worse resumes" My resume lacked work experience but it was by no means bad. I went to a career service for it. I went in as an entry level candidate looking for freelance work, not going to be a stacked resume. Nonetheless even if it was terrible you don't say things like that to people, it's inconsiderate and rude. Brian pointlessly contacted me twice about job opportunities, one where he had me email him portfolios and availability then never followed up about the position. I went in and called several times and he was always unavailable. Months have gone by and I heard nothing from him and hope to never hear from him. read more

There have been decent experiences and awful experiences through Robert Half Legal. Typically, the representatives are friendly and motivated. However, they often give false and greatly inflated claims of the job descriptions. I was sent into hostile work environments on multiple occasions without warning. The hostility was often generated by negative experiences with other temps through Robert Half. In desperate efforts to gain their clients, they mislead candidates and usually low ball the hourly rates paid to temp workers. I have worked at a few assignments via RHL over the past 2 years, but none were good situations. The only reason this isn't a 1 star review is that I'm not a completely negative person. I upheld their image and standard even when RHL used, mislead and outright deceived me regarding the job roles and working environments. Only use this company if you are desperate. Do not fall for their description of the job you will be walking into, and DO NOT ever be pressured into accepting a "immediate opening rush assignment" from RHL. Simple Rule: Use them...the way they are Using you... and there will be no misunderstandings. read more