RBS / LORIEN Recruitment Project

[BS1397]

Hi, first post here so please be nice,

I need help please, Any of you know anything about the current RBS/Lorien recruitment drive? Or had past experience of either? Thanks.

RBS have xx roles, Lorien went live in early May, I don't want to give too much details because I am a candidate who passed all the stages and is now waiting for a Yes/No so my instincts could be wrong but clearly I am beginning to think that either the project has suffered from poor ad-hoc planning decisions by RBS who may have started the initiative before it was set in stone and signed off (I doubt that but it is not impossible). Unfortunately the information flow is one way and I am low in the food chain. I don't trust Lorien but I can't equally dismiss that they may have been at the mercy of RBS.

So if you are a candidate, rejected, declined an offer or considering one, then I will be most grateful to learn from you here or via private message. Any RBS or ex-RBS with knowledge to share (about this one in particular) are most welcome but remember not to breach your (N.D.A) if that applies.

That's it, No dynamite, No Conspiracy Theories, Just a lack of information that is frustrating if this turns up a waste of time and income for all candidates like me who were led on for so long.

Thanks.

[Underscore Pt2]

What area are you working in? There are lots of contractors in RBS via Lorien. But still plenty via other sorces. Lorien have been working with RBS for as long as i can remember and are probably the biggest agency in Edinburgh. Not really sure what your qn is. You've applied for a role? You havent heard if you've got it? Thats pretty much normal.

[cojak]

Yep, par for the course.

I'd more likely post if an agent DID come back after an interview.

[SimonMac]

Do you think anything could have happened at RBS between May and now which means focuses moved to other areas temporarily?

[BS1397]

Lorien negotiated an exclusive contract with RBS, I don't know if this is only specific to this rec drive or not.

It has taken since May Bank holiday to reach a stage for a final Yes/No answer. When you are asked if your availability is immediate then forgive me for thinking that we are probably talking about 2/3 weeks max for a "Start Date", Not 2/3 Months later and still not any wiser. The delay is a problem when you hold back on accepting other work because you are persuaded it is moving along then discover RBS are taking their time yet again. Is this a RBS culture thing?

Luckily (or not), I discovered very late from another candidate when we had to take a technical exam at Lorien (London Office), that there were in fact multiple Front/Back Office posts in this project, We seemed to have been approached and briefed differently about our individual roles.

Incidentally, RBS interview panel didn't know the "Start Date" as they are still waiting to find out. I found it odd that managers interview their new staff but have no idea when will they be deployed?

Ideally, I need to compare notes with other RBS/Lorien candidates so I can make an informed decision. Meanwhile I am keeping my options open as I am sure I will be advised to do that here.

[oracleslave]

L

Incidentally, RBS interview panel didn't know the "Start Date" as they are still waiting to find out. I found it odd that managers interview their new staff but have no idea when will they be deployed?

staff?? You a contracting wizard?

Sounds to me like a bunch of middle managers who have no real decision making ability or budgetary power killing time whilst they wait for their seniors to approve the project. I'd suggest you look elsewhere asap.

[Gentile]

I would ordinarily say that if you haven't heard within 24 hours of an interview for a contract position that the gig's going ahead, you can forget it. I have been called back months later for banking gigs, though, typically when I'm well into my next project and no longer available. I always wondered who they get to do the work with an approach like that. It is pretty quiet right now, but in the normal run of things most people just don't spend that long on the bench. In this case, there's no option but to wait it out, and in the meantime keep looking.

[BS1397]

Do you think anything could have happened at RBS between May and now which means focuses moved to other areas temporarily?

I am not sure, I can't point any fingers with any certainty because it may well be that RBS lost focus, or early summer holidays, or being overwhelmed by applicants, or whatever... But with no real feedback then I as a candidate can only judge by conversations, timing and events so far and that is less than OK.

Basically I get the feeling that I am being offered a Poison Challis so I should really be sure that RBS will be worth the wait. I just don't know anyone in RBS to give me an idea how they are like with Contractors. Front & Back Office area in Bishopsgate.

[Underscore Pt2]

Its not exclusive. There is a drive for people at the moment. Lorien are the main supplier. If you havent heard back, you havent got the job. ALL agencies are the same - dont expect a call to let you know how your interview went etc.

[Underscore Pt2]

Hang on.....are these Permie roles? IF you get an offer you will also have to wait at least 14 days for PES.