Do employment agencies ever work for anybody?

[annavc]

I've spent a number of periods over the years looking for jobs and have without exception found agencies useless. I had hoped things might have changed in the last couple of years but have been proved wrong again. Spent 20 minutes on the phone to an agency this morning telling them what I was doing at the moment and what I wanted to do. My current job title is Committee Secretary - I am not a PA, I have never been a PA and I do not want to be a PA and I made that very clear. After I finished speaking the girl on the phone said "right I think we've got lots to suit you - there are plenty of PA roles in banking on our books at the moment" This just 2 minutes after I had told her I did not want to be a PA and was looking for something in the public sector!!!!! gggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Other experiences include filling in all the forms specifically stating I was currently working, had to give one months notice and was looking for something permanent. Then proceeded to get at least 2 calls a day for temporary jobs and asking if I could go for interviews for them that afternoon!

Why do these people never listen???!!!!!!

I'd like to know if anyone has ever found any good ones because right now I'm baffled as to how they make any money!!

[spudqueen]

Many years ago I worked for Manpower who did find me not only temporary jobs but also a full time job. They really were excellent with me, even when there was a day I didn't have a temporary job to go to they would call me into the office (if I wanted to go) to do training. But having said that, it was a while ago now.

[MiniN]

YES they can be REALLY annoying! i am signed up with 4different agencies at present for the last months and so far i have only been offered 3jobs. they often (all the time) post jobs on job sites that do not exist as i have found this out from personal experience. also if you dont go to every/most jobs they offer you they do not phone u back.
HOWEVER in the last 2 weeks one of the agencies has shaped up and has lined up quite a bit of work for me that really suits me.

So, to be honest my advice to you would be to stick with the agency as a back up but otherwise I would look at other ways of getting the job you want

[antiguru]

Agencies work for (are paid by) employers looking for employees not candidates looking for jobs.

Lots are crap. Most don�t own a map, I�ve discovered.

Decide what sort of job you want or better skills find a generic job title. Work out what skills you need and have. I�ve employed people for 15 years and I have no idea what a Committee Secretary is. You need to break it down a bit. If it�s administrative or clerical work, say so. If it�s fancier than that, explain why.

Contact an agency who typically source work for companies who employ these skills. Don�t be afraid to phone companies and ask them which agencies they use when they recruit.

Try the links below. I got them by putting public sector jobs into Google.

http://www.publicsectorcareers.org
http://www.totaljobs.com/IndustrySearch/Public SectorServices.aspx
http://www.jobsgopublic.com/

Good luck.

AG

[red_head]

Hi
Ive recently been paid off and have had to register with agencies looking for work. I went to Search and found them to be awful really unprofessional but I have had loads of success with Office Angels. Within a week I had two interviews and have been temping since I got paid off. I find them to be really nice and the girl I deal with phones me on a regular basis to see how I am getting on. If you've not tried them its worth a shot!
Good luck!

[London Girl]

Years ago they were great! I was never out of work and got to work with a variety of companies. But now most of them only want you in to register. I work for a government agency and we have to have their vacancies on our system. Waste of space - some of the jobs dont even exist!

[marryme]

HI!!! thank you!! partly glad to hear that.. started feeling like i was the one to blamefor them not sorting interviews etc. They are REALLY useless, and such a pity-i would love to work as a recruitment agent-but since i have zero experience in that role-but should i succeed-i am sure to make a difference.