Is it worth calling back an agency with not very good reviews?

MarkAlexander18

I am currently looking for work and came across a job on indeed. I applied for the job and then the next day I received a missed call and voice msg asking for me to call the agency back regarding the job I applied for. I applied for a few jobs that day so couldn't remember who they were.

I went back and checked my "applied for" jobs and saw the agency had almost 2 out of 5 stars and somebody who left a review for the same role I applied for, just in a different area of the country. They said it's a waste of time and "pretty much a scam." They said that they went for a induction and week long, basic course and that they didn't get paid for it. There was no positive thing to say about them or even if the person got a job.

I am very reluctant to go with an agency like that if they are going to put me on a training course and I won't get paid or get a job at the end of it. I also have to pay for travel expenses as I would have to get the bus there and back for the whole week.

Not sure what to do. 2 out of 5 stars is pretty bad for an agency, and I do know about agencies that take liberties with employees just so they have another statistic crossed off their "to sign up" list. The thing is, because I am almost desperately in need of work and money these jobs/agencies look promising/appealing even if they may not be.

Thoughts?
Anybody dealt with poor agencies via Indeed or other job sites before?

tacpot12

There are a number of scams about. I complained to Jobserve about one company that was advertising home working, but when you looked into it, there was lots of feedback on the web about it being a scam.

I would check with the agency whether the particular job you are applying for involves any unpaid training period. Often these periods are used to eliminate weak candidates in sales jobs, and most candidates will be weak because the training is insufficient.

Comms69

I'm in two minds. The person that left the review, I suspect at least, didn't get through and was understandably frustrated - this may well lead to a legitimate job.


That said I don't agree with unpaid training periods and feel employers should have more rigorous recruitment policies ahead of training.


I've always been happy to offer half a day as a way to test the water for both myself and the employer; but that's on the basis that an interview would in all likelihood 'cost' me half a day anyway.

ReadingTim

No harm in going back to them and seeing what comes of it, but if they want to to either pay for training, or do more than one day or shift unpaid, then pull out, as it's likely to be a scam.