If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.
I've heard this repeatedly, even found it to be true and it hurts every time I relive it. The most recent lesson was taught by Keepers, a staffing agency. Most agencies offer to find jobs, usually at no fee to me. Of course, the companies I've worked with are charged a finder's fee, so to speak and if I'm hired full-time as an employee, they pay a hefty fee to the agency. Sadly, things have changed significantly over the years since companies want to weed through resumes, taking placement a little longer. It's rather ridiculous for short term temporary assignments but an unavoidable measure. Keepers is one agency, rather local, that requires exclusivity. According to the contract, you aren't allowed to work with other agencies or work anywhere else for that matter. They guarantee, yes guarantee, to keep you working 30 hours per week while they find you a permanent job. Sounds too good to be true, right? I signed up.
November 2006. Unfortunately, I'd already registered with other agencies and other, more lucrative opportunities were presented. I terminated my employment with Keepers to pursue these avenues. On a recent job search (2013), I reached out to all of my contacts for job leads, then re-activated my registrations with agencies. Now, a few have neglected to respond to emails and voicemail messages and I'm hoping it's because they don't have anything that fits my skillset. This situation was quite different. I'm not the only one who's experienced this as I've found reviews about the company that read similarly. I'm just finding it hard to understand why the attainment of a permanent job (poor choice in terms for today's employment culture) is not applauded.
Even though I've realized that agencies are optimal for entry level workers and those who don't wish to work full time for whatever reason, I still register. But for those of us who require a salary, benefits, vacation time, some semblance of stability and maybe, just maybe, a permanent job, agencies are just not the answer. Though posting this has been a hard decision, "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
http://www.keepersonline.net/home.htm
