Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

to think this comment from job agency was a bit unfair?

44 replies

Badgerwife · 07/01/2015 18:09

Sorry, it might be a bit long, I am known to ramble a bit.

I'm a PA by trade so looking for any sort of part-time PA/admin position. I've been on a career break these last three years to have my two children. I am now in a position where I need to find a job asap as we are buying a house and need the extra cash. We're supposed to complete the purchase and move in the next three weeks and definitely by the end of January.

I've started to actively apply for jobs this week and was contacted today by an agency regarding a local part-time job. As it turns out, the company is looking for an immediate start and whilst I am definitely happy to go for interviews, I don't think it would be fair to start work before the move as this is a short turnover (it's a new build so no chain or anything) and I am going to be hanging next to the phone/email expecting to hear from our mortgage adviser/solicitors/organising the removal van etc. So any job I might get I would be able to start about four weeks from now.

At the end of the conversation when I said I didn't think I could do an immediate start as it wouldn't be fair on the company, the agency person basically shut me down and said to contact them again 'when I was in a better position to apply for jobs' and wouldn't even get me in to register with them.

I was a bit taken aback if I'm honest. I appreciate that some jobs require an immediate start but there are plenty out there who will need at least a month's notice from their existing staff.

So what do you think? AIBU to be applying for jobs now for a February start? I don't think February is that far away, and I can arrange childcare to go to interviews so I'm a bit disappointed by the outcome of this particular conversation.

OP posts:

Original poster

Badgerwife · 07/01/2015 19:04

LIZS yes we are moving 5 minutes away from where we currently live. We have a mortgage offer in principle and the valuation was taking place today. This is after putting the application in with the lender yesterday, so I am fairly confident. In the event that it falls through (god forbid, my poor nerves), we can carry on renting where we are.

OP posts:

Icelollycraving · 07/01/2015 19:17

I doubt you'd be moving by the end of the month. It took us bloody ages.
On the job front,things have changed a lot in the last few years. I have an excellent career history in my sector & it took me a year. None of my friends could believe it. I'm now employed but it took a lot longer & there are so many people applying. Good luck,be very available is my advice.

joanne1947 · 07/01/2015 19:25

We're supposed to complete the purchase and move in the next three weeks and I am going to be hanging next to the phone/email expecting to hear from our mortgage adviser/solicitors/organising the removal van etc. why can't your partner take all the calls etc. If your partner is established in their job no problem fopr him/her and you then devote your time to your new job. What's the problem?

Original poster

Badgerwife · 07/01/2015 19:27

joanne1947 this would normally work but DH is a secondary school teacher so unfortunately not in a line of work where you can take calls during most of the day

OP posts:

Iggi999 · 07/01/2015 19:31

I've moved house a couple of times whilst being a teacher. Needs must.

OhMrGove · 07/01/2015 19:42

OP the agency was ridiculous and rude. I say that having worked via agencies and also in recruitment.

On the upside, you now can rule them out and find a better agency with which to work.

PowderMum · 07/01/2015 20:12

OP recruitment agencies can be a nightmare, I honestly think that at least half if the consultants haven't got a clue. I took a career break in 2013 just 6 months and from a specific industry, when it was time to go back to work I tried agencies in my industry, they told me there were no jobs at the moment, and although they let me register with them, it was basically down to me to monitor their websites and to contact them if I wanted to apply for a role. I also tried General agencies as I fancied a career change but they struggled with my range of skills and seniority and couldn't understand that I want to take on a reduced role, I found suitable jobs at 2, one of these insisted that I go in and see them for an interview, the consultant can barely be out of school and had no information about the job or any idea of how my skills matched the job spec. He then called me back the next day as they couldn't put me through unless I had completed their tests. Then finally I got a call to say that although I had scored the highest he had ever seen in the test, they were not putting me through.

Sorry back to the point, I registered on reed, uploaded a condensed version of my CV for people to see, I also looked at where my industry employers advertised jobs without using an agency and within a week of refocusing I had 3 job offers to choose from. During this time I treated job hunting like a job, working the same hours as I thought I would be working, chasing up people and being really pushy, I was able to free myself up for interviews at a drop of a hat. Of the 3 jobs I was offered, 1 had a start date 6 weeks later, 1 was flexible but were expecting 4 weeks, and 1 wanted an immediate start.

I would concentrate on moving for now but be registering yourself on websites then when you can focus have a big concentrated push.

Original poster

Badgerwife · 07/01/2015 20:46

Thanks everyone, it's been really helpful

OP posts:

listsandbudgets · 07/01/2015 21:19

Agree with others. I've done temp work in the past and on many occassions would be contacted by the agency the night before the job was due to start and be expected to be there at 8.30am the next day ready to start. One occasion the phone went at 8am (on what was going to be a day off!) and my house mate shook me awake to let me know the agency wanted me the other side of the city for 8.45am. I rung them back explained it was slightly short notice because of the distence and the fact I needed a blooming shower and some coffee but to let the company know that I'd be with them by 9.15am.

Wait until you're ready then go to agencies.

Cutleryhands · 07/01/2015 22:00

As someone that uses agencies to supply staff i can say the most frustrating thing is said is i cant start till.......
Often this is a precursor to other things like i have to finish early on such an such day, followed by hosiptal appointment and a holiday thats already booked. I actually tell the agencies specifically not to put forward anyone that cannot start imediately and is not flexible. Trouble is, they still get through the net and it only wastes time.

iklboo · 07/01/2015 22:09

When I joined my current firm I had the interview on Thursday afternoon. They phoned me Friday morning to ask if I could start the following Monday. Oh, but I'd need to do three weeks' training in London first. Luckily it was travel & accommodation paid (and as it was short notice I ended up in a suite!!).

I've been there almost 11 years now. Hope you find something you'll really enjoy & that suits you.

maddening · 07/01/2015 22:45

Put your cv on reed and linked in - state what you are looking for, the geographical area that you are aiming for and when you are available and you will get agencies looking for you - my cv isn't up to date anymore on there and I am not actively looking but get messages regularly offering roles and asking if I am interested in anything they have to offer.

DodgedAnAsbo · 07/01/2015 22:56

You can not heap your own problems and uncertainties onto a prospective employer (or middle man, like an agent)

you have to sell yourself. it's a tough world out there, good luck and may the force be with you

vinegarandbrownpaper · 08/01/2015 03:05

I don't think any thing to do with op. 'consultant' thought 'this sucker will fill an interview place and actually look quite competent so I won't look like an arse who hasnt managed to find anybody despite saying to the client that I had the perfect person ready to go. I have told the client to expect two people from me who can start straight away as a bluff to stop them going elsewhere. This sucker will never guess I dont give a shit and I will look awesome'

You say some thing reasonable.. but outside his game. He gets in a huff and takes it personally. This agency clearly treats people seeking jobs badly and probably pretends to client s that great people are on their books by the bucket load when in fact they've got people who struggle with 'hello' and rely on luck to fill imterview spaces. Good agencies really find out about you and put you forward for good assignments. Bad agencies are a muppet conveyer belt and waste everyones time.

SummerLight · 08/01/2015 03:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MidniteScribbler · 08/01/2015 04:23

I think when it comes to jobs like PA/Assistant type roles where applicant numbers are high, that businesses aren't going to wait around for ages for a new staff member to start, unless that person has some very specific skills in demand. Specialist type recruiting is a slower process and businesses are usually more prepared to wait for the right staff member to finish up other roles before starting.

vinegarandbrownpaper · 08/01/2015 12:21

Nice stealth diss of PA work Midnite! A good PA is like gold! You are confusing PA with 'daft phone answerer' Perhaps the agency was too.

MidniteScribbler · 08/01/2015 12:48

Lol I was a PA/Admin for years before I changed careers. It's still admin work, and there's plenty of applicants. If a business needs someone now, then you need to have something very special to offer if you expect them to then wait a month for you.

vinegarandbrownpaper · 08/01/2015 12:59

You are answering a different question. Was it unfair of agent to refuse to sign up someone who couldn't start immediately/who was honest about availability. Yes.
The op didn't want this particular job held for a month.. she said she couldn't start immediately. That's fine! Agent couldn't handle it and was a dick!

Just because there are a lot of applicants/people who think a job is easy doesnt mean there are a lot of suitable candidates!

Flip

1 2