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Employment agencies?

I would like to know about experiences people have had with employment agencies, good or bad. Are they good to use or should people stay away from them? you mean to tell me that some of those places actually charge the APPLICANT a fee??? I thought they charged that fee to the employer. What is the point of having someone help you find a job if you have to pay them to do it? I have never brought my checkbook to an interview in my life. That's an outrage!!

Public Comments

1. Be very careful. You can end up spending thousands of dollars with an agency. Make sure you understand everything before you sign anything.
2. They generally like to build up their databases. Depending on your rate/position, you may never get placed. It is definitely production for them. Unless you are really marketable to them, you wont get work and they wont spend the time on you.
3. I have had really good experiences with Kelly Services. I worked with them for 2 years until I was hired permanently with my last employer through them. From what I have heard recently, the economy is just bad and right now there are simply more applicants than jobs available. However, I have worked with several different employment agencies and I have had a postive experience with most. I have NEVER heard of an agency charging applicants. Employers pay to use their services, for example if you are getting paid by the agency $15/hr, the employer is probably paying the agency at least $18/hr. This is good to know in case you are eventually offered a permanent position with the employer because they will be paying you directly and you should get a raise!
4. they don't charge you it is illegal to do so, however if you do not have marketable skills it will be hard to find something