Preparing for job agency

cyberstar

I’m attending the job agency next week at my local Reed branch. I’ve got a suit ready, although I’m not sure if I should wear it since I’m only looking for casual temporary jobs. I’ve got my CV ready. Is there anything significant I need to know? I’m treating this like a job interview, although I’m not sure whether it’ll be like a job interview. What questions will I be ask and will there be any tough questions or tests involved. And would I need to book an appointment or can I just walk in and say that I’m looking for work, thanks.

Amba_Gambla

Hi
You say u are looking for casual temp jobs - is this in an office based environment?? If it is, I'd advise the suit. If you think a suit is overkill, go for the shirt & tie, or even just shirt & trousers option!

It is an interview, but I've found that they tend to be very chatty and informal. this in effect is a first interview for a job (and sometimes your only interview). They'll ask you the bog standard questions (education, pasttimes etc) but I don't think I've ever been asked any of those 'proper' interview type questions (name a time when you've gone out of your way to help someone).

Good luck!
AG:D

Becles

If you are making a specific journey there, I would make an appointment with someone. It saves a wasted journey.

I would wear the suit, or at least go in smart dress. I always wore a suit when looking round agencies.

They may give you tests - it varies from agency to agency. For office work, it's usually just basics like a typing test, although one agency did give me loads of tests to see my aptitude for Word, Excel etc etc etc. I was in there nearly 2 hours, passed all the tests with flying colours, but was never offered any work from them

Best of luck!!

Amba_Gambla

Becles wrote:

........I was in there nearly 2 hours, passed all the tests with flying colours, but was never offered any work from them....QUOTE]

they like doing things like that don't they!

I ditched one agency in favour of a better paid job with another - I'm owed holiday pay (which was supposed to be paid last week - apparently no record of that conversation!) - might be a bit of a struggle to get it back! That's maybe what happens when u put an agency's nose outta joint!

cyberstar

Thanks for the advice. So what agencies would you recommend for casual office or retail work etc? So far the most popular one I know is Reed, but are there any other agencies that are recommended or should be avoided.

Karnam

Kelly and Office Angels for Office work. Adecco do more manualwork but also have branches doing office work.

BargainHunterCat

Go to as many agencies as you can to sign up and get on their available list. That will give you the best chance of a) finding a job and b) finding something you want to do.

Having worked as a recruitment consultant, I can tell you always go suited and booted to an interview for whatever type of job, even if it's only to register, the agency will judge you on what you are wearing and may not put you forward for some of the better jobs if they are worried you'll turn up looking like a scruff bum and make them look bad! :rotfl:

The interview will be relatively informal and they may actually help you with your CV and interview techniques before putting you forward for any jobs...it is in their interest to do this! Remember you are a valuable commodity to them!

Depending on what sort of job you want to do, you may be asked to take a few tests. These are usuall on a computer and will test your typing skills, numeracy, spelling and your knowledge of computer programs such as Word and Excel.
Some agencies also offer training programs, so do ask them about these if your test results aren't up to scratch for the type of job you want.

Lastly, if you get a call or message from them offering a job, get back to them ASAP if you want it or you may lose out. They usually have a waiting list of people wanting similar jobs who they will also be calling, and it's first come first served!

Good luck!

RichyRich

I can highly recommend Brook Street; they are fantastic! I had a bit of a running with agency called "Recruit" (part of Carlisle Group) - they owe me £200 but won't admit to it because my consultant left and there's no records available. Don't want to take it much further because I know the agencies talk to each other and I don't want to be "blacklisted" - I rely on temporary work to keep me at uni.

If you're in West Yorkshire Horizon Recruitment are excellent and Relay Recruitment are quite good - both have offices in Bradford and Leeds.

Links:

http://www.relayrecruitment.co.uk
http://www.horizonrecruitment.co.uk
http://www.brookstreet.co.uk
http://www.recruitgroup.com - Avoid IMHO

Hope this helps
Rich