This review focuses on my experience with Accountemps' Salaried Professional Services program/team and my supervisor, Doran. Because of the quality of this experience, I'm writing my first (and possibly last) review on Yelp so that others know what they can expect.
Doran recruited me straight out of college for the SPS program. I'd been with Robert Half's Office Team division for years, done an assignment here and there for Accountemps, and Robert Half never let me down in keeping me employed as I worked my way through school. Yet, for all my experience, good grades, and armed with a fancy new degree in finance, I couldn't secure an employment offer in finance or accounting. Why? Largely because the entirety of my background was admin/clerical and as a self-supporting older student, I was working to survive rather than taking internships like the parent-supported kids aged 17-22 were.
I'd met Doran at a couple of career fairs and when it came close to graduating, he remembered me and called me up. We chatted a bit and when I went in, I didn't even realize my first interview was my first interview. I think I showed up in jeans and a sweater (Note: Never, EVER, do this!). Anyway, we discussed what we each needed and it seemed like a good match.
The best thing Doran did in that conversation was shoot straight. He didn't try to sell me. He gave me the good, bad, and ugly in blunt, simple terms. I knew what I was getting into and I knew the risks I'd be taking, but I also knew the potential rewards. How many employers tell you that up front?
I've seen some of the other reviews and the thing about temping is this: It's not a career. Post-2008, companies want disposable help and very few jobs translate into permanent gigs. That's not Accountemps' fault, that's the world we currently live in. Yes, assignments are generally short-lived but if you're lucky, they stretch out or convert. Yes, the pay can suck, but consider that the client and the market, not RH or Accountemps, dictates the budget. SOMEONE has to pay the recruiter for finding you the contract, payroll for generating your paycheck, and reception to take your calls when you need work. That stuff doesn't come for free. You want more money? Take college classes, ask for focused contracts that get you where you want to go. End rant.
Me? I was one of the lucky ones. My first interview for and SPS client didn't go well and my ego took a hit. Doran was honest and prompt with his feedback (He almost always responds within 48 hours). Basically they thought I wasn't excited about the job (I was). Almost immediately, he sent me out for a direct placement with a startup for about a month to six weeks. The job description was pure finance and included SalesForce.
Unfortunately for me, the company's needs changed before I got there and I ended up doing pure clerical work. The tedious kind that makes you want to leap from the nearest bridge. It was touch and go about how long I would be there but the work kept coming. Then a complete coincidence of a conversation got word into the right person's ear and all of a sudden, I'm moved into finance doing A/R work. The team loves me, I love them, the environment is super comfortable, and the finance department has been opened to me as my classroom. SCORE!
But I was stuck. I was with the SPS program and an employee of RH. My work ethic and moral compass wouldn't permit me to leap at this company's repeated offers of employment. I was scared to tell Doran as he'd been straight with me that SPS wasn't the place to job-hunt and I'd been so sure that SPS for me was a LEGO set for building my career, that I didn't want to settle anywhere. When I finally came clean, Doran's reaction surprised me. I thought he'd be upset, but he was kind and clearly very concerned with ensuring I was comfortable with my decision, that I'd thought through all the pros and cons, and that I was ready. I thought the conversion might not happen due to the contract in place, but not only did it happen, Doran made it happen virtually overnight so that I could accompany my new team on a training trip. My head is still spinning from how much effort he put into it. On top of that, his payroll assistant, Amit, virtually held my hand during the closeout so that I made sure everything was taken care of and she was also incredibly responsive.
I now work for the startup and wake up every morning ready to go. I can see my career shaping and moving forward here. But without Doran, without SPS, without Accountemps, not only would I not have had this opportunity or networked the way I have, but I probably never would've even heard of this gem of a company.
I won't hesitate to recommend anyone I feel qualified to Doran, and will pass forward resumes myself so that he can get the help he needs and others can kickstart their careers or bulk up their employment experience. He's a wonderful asset to Accountemps. If you're in the market, definitely give him a call. read more