Office Team - Accountemps - Robert Half International - Worx Staffing services - Onset Personnel ripoff Jersey City New Jersey

Good Morning,

My name is Patricia and I want to say that my skills improved drastically, since posting here . I know that for sure that I received as much as many job offers that I could possibly handle at the moment. It's just that I had to study up on professionalism,realistic expectations when it comes to certain things and just focus on being the best that I can be.

During my time in the job market, I learned to listen more often and not have the last word in edgewise, and to learn to be more focused in interviews and just keep the resumes short and sweet. Not so, people can understand my grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. However, to think and speak more clearly when going for the interview.

Currently, I am working for Tap For Message and I have been there for more than five years for the Graphic Designer and Receptionist Position. Hopefully, things will work for the better. It will be a good year.

Thanks,

Patricia.

 I have worked for Robert Half and I never had to "suck up" and I didn't know anyone when I applied. They can't find matches for everyone!

Patricia,

Intentional or not, Office Team had good reason not to hire you.  Like every other employer, these agencies receive sometimes hundreds of applicants for every job posted.  They don't owe you a job just because you showed up for the interview.  If you displayed anything like that kind of attitude I am sure that was the reason they didn't want to send you on an assignment. 

I have worked as a direct employee, contractor/temp, and career couselor for graduates that were hired by these kinds of agencies (and many who applied but were not hired) and it is true that they often do not update their job postings, and can be sloppy in their HR practices.  However, if you can make a recruiter beleive that you are reliable and will impress their client, you can get a job through them.  It really has little to do with which agency you are applying through.

I went to Office Team 1 year ago, applied to an HR job with a large Co, didn't get it, but they offered me another 3 month contract which I accepted.  The contract was extended to 11 months, and when it ended within 5 business days I had 4 requests for interviews - that is, managers and recruiters calling me and asking me for interviews.  That happened as a result of my being willing to take any opportunity and then exceeding everyone's expectations - not threatening to sue (for which there is no basis) because I made a few phone calls and they didn't have any openings for me.

For anyone applying to these agencies:  they are not sure things, but you are more likely to at least get an interview than if you applied directly to an employer.  It is a numbers game, but you can improve your chances by showing the recruiter that you are going to make them look good - by demonstrating a history of being reliable, exceeding expectations, practice your MS Office skills before taking their tests, and maybe offering to take a very short-term job below you skill level to begin with to show them you will complete contracts.

It is true that this place may seem as a rip-off and scam but it is an actual business. Now, I know most of you may think that this is not true but let me explain.

About a year ago, I was half way done with my degree in Accounting and figured, hey, let me get an early start and apply to some places. I applied to Accountemps and was looking for a position in clerical or accounting work base. I did my interview, gave them my resume and information, and then after I took the exam on the computer, I was told to wait for them to call.

About 2 weeks later, I started getting nervous because they have not called me. I went online and found out a lot of people had some bad things to say about them. What they said, made me just forget about them all together.

About 2 months ago, I got a phone call and I did not answer it because I did not know the number. The person left a message so I figured it had to be important. I listened to the message and long and behold it was Accountemps telling me that they have a job for me. I did it for a few weeks as a part-time job and under temporary status and now I understand what happened.

Based on your test scores, they place you within a bracket. If you score high you are higher and first ones called for jobs but if you score low they will call the higher ones first. It is important to remember this is a temporary job agency for on call positions. This is more of a temporary position and provides that little experience you may need.

After I finished my weeks I told them I was done, it was a wonderful experience, and to take me off the call list. What I am trying to say is that, even though it may seem like a rip-off, sometimes it is not. I actually used to believe they were. All it takes is time, actually a lot of time. Waiting nearly 10 months or longer for a single phone call. I just know that it is wrong to just straight out accuse and I have learned from that now.

I signed up with OfficeTeam in 2005. A recruited called me a couple of days later asking me if I wanted to take a 3-week receptionist assignment. I had made it clear to the person I interviewed with that I did not want a receptionist position. When the recruiter called me I said no thank you. She then got snotty with me and said coldly, "I thought you wanted to work." I said "I do but I would rather wait for a position that I am more comfortable with." She said "well you're the first person I called because it's in Kissimmee and that's the closest to where you live."

She then implied that I might not be considered for any more jobs. So I reluctantly agreed. She basically bullied me into taking it. The job was a joke. The phone hardly ever rang and sometimes an hour would go by with no calls. I was not permitted to do anything else so I sat at the desk and did nothing. The job supervisor told me the first day she might not even need me the next day. Then later she said "Ok come in tomorrow." I came in the next day and she said "I probably won't need you the rest of the week." Then later she said "OK I will need you the rest of the week but that's it."

Meanwhile my old boss called and begged me to come back. So I agreed since it was a stable full-time job and my benefits and sick leave would be reinstated as though I had never left. I called Office Team and told them I was going back to my old job and told her that the job supervisor kept saying she didn't need me there. The recruiter got snotty with me and said "well that is something we need to work out with them, but if you quit without giving two weeks' notice you will never be able to work for us again." I disliked her attitude and said "I'm sorry but I need to go with the full-time job." She said "OK fine don't call us again."

A couple of years later I tried sending them my resume and they ignored me. These people are the rudest people on the planet. Their recruiters are snotty and force you to take jobs you don't want because all they care about is their commission. Don't believe it when they say "this is the perfect job for you, I had you in mind as soon as I got the job order." You're the perfect candidate because you were the first one to answer the phone when they went down the list of people to call.

Avoid Office Team like the plague.

I had to tell them to stop calling me they kept me so busy! But I went through the Woodbridge Office. Just do an attitude check and see if there is something you are sending off that is making a negative impact on the way you are perceived. Just be nice, and friendly. As a temp, I've worked with many different people that were also temps. Your personality really can do more than your qualifications in temp assignments. You have to make a quick first impression. (it may be your only day working at that office) Your Temp Employers may never see that you can type 90 words a minute- but they'll see if your expression is the one they want in their office. So it's the smile that does it. I wish you much success. But I think you need to give Robert Half Office Team and your name calling a rest. They can only work with as many assignments as they receive. And if its between a smile and a sour puss- they'll want to put their best face forward, and their best might be an ok secretary with a smile, rather than a BS In Secretarial arts with a rant.

I don't think that OfficeTeam/Robert Half is # 1 in the placement industry. Their real name should be Lying Resume Collectors.
The one in The Woodlands, Texas is terrible. They promised me the moon and stars and I got a big fat ZERO out of them. Another placement firm placed me in a temp to term position within a week of signing up!!!
NEVER WORK FOR THIS COMPANY, I don't care that the IAAP, which I am a member of endorses them, I informed the IAAP of their c$%& and how terrible they were here in the Houston area.

I don't think that OfficeTeam/Robert Half is # 1 in the placement industry. Their real name should be Lying Resume Collectors.
The one in The Woodlands, Texas is terrible. They promised me the moon and stars and I got a big fat ZERO out of them. Another placement firm placed me in a temp to term position within a week of signing up!!!
NEVER WORK FOR THIS COMPANY, I don't care that the IAAP, which I am a member of endorses them, I informed the IAAP of their c$%& and how terrible they were here in the Houston area.

I don't think that OfficeTeam/Robert Half is # 1 in the placement industry. Their real name should be Lying Resume Collectors.
The one in The Woodlands, Texas is terrible. They promised me the moon and stars and I got a big fat ZERO out of them. Another placement firm placed me in a temp to term position within a week of signing up!!!
NEVER WORK FOR THIS COMPANY, I don't care that the IAAP, which I am a member of endorses them, I informed the IAAP of their c$%& and how terrible they were here in the Houston area.

I don't think that OfficeTeam/Robert Half is # 1 in the placement industry. Their real name should be Lying Resume Collectors.
The one in The Woodlands, Texas is terrible. They promised me the moon and stars and I got a big fat ZERO out of them. Another placement firm placed me in a temp to term position within a week of signing up!!!
NEVER WORK FOR THIS COMPANY, I don't care that the IAAP, which I am a member of endorses them, I informed the IAAP of their c$%& and how terrible they were here in the Houston area.

As with any company there will be complaints, but as stated before Robert Half Int. and their subsidiaries work not only for the candidates but the clients and the clients are a big factor in who is placed.

All of the clients involved have very specific criteria they look for and unfortunately not everyone that applies can be placed/placed immediately. Robert Half is not #1 in the industry because they lie,avoid and play games. They look for the best of the best and let's face it people aren't always truthful with regard to skill or experience and therefore if have worked for any of the companies and it didn't work out a majority of the time it is that it wasn't the right fit or you get caught up in the untruths told in the interview.

I won't take away from the fact there may be difficult clients but that's in any industry perm or temp. Overall Robert Half Int. has an incredible reputation and if other agencies have something derogatory to say that's the nature of the beast. It's competitive.

I appreciate the love, Livonia. Are you single :o)

I admit that I strayed off course with respect to the whole subject matter, and I apologize if it made me out as being a bit on the loud-mouthed side. Normally I am fairly well versed with making a clear point with something that I disagree with. But like you, I am (a bit older at 32) a college grad, with loads of debt. I have always worked hard, even though I come from a well to do family. I have always lived by the principles of self reliance. I could have taken the silver spoon, but chose not to, unlike most of my other peers.

Most of my experience with temp agencies was in smaller areas. I went to college in Binghamton, NY, which has no real economic base. When I moved to Chicago, the same frustrations I encountered in Binghamton were quite the opposite. RHI offices in Chicago are world-class. Along with K-Force, Spherion and Adecco. It is notably different in the larger cities. But of course, Binghamton, NY and towns like it have always dealt with lackluster job bases for generations. This is why when I finished college, I left NY and have not looked back.

On a final note, I have a close friend who used to live in Livonia. His name is Mike ----. He worked for several radio stations in Metro Detroit, and Flint. His name ring a bell? I've enjoyed this forum with you. Would you be interested in a more one-on-one chat? If so, would love to hear from you.
Take care all.

That's the Wayne we know and love... I knew we could get along.
It's so easy to get carried away on these posts with criticisms and personal attacks. I'm as guilty as anyone.

I used to be a recruiter for a staffing agency, 2 yrs, and we hired temps to fill positions for "any warm body" willing to accept, as well as trial-hire and direct-hire spots, technical, professional, so on. I'm 29, MBA (book-smart bundle of debt, no more no less), green, immature.
No frat affiliation.

Absolutely the most important criteria, for our customers' specific needs, was employment history. If someone had more than 2 yrs at their previous job, it was always a very good sign. The model was similar to a credit history, in a way. If I saw that someone started at McD's or ToysRUs during high school, and stayed there for 3 yrs, we knew that they had the stick-with-it-ness and drive to be a good candidate for something better. If they indicated that they hated their McD's manager,and they never "got hours", subesequently walked off the job, then we knew that they were a problem.

The trick must be: know what the employer is looking for. If you're a talented welder or powder-coat paint tech, then it doesn't matter if you have 6 felonies. Some jobs look strictly for capability. If the job is simple non-technical tasks, (manual labor) they look for evidence of consistency. If the job is professional, they look for professionalism, polishedness, etc...
Hope this helps anyone.

No insecurities here. No clichs, either. Just simply pointing out that Greek lifers do nothing more than extend their adolescent, high school party years into post secondary education, and eventually into their careers. When they enter into the workforce, they do so with a sense of security that a brother/sister works at XYZ Company. They'll get me in the door and I'll have no problem landing a position is a common mentality. I believe that candidates should be interviewed on an even playing field, and not based on nonsense college organizations that make no contribution to society. I am all for these clubs to be banished. They do nothing more than create a who's popular list, when the bottom line is that people should act their age, and not their IQ. On a final note, the only true college learning experience members can relate to is that vodka doesn't smell on their breath.

Moving forward.

When I interview a candidate, I look at their credentials and employment history. The fact that a candidate may be sending signals to the interviewer is irrelevant. I'm not looking for the perfect person, as much as I am seeking their knowledge for what the position criteria is. I don't walk on water, and I don't expect the people coming into my office for an interview to do so either. Facts speak for themselves. I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that not all employment agencies are like this. Even Robert Half has some good offices. Chicagoland offices are especially nice to work with. The recruiters return calls, they place candidates quickly and when assignments end, they have a new position ready to go. This is the way the business should operate. Of course, in a larger metro area, there isn't much room for slip-ups. I really don't know why I am trying to legitimize these points to an individual in a sector of HR that I feel is useless. Thanks for your input and thoughts. One thing learned is that everybody has opinions. While our views are completely different, I wish you good luck in your career. To people reading this who are job hunting, search CareerBuilder, Hot Jobs, Monster and Google search for local job boards. Also, utilize your states Department of Labor at www.ajb.dni.us/. For those of us in the Midwest and the East, try www.postaroo.com, also. It's much better for a person to find a position without the assistance of a staffing firm. Always remember, as a candidate or an employee, a staffing firm does not look out for your best interest - ever. You are nothing more than an income source plain and simple. In terms of timeliness in finding a job, the same time frame exists when using an agency, or applying on your own so why bother with the frustration? If anybody needs any job searching help, please feel free to contact me at waynemasters at ureach dot com. I would be more than happy to assist any person in need with finding a job. I can help out with resume suggestions and cover letters no charge. At one point or another, each of us has been through a period of unemployment. Don't despair. There are so many sources to aid in the job hunting process without involving the sharks. Please don't hesitate to contact me for any help in your process.

I signed up with R.I. in 2004 and they always had steady work for me, in fact I was offered a full time position with the last place they had me temp for but I decided to go back to work for my old place of employment. They even called me twice after that and still offered me a position for temp work. So They are not a rip off,

The two responses from Wayne contain all sorts of tired old regurgitated cliches. I don't imagine that this forum is a soapbox for you to broadcast your insecurities and disgust of the younger generations. There are many people in the world who share our disdain for the superficial, the cosmetic, the silver-spoon-fed, the fratties, the artificially-tanned, the lazy, the polished, etc.

But what you are doing in both of your posts is ignorant ranting. If you really want to help, be constructive.

Again, I would advise job-seekers, whether they are looking for temporary or full-time work, to realize that they are competing with many other candidates. Wayne indicated that 99% of the workforce should be employable, I agree they should be, but if they are having trouble landing a job, they are likely sending the wrong signals to the interviewer. The capability of performing tasks is only a small part of employability, it does not entitle anyone to a job. More important to HR dept is whether or not this candidate will "FIT IN WITH THE TEAM". Learn the red flags that employers look for: unable to get along with peers or bosses, inconsistent / sporatic work history, terminations for "personal reasons".

For one, the fees are incredibly high. Second, there is never the degree of attention deserved by the client, taking into consideration the fees involved to recruit. I guess the point I was trying to make is that 99% of the total workforce is, or should be easily employable, regardless of sector. The sad reality is that these companies, no names mentioned, exploit thousands of candidates each year. There is no ethical standards wit respect to candidate treatment, other than covering their own asses for the sake of the company. In any event, these firms will continue their spineless endeavors, regardless of the human capital costs involved. It's really quite a shame. These companies could become extremely profitable if they would cover all bases, instead of just home plate. A close colleague of mine in Knoxville was an account manager for RHI. He said that the turnover was so high, the office could never know what to expect with its "professionals". Unfortunately, frat boys and sorority girls actually do get hired in key roles, when quite frankly they should be flipping burgers at Boston Blackies, or changing window displays at Fields. Lets easily categorize these people as being more party and less study while in college. That being said, its always been amazing to me how these people even have the ambition to look for a "real" job. The last time I checked, living the glam life didn't include "work" in the program. Perhaps its retribution from my college years watching these suburbanite slobs soaking up funds from their parents, and doing absolutely nothing with what they should have been doing in college. I have only one "Greek Life" friend who was not among this stupid list, as we used to call it. I digress. Bottom line, these companies are never what they claim - ever. They will tell anybody anything to get them in the door, and in the database. Plain and simple. I just wish these companies were directed by a staff of 40 to 50something agers, who are well aware of what it takes to make it in the world. The people running the show now have absolutely no clue, and too many people are simply lost in their inexperience and indifference.

Some of Wayne's remarks were quite spot-on, I can actually agree with some of what he says, and still make the points I was making in the previous posts. Doesn't mean I don't appreciate cynicism. Not everyone who needs to shop clearance racks for "business attire" is a tooth-bleaching Tony Robbins wanna-be though. We're all just squirrels trying to get a nut in this life.

My elaborated point was that just because someone does not want to hire you, it does not automatically mean there is a scam or conspiracy. If someone is having trouble finding employment, they should take to heart everything I explained in previous posts. Sure, the recruiters are a different animal than other HR-ers, but I imagine temp agencies exist to fill a specific need. The principles I discussed are very relevant.

As long as businesses occassionally need disposable workers, temporary fill-ins, etc... there will be opportunities for short-term job seekers.

This is one that I cannot pass up. From the start let's clear the air by mentioning that using the word "professional" and "temp agency" in the same sentence is an oxymoron. Any job hunter unfortunate enough to require the use of this billion dollar scam to find a job - my sincerest sympathies to you. There's nothing philosophical about this, nor would it make sense for me to unload my feelings about this dead weight industry. A majority of the staffing firms in this country are worthless. Period. They do nothing more than offer a meaningless promise to a disadvantaged job seeker, which only lowers ones self worth beyond what it already might be from being jobless. Lets call it exploitation, or as George Bush might say: capitalism. I don't want to generalize, as there are a handful of good staffing firms out there. The problem is that the "ethical" ones are usually smaller in size, and only offer specific job opportunities. The "big ones" could care less about the client, and even less about the candidates they send out to the job site. There's really nothing to debate, as this is a known fact in the rest of the business world. I am a HR Generalist/Recruiter for a communications firm and I can tell you that when I came on board with the company, I put an end to the use of temp agencies. They are misleading not only to the client, but to the candidate as well. I can't tell you how many calls I refuse from these money pit agencies. They have the Tony Robbins joyful "account manager" call with so many potential candidates. They are like telemarketers, and don't know how to give up. And whats even funnier, many of these "professionals" are nothing more than fresh college grads, that have no clue about matching qualified applicants with the right position. It's really a shame, too. If they spent half as much time shopping the clearance rack at Marshall Fields for business attire and bleaching their teeth, and focused more on the candidate AND client, you might have something to work with. But for now, its nothing more than a gaudy fashion show of suburbanite ignorance mixed with Legally Blonde. Livonia, if you are among the "professionals" at Robert Half, it would be in your best interest to take a few more HRM courses. I know for a fact that so many candidates are screened to the point of overkill, and as irony would have it, those are the people that should be filling positions. Robert Half (and the like) are nothing more than a time and cash cow. Not only for the client, but for the candidate as well. I would hope that your corporate mission statement would live up to its established guidelines, but its too clear that there are things that need to be reconsidered. My heart goes out to the masses who are forced into the position of having to deal with this business sector that, quite frankly, is on the lower end of the business food chain. No offense to the "professionals" out there reading this, but here's a heartfelt piece of constructive criticism; MTV's The Real World is FICTIONAL. Please do your fellow HR colleagues a favor and lose the college life attitude behind and develop a true business ethic. Also, in the book of opinions, anonymity is fairly dis-credible - another thing to bear in mind. To the woman searching for a job - keep on pounding the pavement. Jobs are like relationships; you always find the right one when you least expect it. Keep the faith!

Fun and potentially interesting that it is now assumed that I am an employee of Robert Half. Powerful is the one who can manipulate mindsets with consumer criticisms and informed feedback, what sort of mischief can I cause? (..devilish laugh...)

However, to keep this constructive, my postings were in response to Patricia's misinformed assumptions about the staffing industry, and her use of this forum as a bullhorn.

It is obvious why Accountemps did not want to hire her: It is quickly evident that proper communication, grammar, and spelling are not instinctual for her. So, scratch any clerical jobs. (The frequency and nature of her mistakes are the issue, I'm not just pointing at one or two little oopsie-daisies.)

It is obvious that she does not have any common business-sense, or any reasonable expectations on how she is going to be treated. Her inflated sense of entitlement and remarkable paranoia about everybody lying to her, and trying to trick her just to get her "information" is pretty wild stuff. Do you really think staffing agencies are hiring recruiters to trick unemployed people into revealing their address and work history?

Based on what she wrote, it doesn't sound like companies are falling all over themselves trying to hire her, so she quickly assumes conspiracies, don't even get me started on what she was saying about the university hospital unwilling to hire her.

All Patricia really needs is to put a halt on pointing fingers, study up a bit on professional manners and communication skills, and try to learn to play nicely with others. She is being treated this way in the world of employment simply because many employers do not want to hire her, then she wastes their time with ignorant accusations.
This is my frank and candid feedback.

Fun and potentially interesting that it is now assumed that I am an employee of Robert Half. Powerful is the one who can manipulate mindsets with consumer criticisms and informed feedback, what sort of mischief can I cause? (..devilish laugh...)

However, to keep this constructive, my postings were in response to Patricia's misinformed assumptions about the staffing industry, and her use of this forum as a bullhorn.

It is obvious why Accountemps did not want to hire her: It is quickly evident that proper communication, grammar, and spelling are not instinctual for her. So, scratch any clerical jobs. (The frequency and nature of her mistakes are the issue, I'm not just pointing at one or two little oopsie-daisies.)

It is obvious that she does not have any common business-sense, or any reasonable expectations on how she is going to be treated. Her inflated sense of entitlement and remarkable paranoia about everybody lying to her, and trying to trick her just to get her "information" is pretty wild stuff. Do you really think staffing agencies are hiring recruiters to trick unemployed people into revealing their address and work history?

Based on what she wrote, it doesn't sound like companies are falling all over themselves trying to hire her, so she quickly assumes conspiracies, don't even get me started on what she was saying about the university hospital unwilling to hire her.

All Patricia really needs is to put a halt on pointing fingers, study up a bit on professional manners and communication skills, and try to learn to play nicely with others. She is being treated this way in the world of employment simply because many employers do not want to hire her, then she wastes their time with ignorant accusations.
This is my frank and candid feedback.

Fun and potentially interesting that it is now assumed that I am an employee of Robert Half. Powerful is the one who can manipulate mindsets with consumer criticisms and informed feedback, what sort of mischief can I cause? (..devilish laugh...)

However, to keep this constructive, my postings were in response to Patricia's misinformed assumptions about the staffing industry, and her use of this forum as a bullhorn.

It is obvious why Accountemps did not want to hire her: It is quickly evident that proper communication, grammar, and spelling are not instinctual for her. So, scratch any clerical jobs. (The frequency and nature of her mistakes are the issue, I'm not just pointing at one or two little oopsie-daisies.)

It is obvious that she does not have any common business-sense, or any reasonable expectations on how she is going to be treated. Her inflated sense of entitlement and remarkable paranoia about everybody lying to her, and trying to trick her just to get her "information" is pretty wild stuff. Do you really think staffing agencies are hiring recruiters to trick unemployed people into revealing their address and work history?

Based on what she wrote, it doesn't sound like companies are falling all over themselves trying to hire her, so she quickly assumes conspiracies, don't even get me started on what she was saying about the university hospital unwilling to hire her.

All Patricia really needs is to put a halt on pointing fingers, study up a bit on professional manners and communication skills, and try to learn to play nicely with others. She is being treated this way in the world of employment simply because many employers do not want to hire her, then she wastes their time with ignorant accusations.
This is my frank and candid feedback.

Fun and potentially interesting that it is now assumed that I am an employee of Robert Half. Powerful is the one who can manipulate mindsets with consumer criticisms and informed feedback, what sort of mischief can I cause? (..devilish laugh...)

However, to keep this constructive, my postings were in response to Patricia's misinformed assumptions about the staffing industry, and her use of this forum as a bullhorn.

It is obvious why Accountemps did not want to hire her: It is quickly evident that proper communication, grammar, and spelling are not instinctual for her. So, scratch any clerical jobs. (The frequency and nature of her mistakes are the issue, I'm not just pointing at one or two little oopsie-daisies.)

It is obvious that she does not have any common business-sense, or any reasonable expectations on how she is going to be treated. Her inflated sense of entitlement and remarkable paranoia about everybody lying to her, and trying to trick her just to get her "information" is pretty wild stuff. Do you really think staffing agencies are hiring recruiters to trick unemployed people into revealing their address and work history?

Based on what she wrote, it doesn't sound like companies are falling all over themselves trying to hire her, so she quickly assumes conspiracies, don't even get me started on what she was saying about the university hospital unwilling to hire her.

All Patricia really needs is to put a halt on pointing fingers, study up a bit on professional manners and communication skills, and try to learn to play nicely with others. She is being treated this way in the world of employment simply because many employers do not want to hire her, then she wastes their time with ignorant accusations.
This is my frank and candid feedback.

You are partially right, however, this is an agency that has a very bad reputation for placing people in jobs which they may or may not be qualified for, but are placed in a abusive situation just to get the dead presidents.

When I apply for a job with a private company or agency and I mention Accountemps, all I can hear are moans. Since I have been laid off, I am registered with 22 agencies and everytime, they hear Robert Half, Accountemps or Officeteam, they offer their condolences.

Based on your post, you are an employee of Robert Half International. But I can say, my experience with Accountemps have not been pleasant at all. I was placed twice in two abusive jobs and my concerns were ignored big time.

I am familiar with how agencies place people, but as my title say, this is Robert Half International we're talking about.

Missing one very important point:
A staffing agency gets paid by companies for filling open positions. A staffing agency can only stay in business if they are able to please their customers: the employers. The jobs are real, but they cannot just be given to anyone who is "qualified".

They will do whatever they can to get a potential candidate to come in and go through the application / testing / interview process. At that point, approximately 75% of applicants will basically be screened out as someone they will not hire. They are screened out due to inconsistent work history (i.e. 6 jobs in the last 2 years), or other obvious signs of potential problems (behavior and attitude). Some small examples: "I quit my last job because I had trouble getting along with coworkers", or "my boss didn't like me", or "personal / family problems".

Maybe 2-5% of the candidates will be offered a job on-the-spot. The other 20% will be entered into the database as someone they may be willing to offer a job to in the future, if they are desperate due to lack of qualified applicants, or if there is a perfect match.

In other words, even if they don't offer you the job you come in for, but you seem like a decent worker, they will call you when other jobs come up that they want you to consider. If you seem like trouble, they will avoid you.

Believe me, there are hundreds of people "qualified and capable" of doing the jobs advertised. The recruiter's duty is essentially to screen out bad apples, and make a bet on who will stick with a job.
Hope this helps. I am willing to answer questions for further clarification.

Patrica, you were ready to pass judgement on the initial poster. Accountemps and Officeteam loves to play games with people's lives. A friend of mine posted her resume on Monster and she received a call from Accountemps. Mind you, she does have an Accounting Degree. My friend comes in for the interview, testing, etc. She is told that there six positions they would love for her to interview with the potential employers. She says fine. However, there were no potential employers to interview with.

My friend was told to call Accountemps at the end of the week to find out the status, etc., etc., You know the usual B.S. Finally after receiving the run around, phone calls are not being returned, my friend finally confronted the account reps. She was told that she "misunderstood" what they told her, yeah right.

Finally my friend found a job on her own, then Accountemps called with one of the original prospects.

She sent them an email and it says. "For several weeks, I have called your agency and you were not professional enough to return my phone calls. You have strung me along for the last time. I have found a job on my own and you can find someone else to lie to.

The account rep called her to find out what was wrong and my friend told her, if you have to ask and you cannot understand the email, you have no reason to call me.

Thank you for wasting my precious time, money and gas. Happy New year.

Patricia -
I understand your frustration. You need to understand a couple things, constructively:

Applying for work at a temp agency is only that: applying. The recruiter will evaluate your overall fit for a job based on your background, skills, testing... but also on your personality, interview, perceived ability to get along with others, professionalism, etc. It is easy to see by reading your rants why Office Team elected to prevent you from working for any of their customers, the recruiter was right to avoid you.

When a temp agency tells you "nothing is available", what they are really telling you is that "nothing is available that we are willing to hire you for". There are many, many people waving around "office skill certificates" and demanding jobs, then threatening to sue if they do not get hired. All you are doing is waving around a big red flag.

I do not know you, but I do imagine that the reason you are having trouble holding a job is related to a lack of professionalism, patience, people skills, and maturity.

If you work on enhancing these attributes, and build a CONSISTENT work history that demonstrates an employer's willingness to keep you around for more than 6 months, you will find employment.
Best of luck, please accept this as constructive criticism...

First of all, I want say that when I was 17 going on 18 years old with a high diploma. I enrolled myself into Harrison Career Institute,which is indeed a credited business school. They have schools in Philadelphia, South Orange, and Jersey City to name a few. When I got out of there I earned a certificate for Medical Office Specializing. Before I went in to Co Work staffing services, I called Latarsha and asked her if she had any entry level meidical, clerical or housekeeping jobs. Then she said, yes all you have to do is fax your resume or come in for an interview. After I got off the phone with her I faxed my resume right away. Then two days she called me in for an interview, and I went in to speak with her. She told me that you didn't have to have any type of experience for housekeeping, but she didn't have any type of medical or clerical jobs. So, I told her that I would do it, and that all you have to do is tell me when orientation starts. Then she said, that it begins in two weeks, and that she was going to give me a phone call. If she didn't call me and the other clients back, we had to call in ourselves to check up on the status of when we could begin our trial. After two weeks, I called her back. Then she said, "That orientation didn't start yet, and I had to give it one more week. So I told her, "Somebody has to be lying or playing games here, because that's not what you told me two weeks ago.I believe that you are running a scam here and I'm going to sue you" Then she said, "Then you do that then" I responded back by saying, "You know what this is waste of time and money going and back and forth here, and now you tell us that we don't start until one more week. This a mess here." After I said that,I hung up the phone. The jobs I've had at the Post Office and volunteering at University Hospital wasn't much, but were worth the experience. When you're young as 18,19, 20, 21 years old it's hard. After I finished working at those places I enrolled myself back into school at 20 years old, and I'm doing my freshman year at Bloomfield College, and I'm majoring in Graphic Design. However, I just finished my first semester there going into my second one, and I have a job/work-study working as a web designer/media assistant at the Media Center at the College Library for $7/hr. It's not much , but it's still something and at least its better than sitting there waiting for a call. I don't care anybody else on this site says, I am going strong ,until I move on to my sophmore year. However some of these companies are not worth your time, because some of these agencies are nothing but scam artists. The reason why, is because some of these people will try to trick or scam you into believing that they are doing something for you. When in reality, all they are trying to do is take your information and use it for something else. However all of that is behind me now. I'm doing well at Bloomfield, and I'm working part time at the Media Center.

Patricia you have obviously never worked with a TEMPORARY agency before. The process is you apply it is not a job offer they are an agency that receives orders for jobs that YOU qualify for. When you completed you application I assume you only checked the Medical Positions boxes. This may be there reason you are not obtaining any positions. If they dont have any medical jobs then they will not call you and if that is all you told them you qualify for they will not think of you for any other positions.

So if you know computer programs you needed to have put that down, if you have customer service positions you should have put that down. They may not be able to put you in the position that you want right at that moment because they are not just sitting around waiting for you to walk through the door with your resume just because you just graduated with a new Diploma from a non accreditated school.

And this is from someone who have temped with many companies officeteam to name one.

Ajilon, Express Personnel, Corworx (out of paramus) NorthPointe Personnel, Asset Staffing.

So I know the ins and outs of sitting home calling and nothing being available it comes with being a TEMP....

Patricia you have obviously never worked with a TEMPORARY agency before. The process is you apply it is not a job offer they are an agency that receives orders for jobs that YOU qualify for. When you completed you application I assume you only checked the Medical Positions boxes. This may be there reason you are not obtaining any positions. If they dont have any medical jobs then they will not call you and if that is all you told them you qualify for they will not think of you for any other positions.

So if you know computer programs you needed to have put that down, if you have customer service positions you should have put that down. They may not be able to put you in the position that you want right at that moment because they are not just sitting around waiting for you to walk through the door with your resume just because you just graduated with a new Diploma from a non accreditated school.

And this is from someone who have temped with many companies officeteam to name one.

Ajilon, Express Personnel, Corworx (out of paramus) NorthPointe Personnel, Asset Staffing.

So I know the ins and outs of sitting home calling and nothing being available it comes with being a TEMP....

Patricia you have obviously never worked with a TEMPORARY agency before. The process is you apply it is not a job offer they are an agency that receives orders for jobs that YOU qualify for. When you completed you application I assume you only checked the Medical Positions boxes. This may be there reason you are not obtaining any positions. If they dont have any medical jobs then they will not call you and if that is all you told them you qualify for they will not think of you for any other positions.

So if you know computer programs you needed to have put that down, if you have customer service positions you should have put that down. They may not be able to put you in the position that you want right at that moment because they are not just sitting around waiting for you to walk through the door with your resume just because you just graduated with a new Diploma from a non accreditated school.

And this is from someone who have temped with many companies officeteam to name one.

Ajilon, Express Personnel, Corworx (out of paramus) NorthPointe Personnel, Asset Staffing.

So I know the ins and outs of sitting home calling and nothing being available it comes with being a TEMP....

Patricia you have obviously never worked with a TEMPORARY agency before. The process is you apply it is not a job offer they are an agency that receives orders for jobs that YOU qualify for. When you completed you application I assume you only checked the Medical Positions boxes. This may be there reason you are not obtaining any positions. If they dont have any medical jobs then they will not call you and if that is all you told them you qualify for they will not think of you for any other positions.

So if you know computer programs you needed to have put that down, if you have customer service positions you should have put that down. They may not be able to put you in the position that you want right at that moment because they are not just sitting around waiting for you to walk through the door with your resume just because you just graduated with a new Diploma from a non accreditated school.

And this is from someone who have temped with many companies officeteam to name one.

Ajilon, Express Personnel, Corworx (out of paramus) NorthPointe Personnel, Asset Staffing.

So I know the ins and outs of sitting home calling and nothing being available it comes with being a TEMP....

For the record people, to correct my responce about the place of Onset personnel is that the place didn't even look like a real office. The managers don't know what they're talking about half of the time, when you go in these places. The only way you're going to get a job or a career is to go to school, get your diploma, go to college or business school to get some training, and find your own job. Employment agencies are nothing but a bunch of scam artists!! the person name in the second section is Latarsha Mitchell, for whoever mispelled it incorrectly on purpose. If they try to sue, they are not going to get a d**n thing.