Staffing agencies?

Question

I mostly prefer to apply for jobs through each company directly, but since I'm in dire need of a j.o.b. now, I've been lax and haven't paid attention to whether the poster is a staffing agency or the company itself. I went to a staffing agency a few months ago and had a bad experience... in short, the woman was rude and arrogant. Are staffing agencies even worth the bother? I have a meeting with another woman (different agency) on Monday and I'm afraid I'll be wasting my time by speaking to one of these personnel again. If you've had any experience with staffing agencies, please let me know.

Answer 1

My own experience with agencies has been very good, but you have to remember, they have a lot of power. So dress perfectly (never mind what the other slobs in the waiting room look like), and suck up like crazy. I have also worked for a staffing agency and it really is hard work. Make sure your resume is crystal clear because some of these people aren't super bright. If they find your resume confusing they will blame you. Also, make sure you are easy to reach by cell phone. Never turn down an interview or temp assignment, no matter how far the commute or ridiculous the job description. Another tip. Once you get a temp assignment, disregard that stupid rule about how if you're going to be absent or late, you notify the agency. No. They will hold that against you for life. Deal only with the company you're placed with. Good luck and be patient.

Answer 2

I've had both good and bad experiences with staffing agencies .

One in which only wanted warm bodies to keep their clients stocked which I semi expected from what others told me in college. I had a temp job from them and the company they sent me to loved me because I had skills they weren't expecting me to know already or as good a quality as I did. Which made my pay go up alot because I was asked to do alot more then first because I had a higher skill level then they needed but used me to their advantage while there. I ended that job due to health reasons and they moved to a new location but I didn't have the contact info so I called a different agency I heard of in the area
which actually took the time to test my skills and after typing 80wpm said I was to slow for a office clerk position they had and sent me on an interview for a call center job I went willingly to the interview found out the company is not legit and is basically a internet scam group they sell email addresses to other companies and charge your credit card for the "service" of the offers the other companies which purchased your information are giving you "free" and then the call center which is where the agency sent me handles the complaints for unknown charges on peoples credit bills and they are to explain and offer a refund but only 1/2 the actual amount unless the person calling specifically asks for a full refund. I was furious that any agency would send someone to this kind of company when they actually checked my qualifications. I called the agency by lunch that day and said this job is not for me I'd like someplace with more office type work and that was 7 months ago and I was very nice and didn't say what I really wanted to. Even though I am currently working at a great job I found on my own I call the agency randomly and ask if they have found anything for me yet and the response is always the same "we'll call you when we find a suitable fit" and I have called better business bureau to report the scam company which was shut down alittle over a month after I called and I also reported the agency too.
At my current job we use the first agency I worked for which was funny to me because I'm one of the people assigned to getting temps and partime people to come help the company so when I called they thought I was calling to do more temp work myself which I would gladly do for them if I hadn't found this job.

Answer 3

I've been working for 2 different staffing agencies for the past ten years, until 2 weeks ago I was worked at one assignment for 7 years, although I was never hired by the company it was a good experience. The other agency was also helpful as they would find me 2 and 3 week part time assignments. Unfortunately due to the holidays neither one of the agencies have been able to find me work. But I do expect to get a call from one of them anytime now. Try and register at as many staffing agencies as possible they will find you something. And many times the company will hire you.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, the people that work at staffing agency comes across a lot of inquiries for jobs that pay a lot of money, but they don't have the job experience/education to back it up.

Yes, I've seen some pretty sour people that work in those kinds of agencies - I think the proper term is "burn-out."

Unfortunately, staffing agencies are a necessary evil.

Be as pleasant as possible, and...

Good Luck