I know the recruitment agency's of Bristol all to well. They can be judged chiefly on two measures,…read moretheir ability to get you work and their ability to treat like a human being. Pamela Neave gets middling marks on the first measure and top marks on the second. Located in Bristol city centre, it looks a bit tired and dowdy on the outside and this feel increases when you enter. Don't let this put you off though. The friendly-ish receptionist will give you some forms to fill out and then you'll talk to one of the consultants. This is where Pamela Neave is a bit different - they actually seem to listen a little bit and don't try to either fob you off at the first opportunity or steam roller you into work you don't want. These might not sound like great achievements, but are nonetheless rare in the depressing world that is high street recruitment. If you're looking for work and want to be treated like person and not a commodity then head down to Pamela Neave.

Although a little old-fashioned in appearance, the staff at Pamela Neave try their best to…read moreaccommodate you and find work no matter how much or little experience you have. From anything to stock takes to charity fundraising or telephone operating the jobs are offered relatively often for a small recruitment agency. Try visiting here if you're feeling a little defeated by the blank faced and bored looking staff at the other agencies, the friendly staff here will make you feel like a person again and may even remember your name after a visit or two.

I received a phone call from one of the recruiters about a potential job which alas, was too far…read moreout of town for me to take on as I have no car. I was passing by and popped in to register, was put through some tests and had an interview there and then which was convenience. I was asked would I be interested in a temporary post which was alas again too far out of town. A week later I was contacted about a potential job and was put forward for it. Before going on holiday, the recruiter both emailed and called to let me know. Also unlike other recruiters when I said what I was looking for she didn't just ignore me and start marketing me for roles exactly like my previous job which I wasn't interested in. Still not found my dream job through them but they treat you with respect. A rare commodity in the world of recruitment.

When I moved to Bristol, jobless and penniless, Pertemps Recruitment Agency was my first port of…read morecall. After a short interview with a friendly adviser, I took a typing test, passed it and had a job by the end of the week. The initiation process was smooth and painless, and I found the staff to be genuinely accommodating and helpful. I had a few different administrative based jobs courtesy of Pertemps, and was on an average wage of £7 per hour. I never had any problems receiving my payment, which was paid directly into my bank account on a weekly basis (oh joy!) An all round thumbs up for this one, then.

I don't really too much to say about Sue Sheppard apart from the fact that they gave me an…read moreinterview straight away which I liked. They also got me a job within a week which is something that again I appreciated. It wasn't exactly what I hoped for, but hey, a job is a job when you are broke! Worth signing up as I reckon it's one of the better recruitment consultants in the area.

Without letting my prejudices turn into discrimination, I don't think I'm too keen on recruitment…read moreconsultants. So when I first moved to Bristol and needed to find a job fast, unfortunately it was the only option. Man, am I glad I went straight to Sue Sheppard. -They are genuine -They care about your education/results/previous experience -They want to find you a career that caters to your need, temporary or permanent -They listen They found me a nice temp job starting immediately, in the location I'd asked for and with reasonable money (though no doubt they were also getting paid a bomb). Obviously I cannot vouch for it in current economic climes/times of unemployment, but I imagine they still outshine some of the other smarm-mongers employed by high street recruitment chains. A definite plus are their offices are large, with comfy seats and a water cooler for while you sit and do the inevitable form-filling or computer tests. They're also famed for their amazing changing window displays near the 'naked hanging man' Banksy mural at the bottom of Park Street.

I'm an ex-recruiter myself who recently applied for a role through Mainline. They are by far the…read morerudest and least effective recruitment agency I have ever personally come across. Firstly, they called and asked me nothing about what I was looking for in a career. Then they point blank refused to let me know the name of the employer unless I came to their office with several documents. (I've worked for three recruitment agencies and never come across this). Once I arrived at their office, I was not allowed to speak to the recruiter for the role, but instead handed a five page form to complete asking for all sorts of personal information (references etc.) without even knowing what job I was applying for! (If you're wondering why they do this, it's most likely for leads- very unprofessional.) Employers- if you have any respect for your future employees/candidates, I would implore you to use a more professional agency (there are many in Bristol to chose from).

I went here about a year ago to get some work in a hotel. They actually had many options and got me…read morean interview that very day. As a formality, I had to run over to their Bedminster office first to sign all the necessary papers and what not before then running to the interview, but the lady who dealt with me was very professional and friendly - in fact, the small office was quite a vibrant place with all the staff sharing a bit of banter like real human beings rather than acting like drones that were only carrying out their tasks until they could go home, and I was even given a cup of coffee while I filled out the forms! Therefore, I'd recommend them very highly, especially if you've already got experience in your chosen field. It was a little annoying that they wouldn't tell me which hotel was offering the job before I got to the office, but I guess they're only upholding their confidentiality agreement with the company in question. Definitely give these guys a go if you're looking for work quickly.

Office Team is one of the best recruitment agencies in Bristol, but it's difficult to get on their…read morebooks. They get a respectable amount of temporary and permanent work come through, in both the private and public sectors, but be prepared for a fairly rigorous screening process. Office experience is pretty much essential and they're always on the look out for "quality candidates", meaning that if you're recommended by an employer then you're much more likely to get the go-ahead. Nevertheless, it's worth a shot if you're going it alone, as with a good CV and a confident attitude, you'll certainly have a decent chance.

I was subsequently contacted by Lucy Bristow apologising for the fact I'd had a bad experience. The…read morelady I spoke to was very sweet. My review was going back to 2010 so its nice to see that in 2012, Lucy Bristow cares about the service offered to potential candidates. I have no plans to move jobs so I can't comment on the quality of service but the customer service certainly gone up a notch.

I contacted this agency who seemed very helpful initially and eager to assist in securing me…read moretemporary or permanent work, however this service soon went downhill and the office do not get back to you after replying for advertised positions, I gave up sadly as being registered for 5 months seems unreasonable and unacceptable. They will not even give you a chance to prove yourself!