It's been over 15 years since I've used Wollborg Michelson's temp agency services, but I am still impressed with them.
I contacted them recently and James was very helpful, got back to me right away. I went in for an interview and he was just a doll. I also met with Darryl, who was very helpful. They both seemed like they really wanted to help me get a job that was the right fit.
One thing I really like about WM is that their "test taking" program is WAY better than some other temp agencies. I will admit, before I took WM's Power Point test, I wanted to practice up, using a test program on a different temp agency's site, as it has been over 10 years since I've used Power Point on a DAILY basis. I won't mention the other temp agency's name. I don't mean to sound ingrateful, I do appreciate that the other agency even LETS me use their tutorials, etc.
But I have to say, using the other site's tutorials was a total waste of time. The kinds of tests they gave had nothing to do with real life scenarios. I spent SEVERAL hours trying to just get through their Power Point test that had almost 50 questions. Their tests were not visual at all. You couldn't actually search for the thing you were looking for (which is how you actually USE power point, or any other Windows program for that matter).
The way you were supposed to use the OTHER site's program is, you had to basically name every single step you were supposed to take, to try to do a certain task. For example, if the question was, "How do you use the Macro Feature in Microsoft Word," there is no way I would be able to visualize on my own, how to do it, without clicking on any other buttons (is it under "tools" or "windows"? Sorry but my brain just does not have the storage space to memorize that stuff... but that does NOT mean I can't find it quickly when I'm actually using the program). Well according to that other test,if you got any one of the 5 steps wrong, you got the whole question wrong. It was ridiculous! It was such a poor representation of how things are done in real life. I consider myself to be pretty damn fast as most Windows programs, but that test just had me pulling my hair out.
On the positive side, that other test made the Wollborg Michelson test seem AWESOME! WM's test lets you click all you want until you find the right answer, and THEN you can say "OK" this is my answer. It's up to WM's clients to decide whether or not they approve of the fact that it took me a little while to actually get through the test (I am super meticulous and wanted to score 100 percent, so I took a little longer than it would have, if I'd been using Power Point all week).
I am not kidding, the test feature alone would make me recommend Wollborg Michelson to other people. It's not that their tests are too easy... they are just REALISTIC for real life scenarios.
One thing I do want to mention is - don't be too shocked by their website. You will see, it is not glitzy or glamorous and probably could use a little updating. I would think even the temp agents would love to see an update and if I said anything about it, I imagine they would roll their eyes and go, "We KNOW!!!" But the fact is, it's not about the website. it's the PEOPLE that get you the good jobs, get you in the door with the right companies, etc.. And it seems like they still do have some pretty decent leads on jobs.
I also want to say something about people who expect temp agents to call them and just check in on a regular basis. Get your head out of your butt! You have no idea what it's like to work for a temp agency. I briefly worked as an ASSISTANT to a temp agent, and it was sooo much work to keep track of all the people and their resumes. Consider yourself lucky if they call you back at ALL. I'm sorry but it is a huge pet peeve of mine to see people who think the world revolves around them. I have pretty high expectations when it comes to customer service (I get totally irritated if people don't say "thank you" at a cash register!). But there gets to be a point where you have to ask yourself, "Could I do any better, if I were in this person's position?" If the answer is no... put a lid on it!
Complaining about WM not calling you regularly is like someone in downtown Oakland whining about a cop not rushing out to check on a complaint about their neighbors playing their music too loud. Um... maybe they have more important things to take care of, than you and your petty demands? Maybe this is just my opinion but... I'd rather work with a temp agent that spent more time contacting potential clients with killer jobs (which is VERY time consuming), than contacting every single candidate, just to check in and see how they're doing!
It's too bad Wollborg Michelson doesn't have a higher rating. They have five positive reviews that were filtered. Over 15 years after my first placement by Wollborg Michelson, I would still recommend them to anyone looking for a job in the bay ar read more