Interview at Employment Agency

Lollypop75

Hi all,

Last week I came across an advert for an agency looking for people to register with them. I sent off my CV and, quite surprisingly, have heard back and they want me to go for an interview with them.

I've had a few interviews direct with employers, but nothing with an agency. Can anyone tell me how this will be different, and what sort of thing I should do to prepare?

Giulliana

Be prepared to be added to their books and then to never hear from them again.

lufcgirl

They're a lot more informal than an actual job interview.

All the do is make you fill out some forms and provide ID, maybe do a few computer tests depending on the type of work your looking for.

Once thats done they'll sit down with you and discuss which roles your looking at applying for and then from there will contact you if anything suitable arises. I don't even dress up for them anymore, some smart jeans and a top I've found is fine with them.

I have an appointment with one this aftenoon to discuss an actual position but never heard of the agency before, so we'll see how it goes.

Lollypop75

Giulliana wrote: »

Be prepared to be added to their books and then to never hear from them again.

Lol, yeah, that is the thing with agencies. I think it's a pretty good sign that they're asking to see me after seeing my CV - might mean I have a better chance than if I just walked in off the street. On the other hand, they get their money from employers, so it's good for them to have as many people on their books as possible. It's worth a shot anyway.

McKneff

why 'quite surprisningly'
If they're going to get you a job, they are going to make money out of you.

RobertoMoir

I'm sure you're aware of this but if they ask for some kind of fee to go onto their books, promptly make use of the exit and don't look back.

CCFC_80

1)Be prepared for them to advertise fake jobs in their window display that do not exist !!!.

2) Be prepared for the annoying phonecalls when they cannot find you work expecting you to help them by giving them job leads by telling them which applications and interviews you have recently atttended.

3) Be prepared for them to show you no support if you have a problem in your assignment as they are so far up their clients backside

4) Be prepared to be overlooked If they do get any temporary work particularly on the industrial side as they will give priority to eastern european workers who apparently work harder (yeh right !)

5) Be prepared for them to bin you for life if you happen to turn down any work that they offer you.

6) Be prepared when enquiring about any work available for them not to return your phonecalls or emails.

7) Be prepared for no-one to get back to you if you are lucky enough to get an interview.

8) Be prepared for no-one from the agency to have the courtesy to call you when your assignment has finished and only find out when you turn in for work next day.

Lollypop75

I was surprised to hear simply because I responded to an advert on some site (don't remember which), and lots and lots of them don't ever get back to you!

Yeah, I won't necessarily hold out much hope for this, but spending a morning on it isn't that much time, and I might get at least some temporary work out of them.

DCFC79

Giulliana wrote: »

Be prepared to be added to their books and then to never hear from them again.

well you do have to call the agency every few days to keep your profile on top of they're minds

sexki11en

andy46 wrote: »

Blah, blah, blah, whinge, whinge whinge

Still not found work eh? Surprising!

Back ON topic, OP, just be yourself. Of course they want to put you into a job - they earn money from it. What lot of people don't seem to understand sadly (mostly the ones with a stinky attitude) is that it's about the right bum on the right seat, so don't be too surprised if something you may think you are suitable for they don't agree. You may have seen a job spec but you don't know what the client have asked for. Hopefully if they are any good - they will listen to what you say and find the best job for you, not just any old job.

Good luck!

SK x

Bunnie1982

Lollypop - I usually go along to agencies dressed as I would for a job interview as they get a good feel as to how you will be with an employer.

Regardless of what others here may say, some agencies are outstanding, for example I have nothing but praise for Hayes. There have been ones I've signed up for and they have had no work - for example I signed up to one about a week and a half ago and was told by them "we'll have no problem finding you work" and I'm yet to hear from them, I actually called them today and got told "there's nothing in"