Agencies

Today I had my interview, arranged like most thro' an agency. Now I was chancing my arm a little as the company was looking for more depth in other areas but I had enough depth in my breadth if you know what I mean. I only gave an okay performace, it's been a while and you need a couple of interviews under your belt in a short space of time to really shine if you're not a great match for the role. But the interview came to a grinding halt when they realised that I was still working and unable to start for at least a month.

"I told the agency I needed someone to start as soon as possible, next week at the latest" he said.

"And I told them I was only able to start at the end of October, at the earliest" I replied.

Upon which he wound up as quick as he could do politely and I was promptly escorted off the premises. Brilliant. Thanks for filling the company in on my situation.

Of course I did the usual thing, I contacted the agency immediately afterwards to give feedback but had to leave voicemail. Now the feedback I give doesn't really help me at all. It does help the agency fine tune candidates for the position based on my experience during the interview. But do I get feedback on my performance so I can improve my chances? Ha! Also, the details they gave me regarding the need for the vacancy were months out of date.

"Ah no. That's project's done and dusted" he said "We've finished that now. History".

Thanks again. And of course I've heard nothing back from the agency since. Sure they're all over you when you're a viable candidate for a position, sending you emails and calling you on the phone during work and asking if you can talk - I'm at work, what do you think! But they're impossible to get a hold of if there's nothing to match your CV. Yeah I know, it's no surprise. But would it kill them to return the odd call and at least tell you to PFO/we'll call you if we find something/keep in touch as we may have something suitable and you might just slip thro' the net, etc, etc.

And what sort of databases and skill set matching do they have in those places? I still get emails asking if I'm interested in positions that clearly don't match my background. Next thing I know, I'll be offered gardening positions if I put that down as a hobby. Oh and they always ask you if you know someone who might be interested or to spread the word about the vacancy. I will in me hole! You want me to work for you so that you can get your commission...ha! PFO yourself pal.

Hmmm, I've far too much to let out on this topic in one rant. Tomorrow...