I posted a week or so ago (also a couple of months back) about finding it challenging to get an interview and listed everything I've done so far...the only thing I haven't done is to contact a staffing agency. Reason being I have two friends who didn't have a good experience with them last year when they were on a job hunt and I have been resistant for that reason but I think if I don't get an interview in the next week or so I am really considering calling a staffing agency.
So that being said the two I know are Aerotek and Kelly scientific. I did a job search on both of their sites and they each have 2-3 jobs in my field listed that are current (in the last 2 months). I'm trying to find reviews and see which one I should contact. My understanding is that they're paid on commission and they'd want to find me a placement right?
What do you guys think? I know someone here posted that her DH used Aerotek and they were happy. what was the process like?
On another note, if I know which company I'd really like to work at and the job description matches my skills and I Google "x company recruiter" and find a name, should I contact that person and go through them instead?
Basically when you say you went through a recruiter, did you go through these companies or specific recruiters for that specific company?
thank you!!
Re: Aerotek or Kelly scientific resources?
FET - transferred two embryos (boy and girl) - Nov 2014 - BFP!
I got my current job through Aerotek. Same situation as you it seems, lots of applications, few interviews and no offers. It doesn't help that I'm in HR, which seems to be one of the first career fields downsized in tough times.
Anyway, I actually applied for a position on Monster.com not realizing it was being advertised by a recruiting agency. Never heard back and put it out of my mind, but the recruiter contacted me a few months later when the company expanded and needed to fill another position.
I "interviewed" with the recruiter, and she put out feelers to all the companies they serviced looking for a position for me. She also encouraged me to keep an eye on the website and let her know if there was anything I was specifically interested in. Overall, I went through about 4 application submissions and 2 months before they found me something.
I'd ABSOLUTELY recommend working with them. The thing about recruiters is if they have a good relationship with the companies they're recruiting for, it's almost as good as having a "buddy" on the inside recommending you.
Lots of companies also advertise certain positions only through the recruiters so they're not bombarded with 500 applications for one position. (Mine was only advertised this way, and was nowhere to be found on the company website).
If you find the position on the Aerotek website, you'll have to apply through them even if you have a name at the company.
Yes, they work on commission - their payment is a percentage of what your salary is. So if you are working for 15 per hour, chances are the company is actually paying 18 an hour with the remainder going to Aerotek.
I worked with Kelly Scientific. I got in as an intern (which is a direct hire) but then got a temp job later, so I was only working with them as a technicality. Their health insurance sure was shitty! But anyway, they had the contract at the major pharma where I still work. I would see who has more jobs posted in your area or jobs closer to what you want and try them first. If you know what company you want to work for, there might be a specific agency to go to.
Good luck!
No amount of education could convince Betty to be nice to possums
I got my current job through Aerotek.
I had a 6 month contract with them for temp-to-hire.
The only thing I would suggest is trying to negotiate contract length. Before the economy tanked, a typical contract was 3 months.
Also, they offer insurance which was great. It is however about $100 a week.
I have had good experiences with Kelly Services. I'm not sure if they are related to Kelly Scientific or not.
I had Aerotek call me a couple of times about scheduling an interview that I wasn't interested in. They tried to talk me into it and I insisted that it was not a good fit. I don't remember what the deal was, but I just remember that I didn't like the guy that called me. He was too pushy.