Agencies to avoid....

[Big Dawg]

I have had really really good experiences with Aston Carter. They would call me up regularly whilst working at contracts through them,
asking if I been paid ok?
asking if I am happy at my role? or want them to look for other things?
take me out for lunch regularly?
when out of contract, I would be amongst the first they would contact for roles before publishing them.

In general they really looked after me.

In a stark contrast, Project Partners - a bunch of cowboys.
I got a contract through them, had problems with pay on a number of occasions. Had to resubmit paperwork on many occasions. If possible I'd avoid them big time! I went for Xmas Drinks they arranged, a few other agents there did mention the agent looking after me a was a lazy so and so!

[Weegee]

Has anyone worked with PremierIT. Ive had a few calls from their agents. They call me up,
tell me about this Investment Banking role in detail (not disclosing the client)

They then say they will email me about it further along with a job description.
However what I get is a request from the agent asking for 2 references.
I then reply back and ask 'Do you have a job description for the role that you described to me?'

They never reply back!

[AussieDigger]

Yeah, I'd add LaFosse into that mix. Had a very unreliable experience with them on a recent hiring opportunity which suggested my details weren't safe there.

[PTP]

If they witheld their number and left no message HTF do you know it was them phoning twice

When I rang to chase about the £300 contract they said they twice called earlier because they have some news. And that news is

I don't think it's much of a coincidence that they say that and I have 2 calls from witheld numbers

That's how!

[BolshieBastard]

That winds me up. If the rate wasn't up to much then I'd flatly refuse to do the telephone interview unless you have the spec up front.

Also tell them that they need to pass you a written spec and get your permission in writing before they put you forward.

Sometimes these idiots have an agreement to put 5 candidates forward for interviews at these times and when they can't find anyone they pick someone at random (who may be totally unsuitable) and tell them they have an interview. It just wastes everyone's time and pisses people off.

LTSB and Santander are notorious for not issuing job specs. I've had 'specs' sent to me for 7 LTSB roles and all they have are start date, length of contract and number of contractors required. Oh, and they are on LTSB Excel spreadsheets!

[BolshieBastard]

Has anyone experienced Real Staffing?

My first impressions of them aren't great:

I've always found them to be one of these that puts you forward but doesn't tell you when you've failed. But more has happened this week that now makes me think worse of them

Monday they rang about an opportunity and said it was in my hometown. They asked how much am I on, I told them and they said this role is more junior and might only go upto £300. They described the role and I admit I thought it sounded like easy money. So I told them to put me forward and they agreen to e-mail me the spec and I'll see if it sounds easy enough for that money with the bonus of it being close to home.

a) They didn't send me the spec
b) Today they rang me with other news (see next point) and so I questioned this first contract and they now say it is 90 miles away in Hertfordshire
c) Today they rang twice when I couldn't take the call and they didn't bother leaving a message & witheld their number. When I rang to chase about the £300 contract they said they twice called earlier because they have some news. And that news is.................they've got me an interview for a contract I didn't even know I had applied for! I asked what daily rate is the client thinking of and they said the £300 I allegedly said on Monday I would consider That's £200 less than I was getting for doing the same task 3 months ago at another client. Real Staffing have been taking the P I think, assuming I'd accept such a low rate for all contracts when they know full well what I've been getting for similar work recently. As it stands, I've told them I'll do the phone interview but they must send me a spec for this as well so that I can see how junior it is for that money

The one I've got an interview for is in fact close to home. So that coupled with the "1 in a hand vs 2 in a bush" may mean I still do the interview and accept the low £300 if offered. The next test is whether they do send me a spec before the interview. I bet you they won't!

If they witheld their number and left no message HTF do you know it was them phoning twice? Did they say 'oh we phoned you twice but left no message and witheld our number'?

TBH, I think you're being a bit hysterical, rates have taken a battering and just because one client paid 200 quid more than another, doesnt mean the agent is creaming (and Im not one to defend agents!).

Bottom line is, if you dont like the money on offer, dont go to the intervie or take the job if offerred.

[AussieDigger]

I'm not keen on one of Procura's T&C's: We keep 20% (I think it was that much) of your income until contract is fulfilled. If you leave early then we get to keep it

How long ago was this ?

I just saw a contract from Procura and it didn't have such clauses. It had the usual penalty clauses for working for the client etc.

[northernladuk]

Lack of a spec normally means an agency chancing their arm in my opinion.

This for me. Agents don't know enough about roles to be left with the responsibility of sourcing someone with no defined spec.

[MarillionFan]

That winds me up. If the rate wasn't up to much then I'd flatly refuse to do the telephone interview unless you have the spec up front.

Also tell them that they need to pass you a written spec and get your permission in writing before they put you forward.

Sometimes these idiots have an agreement to put 5 candidates forward for interviews at these times and when they can't find anyone they pick someone at random (who may be totally unsuitable) and tell them they have an interview. It just wastes everyone's time and pisses people off.

Lack of a spec normally means an agency chancing their arm in my opinion.

[Wanderer]

a) They didn't send me the spec

That winds me up. If the rate wasn't up to much then I'd flatly refuse to do the telephone interview unless you have the spec up front.

Also tell them that they need to pass you a written spec and get your permission in writing before they put you forward.

Sometimes these idiots have an agreement to put 5 candidates forward for interviews at these times and when they can't find anyone they pick someone at random (who may be totally unsuitable) and tell them they have an interview. It just wastes everyone's time and pisses people off.