Ok, yes I am looking for a permanent role again – contracting is too unreliable at the moment.
Amongst other options, I am also chasing the job adverts. Being as pedantic as I can be, I record what I write and to whom, and their response. You would think that after hearing so much about providing good customer service over the years that all industries will have assimilated some of the rhetoric.
Today was one of those days were you come away thinking that was a good interview (irrespective of whether I am the one for the job or not). The interviewer was personable, pleasant, knowledgeable, courteous and above all respectful. He gave me, what I felt, was honest information, he did not pull any punches and he did not give platitudes (he was not nice because he could not be honest). This told me that there are some agencies that really are working for their money.
At least 50%, on first instance, do not responed all if you are not suitable for the role. Some make the disclaimer when the register your application, that there will be a nil response unless they do want to interview you “but we would still like to keep your record on file if something proves more inline with your resume”. In fact that as happened ONCE – and I did get a job through it (although I was satisfacturaly employed at the time). About 25% will come back and state if you were unsuccessful.
What surprised me, was the interview I went to with the company itself (they did not use agencies at all). I ticked all the right boxes got the impression that I was in the running and told I would hear something within the week, by did wntt move qqickly. One week lateeI followed up. An excuse was given that “we had trouble coordinating the times, mainly due to the employing Manager not being around ???? really. How can they move quickly if they cannot schedule interviews appropriately. Iwas told they should have an answer the following Tuesday (5 days hence).
And the winner was – who knows, no call, no email, no text. Completely irresponsible and disrespectful.
And the reelly crazy thnig about all this – my normal role is “Manager”. Yes I employee staff and I use recruitment agencies AND the feeling is similar from the other side – although you do have a little more clout.
I suppose my gripe with this is due to the fact that part of my portfolio includes Customer Service – my normal title is Customer Service and Supply Chain Manager - and seeing how bad companies still treat their customers astounds me, especially as the customers keep coming back until something really big changes their mind. The crazy thing is that honest, respectful customer service is not that hard to do – to set it up is, as there is often a cultural barrier that needs to be removed.
Think about it, good customer service equals good customers, ie they are easier to deal with AND they stay customers. What I should do is start a rating register on recruitment gencies, I wonder if that would prompt any form of improvement ?? Also begs the question, are they putting forward the right candidate for the role, are they too lazy (or inept) to do the job right. Is the potential employer getting what they paid for?
I really do hope it works out for the employer and the new incumbant, and that the recruitment agency did do their job. Me, I am patiently waiting for the employer that needs my set of skills/experience – just a numbers game I keep reminding myself, so if you are an employer or potential employee, keep asking questions and following up.
Cheers
Mark
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