I've never left a Yelp review before, but am making an exception in the case of Watson Dwyer because of the absolutely PHENOMENAL experience I had there. I think that such an excellent experience deserves to be shared! Before anything else, I would like to give a special shout out to Mike Skadeland, who went above and beyond in making sure I found a position that was right for me. Mike was both extremely professional and extremely personable, and made me feel hopeful and energized about the prospect of a quick and successful match as soon as we spoke on the phone for the first time. I had moved to Chicago on August 1st as a recent graduate with no job prospects and no interviews lined up, but with an interest in the legal field. Within the first week, I scheduled appointments with three different staffing agencies, hoping that the process of working with a recruiter would make the job search process a little less painful. The first two agencies I met with had a fairly routine, impersonal screening process. "Interviews" with recruiters lasted only 30 minutes max, and although both agencies set me up with job interviews within the first meeting, I had reservations about the potential positions matching my goals and qualifications. Then I went to Watson Dwyer, and was blown away by the professionalism and personalized care that the agency demonstrated. Mike was impressively quick to respond to any emails and phone calls, regardless of the time of day, and notified me as soon as there was a change on his end. My initial meeting with him lasted over an hour, as he took the time to really understand my background, my career goals, my strengths and weaknesses, and any of my reservations. Then he made a point of introducing me to other members of the Watson Dwyer team, and letting them speak with me one-on-one despite their busy schedules. He began spreading my name and resume around via email and phone to potential employers before I had even left the office. I interviewed with Mike on Wednesday, had two interviews with incredible law firms lined up by Thursday, and had landed one job offer by Friday and another (which I happily accepted!) by Monday. After hearing horror stories about job searching as a recent grad in Chicago, I had found a position at a dream company in under a week, and began work on the second Monday of August! From sharing interview tips and insights, to calling before the interview to wish me good luck, to following up after, this agency really goes above and beyond throughout the entire process. Would HIGHLY recommend Watson Dwyer as an agency and Mike Skadeland as a recruiter to anyone trying to get their foot in the door in a new industry as a recent grad. read more

I've been in contact with the same rep at WD over a number of years, when I've wanted to find better opportunities while I was employed, and recently since becoming unemployed and in search mode. I just discovered Yelp, and was surprised at the negative comments, as my experience has always been very positive with my rep. When I was looking during better times in our economy, he was able to get me into several interviews with great companies, which were offering top pay in my field (E.A). I was working with other agencies at the time as well, and did end up getting a position through another agency, but that was no reflection on my rep at WD or his lack of trying; it was my choice based on circumstances at the time. He was always attentive and in touch regularly with appropriate opportunities. In fact, he has even contacted me out of the blue when I wasn't looking, just when something came up that he thought would be a good fit for me. In my recent search efforts, he and I speak fairly often, and he has offered helpful, and free! suggestions for my resume. Although he hasn't had many positions except one temp job (I was already temping at the time thru another agency), let's face it, the job situation is not great, highest unemployment rate in IL ever, and it's very likely most companies are hesitant to pay the fees. This is not the fault of the staffing specialists, is it?? To echo other reviewers, agencies should not be used as your only source. Also keep in mind that the reps now have considerably more highly-qualified candidates than available positions, so it's up to you to keep in touch with them frequently to make sure they remain aware that you are interested and available. Also, if you cancel appointments that they have worked to set up for you, do you really blame them for not continuing to be in touch if you prove yourself to be unreliable? They have a reputation to uphold to their clients, especially if they are trying to establish a new relationship. I will continue to keep in touch with my rep at WD, and I am confident that he keeps me on his "A" list of available candidates because of our connection. Thanks for your time, read more

WD gets a 5 star rating from me! Given that I had never worked with a recruiting firm before I wasn't sure what to expect, but WD provided me a great experience. I had the pleasure of meeting & working with a handful of the Associates/Recruiters...Lucy P., Mike S., Joe R., & Cara Sawyer...and ALL were very personable, professional, positive and passionate about the their work. They helped me polish up my resume, prep me for interviews, edit "thank you" notes/emails post interview, checked in with me both before and after interviews to answer any questions/concerns & to hear my thoughts on the employer/position, and were very timely responding to my calls/emails. To give you an example how dedicated they are to helping...I had been offered a 2nd interview for a company & job I was very much interested in, but the week requested from the company for the interview I had already been committed to a Temp job (also thru WD), to ensure I could make the interview they worked out a solution among themselves and a co-worker (Caylin) of the recruiter (Cara S.) I was working with actually came to fill in for me for the remainder of the day at the Temp job....and to top it off...I got the job!! If this doesn't show dedication and team work, I don't know what does. If you find yourself looking for a job, or even just entertaining the idea, I definitely urge you to reach out to WD. Their web site allows you to view positions they are currently seeking candidates for, which are not just Chicago area specific, as well as allows you to create a profile and "apply". You have nothing to lose. And no matter which recruiter that initially contacts you, I can attest they are all great to work with...they work as a team in finding you positions that match your skills/experience & interest, therefore quicker results in locating job openings...taking out most of the "work" of job hunting. To: Lucy, Cara & Caylin...a massive THANK YOU!! Ladies, without you this job would not have become mine. read more

I was sent to Watson & Dwyer through a friend of mine, and all I have to say is thank goodness for him, as well as W&D. I was looking for a position and they offered me a temp job. I was there for six weeks. During those six weeks, Bridget and Julie worked so hard to make sure I had a permanent position to go to when I was done with the temp role. What sets W&D apart from other staffing agencies is that they genuinely care. They aren't just looking to place you so they can get money for it. They work with you, take your degree and interests and career goal into consideration when they're searching for your potential job. They're 100% honest with no surprises. They tell you every detail of the job just so you can be 150% certain with your decision making process. They also contact you. They don't wait for you to contact them. Bridget was calling me or emailing me every time she got wind of a new position she thought I'd be interested in. They want you to have the job you want, just as badly as you do. They put as much effort into your job search as you do; if not a little more. I would recommend W&D to anybody and everybody who is in need of a position. Once I was placed, Bridget has reached out multiple times to see if I'm still doing well. I love where they placed me, and I'm doing very well. W&D has amazing employees. Please, if you need anything, they will have your best interest at heart. If anybody says differently, their either lying, or they're lazy and didn't do any work in their search, so they're being cowards and not accepting the fact that they need to blame themselves. They will help you as long as you're willing to help yourself. read more

Watson Dwyer is a fantastic recruiting firm. I found out about a job opportunity on Indeed.com that Watson Dwyer posted. After working with Watson Dwyer (WD) alongside two other recruiting firms WD clearly was the front runner of being attuned to candidates' needs. Not only are they warm and friendly, but very professional and a well-run practice. They were very clear about outlining the recruiting process. Not only did they keep me in the loop about job opportunities, but oftentimes answered any emails I had within a few hours (and never more than 24 hours). They have materials/resources to prep you for an interview and they also call you the night before for a fifteen minute prep. Julie Orlandi, my recruiter, debriefed me after my interview. Then after receiving the job, checked in twice the first week. Throughout the duration of my temporary employment under WD Julie continued to check in periodically about how everything was going with my job. Not only that, but when an issue arose she guided me through it and advised me on what steps to take next. I only have limited experience with other recruiting firms, but WD always made me feel like a priority (other firms would try to use me and my network to fill other roles they knew I wasn't interested in and then were not proactive in trying to find me a placement). The company I was placed with was fantastic, but I never would have had such a positive employment experience if it wasn't for all that WD did. Big thank you to you all and keep doing what you're doing! read more

I interned at Watson Dwyer summer 2015 and knew that I wanted to come back summer 2016. When I first joined the company last year, everyone was very welcoming and helpful in showing me the ropes to all aspects of recruiting. From experienced professionals I was trained on networking, sourcing using career sites like CareerBuilder, data entry with our internal database (Bullhorn), proofing resumes, interviewing candidates, doing reference checks, creating job advertisements, cold-calling potential candidates, and more. I was able to work on a wide variety of jobs, whichever jobs sparked my interest. I was also given great flexibility in terms of my work schedule. While I primarily worked full time, I was able to take days off for other personal/school commitments as needed. The company understands the concept of a work/life balance and allowed me to have an enjoyable summer while working. Everyone in the office is so nice and helpful. While some recruiting environments may be competitive, Watson Dwyer truly is a collaborative environment with all recruiters working on each other's positions and offering support. I'm so glad I was able to come back for my second year of interning, and I know I have gained valuable experience that I have already been able to discuss during interviews and use in my day-to-day life. I honestly don't have any cons to my experience at Watson Dwyer as an intern, and I would recommend interning at Watson Dwyer to any of my friends and peers, regardless of whether or not they are studying HR. read more

I'm sure people say this all the time, but I never write reviews. No literally. I signed up just so I could write this one and I will probably never write another review after. I was shocked to see such a low rating, but once I really looked at what people are saying and when, it became abundantly clear that Watson Dwyer has done everything in their power to correct any wrongs from 4+ years ago. I've had the distinct pleasure of working with Jim, Cara and Julie. All three of them have been outrageously helpful in placing me. They listened to my concerns and aspirations and offered advice. I was let go of my job in 2011 and found myself wanting to change career paths all together from hospitality. Having come from such a specific background, Jim made sure to warn me changing my career path would require patience, but it was not impossible. I've gone on a few job interviews and was placed as a temp at two places to help broaden my experience. Watson Dwyer has never set up false expectations. The road to finding full time employment ended this Friday when one of my temp positions offered me a full time position. I have already recommended Watson Dwyer to many of my friends who are getting ready to graduate college and have yet to find employment and I will continue to sing praises of Watson Dwyer to whomever asks. I am without a doubt that the rating will not be so low for long. Anyone who decides to go will not be disappointed. Worth every star! read more

I was thrilled with my experience with the recruiters at Watson Dwyer. I worked with Cara Sawyer and Jennifer Pickens, who both went above and beyond to help me succeed in my job search. From the beginning to end of the hiring process, both recruiters could not have been more helpful, and supportive. Even though they have a lot going on, both ladies were extremely attentive to help me every time I had even the smallest question - they dropped everything to answer my every question. I would not have found such a great opportunity if it were not for the assistance I received from Watson Dwyer. Any question or concern I had, Jenn & Cara gave complete transparency and honesty with the the details of the role I was applying for, and made sure I was completely prepared to interview. Not only was I given one-on-one advice from the recruiters, but I was also emailed tips and tricks to go in there and rock the interview! I could not have felt that I was in better hands than with these two ladies. I trusted them completely for the job they were helping me obtain, and they did everything in their power to help me through to the end. In the future I will always Watson Dwyer for any future job search I may have. I have no hesitation refferring them to anyone, and would encourage anyone to do so. You have everything to gain from working with Watson Dwyer! I wouldn't be where I am today with out their gracious help, and support! read more

After graduating from college, I struggled to find a decent job. I searched for jobs on Monster, Career Builder, Indeed, the City of Chicago employment website, and ManpowerGroup. I did not fare well in the job hunting process. A friend of the family recommended I try out Watson Dwyer; her daughter found employment through them and so I decided to give it a go. I worked primarily through Lucy Putlak and Mike Skadeland. Within a month, I was working various temporary positions in the down town area of Chicago. Later I worked as an administrative assistant at a law firm; three months later I am now fully employed there. I am grateful for the help from Watson Dwyer because their agents gave me a chance when other companies did not. They've got an impressive network of contacts to help you tailor what kind of jobs you're looking for. They helped set up job interviews I would not have been able to set up myself. They kept in touch with me to make sure I was happy with the work and also to inform me of upcoming employment opportunities. If your job hunting skills aren't great, or you're tired of getting blown off by companies who never respond to you, I highly recommend working through Watson Dwyer. They will improve your resume, land you job interviews, and provide constructive criticism along the way. Whenever I encounter anyone who is looking for an employment agency, I'll refer them to Watson Dwyer. read more

Job hunting can be a difficult and taxing journey. It certainly was for me. During my job search, many staffing companies reached out. I interviewed in-person at 3 of them. Only one of those companies stayed in touch sporadically. After 6 months, I was approaching InMails with caution and skepticism. Sophia Flanery from WatsonDwyer reached out to me at the end of January 2020. I can't pinpoint what prompted me to reply but I am so glad that I did. We set up a time to talk. Sophia is kind, friendly, and made me feel at ease immediately. She did an outstanding job of finding the right opportunity for me. The same day we talked she and Joe Rubino had a lead for me. A lead that aligned with my goals. They set up a phone interview right away, and within a week lined up an in-person interview. A week after my in-person interview, I received an offer. In less than a month, Sophia and Joe helped me secure a promising position, at a great company, with a wonderful team. The process was fast and effortless. They did a stellar job at communicating regularly. I especially appreciated their accessibility, even on weekends! I highly recommend Sophia and Joe! I cannot say enough good things, it was a pleasure to work with them! read more

During my search for a permanent position, I signed up with more than four agencies. Only two worked with me, and one stopped calling me because I did not like the temp-to-perm position they placed me. Even after I complained for more than a week, it was clear to me that agency was only looking out for their revenue. Fortunately for me, Watson Dwyer is different. I needed to get out and work - Michael Skadeland encouraged me to take a data entry position, which was way below my experience and pay grade. In his words, "You don't know what can happen." Well, he was right - five months later, two hefty raises and an upward change in position - I am a new employee with a very satisfying position. Watson Dwyer sent me on another interview for a permanent position, which I accepted but was counter-offered from the firm I was in. This is unheard of these days! Through it all, whenever I was becoming discouraged, scared, and even depressed, Michael Skadeland saw me through it on a professional and personable level and I am ever so grateful. I never had a bad experience at Watson Dwyer and would recommend anyone looking for a job to Michael Skadeland, as well as Julie Orlandi. Thank you, Team at Watson Dwyer. read more

I just wanted to send a huge shout-out to Mike Skadeland and Joann Formanek for sending me on the interview for a temporary assignment which led to a permanent job! I have known Mike for about 10 years. It is funny though, because every time Mike would call me for an assignment I was always on assignment and couldn't accept the role. I had just ended a temp assignment and reached out to him on a Saturday to let him know I was available for a new role. He replied to me the same day. He had an opportunity with one of Joann's clients so of course he wanted me to meet Joann. That following Monday I met with her, Tuesday I had the interview with her client and was hired on the spot!! This was my first assignment with Watson Dwyer and who would have thought that after two months I would finally have a place to call home. They were upfront and honest about this role from the moment I started. They told me that if I worked hard that the job could possibly be mine on a permanent basis. Needless to say they were right! I am working at an amazing company with off the wall benefits!!! Also sending a shout-out to Anna for processing my timesheet in a timely matter to ensure I always got paid on time! read more

As other reviews have pointed out, going to a staffing company, much as any other aspect of life, gives you results based on what you put into it. A staffing company -- your own recruiter-- is NOT an excuse for you to be lazy and stop job searching because you think they're doing it for you. A recruiter is supposed to be used as an aid. If you sell yourself and your skills to them, they can help sell you to companies needing that skill set. The key to staffing agencies, in my experience, is all in finding the right recruiter. If you're not happy with your recruiter, ask for someone who is better apt to know and understand your needs. With that being said, Julie at WD has always been a great person to work with. She's efficient, caring, extremely helpful and very attentive. From the very beginning, I felt confident in working with WD towards seeking out future employment. Not only did Julie land me the job I currently have, but she's always willing to give advice... at NO cost to me... meaning, she's not getting anything out of it. Again, sell yourself to them, and use them as an aid. They are not there to hold your hand, they are there to help you promote your brand. Good luck! read more

I am an experienced paralegal , and when I was looking to make a change I turned to Watson Dwyer. I worked with both Cara Sawyer and Julie Orlandini, and my experience could not have been better. They helped me with my resume and interview skills. They contacted me about opportunities that matched my experience and interests on a regular basis and really did their best to present me favorably to prospective employers for whom they thought I would be a good match. I went on multiple interviews through them. At one point, when I was having difficulty with balancing a particularly long interview process with the demands and schedule of a full-time job, Cara and Julie took over and worked with the interviewing company to rearrange the interview schedule. But the #1 reason that I recommend Watson Dwyer is that I NEVER felt pressured by Cara or Julie to take a job that wasn't exactly what I was looking for. They understood that this was my life and it had to be a good fit for both me and the company. They really helped me think through my options and decide what was best for me. I absolutely recommend contacting them to any working professionals looking for new opportunities. read more

Working with Watson Dwyer has been a positive experience from beginning to end. If all of the associates in this organization are as dedicated and capable as Camren Greene and Cara Sawyer, consider yourself ahead of the pack to land that position you dream of! I can't say enough how great both Camren and Cara were to work with! They collaborated to quickly find a position to suit my eclectic skill set. In a matter of days, I had just the right amount of guidance to keep the nerves at bay, and was thoroughly prepared for the interview. Their professionalism and good old fashioned manners and caring gave me confidence to go in and be myself, and ultimately land the position! Every call or email was promptly returned, for which I was immensely grateful, as waiting for answers to unknowns can be stressful. For me, the calls and emails I got wishing me good luck on the morning of the interview provided a personal touch. With that level of caring and professional dedication to doing their jobs, you can feel confident that you will be in good hands from start to finish, especially if you work with Camren Greene and Cara Sawyer. Thank you for everything!!! read more

My experience with Watson Dwyer was very positive. I was connected with Julie by a friend who obtained a job through them. She was very courteous during our email exchanges, open to meet up when I was available, and even more courteous in person. Upon our initial interview, she reviewed my resume and gauged my interests. I really had no idea what I wanted to do, but was pleasantly surprised when she listed some of the options she had open. When I picked the job that I was most interested in, I was prepared by one of her colleagues beforehand and was given some helpful tips (including a 'commonly asked questions' sheet and a mock interview, all tailored to the company). I was nervous but felt prepared for the interview. When I got the job, Julie checked in on me every couple weeks and gave me some valuable advice. I felt that I could ask of her advice and often did. Even when I was hired as a perm, Julie still checks in every once in a while. The type of jobs offered may not be for everyone, but they are available and the connections are there for those that wish to take part. I remain grateful to Watson - ask to interview with Julie! read more

Mike Skadeland is an amazing matchmaker. Through his many years of experience, he maintains strong relationships with HR execs at top companies and firms. He paired my skills and passions with the right position at the right company. Also, his positivity is contagious! Mike was an invaluable resource in my search. I interviewed with Watson Dwyer on Monday, and he got me an interview with the HR director of my dream company on Tuesday. I had an offer on Wednesday. As far as I understand, a three day turnaround is pretty darn impressive for a recruiting agency (compared to my months of searching for the right position on Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster...) Because the company in question was not hiring through their normal HR channels, the position was not posted on the company's recruiting website. I had been tracking the company's recruiting page for months. Mike's connections opened a door that would have stayed closed if I had never submitted my resume to Watson Dwyer. Thank you for your help! I love my job and could not be more pleased with my experience. I highly recommend Mike, or any of the other recruiters at Watson Dwyer. read more

Watson Dwyer has some of the friendliest, warmest people I've ever had the pleasure of working with. The office has a super-cooperative family feel to it, where everyone shares ideas and helps each other out. The President and General Manager are always encouraging everyone to do their best and are accessible and ready to lend a helping hand. Coworkers are also always happy to give advice and coach you on how to improve your work strategies, which was super helpful for me when I first started there. The office itself is conveniently located by both Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center and has awesome features like a gym and rooftop deck (with an indoor section for eating lunch with a view during those Chicago winter months). Of note: I had a couple of personal/family emergencies come up during my time working here and management was very understanding and supportive (in terms of time off, accommodations, checking in on how I was doing and offering help, etc.) If you want to work somewhere where management and coworkers actually care about your wellbeing - this is a great place for you. read more

The experience with Watson Dwyer and my recruiter Joann was positive from the very beginning . It was unlike any other agency I had been to -- And I have been to a lot, seriously A LOT. The other agencies got me an interview and once I didn't get it, they ghosted me. I guess technically I only went on one with and got the offer but I know in my heart she wouldn't do that to me. My initial first interview follow up call to my agent Joann from WD was so sweet and supportive. I vented to her how badly I wanted the job and was questioning if my interview was perfect. She told me "you are a star and if you don't get this one, I will NOT stop until you find a job". I couldn't believe I found a recruiter who finally cared. Not getting interviews one after another makes you question your worth but she constantly lifted my spirits as I waited for the final decision. Obviously getting a job right off the bat makes you a little biased about an agency but from the moment I met with Joann she gave me 110% of her time and attention. FIVE STARS! BRAVO WATSON DWYER! read more