RH, is anyone there?

I met with a rep from RH, and also went on an interview, then nothing! They do not return calls, e-mails etc.

I am very disapointed with this agency.

Does anyone knows what type of exam they give and what is the purpose for it? For example, one of the recruiter told me that I need to take an excel and accounting exam. After reading the postings on this board I am seriously thinking about canceling my appointment.

Is there a valid purpose for this exam? What are they trying to test you on? Does it effect your placement chances?

Thank you for your response.

manmag8577@yahoo.com

Looking for help said: manmag8577@yahoo.com

To answer your question....

The reason why they test you is to tell the clients how well you skilled when they start cold calling. For instance:

"Hello Mr. Client! My name is Billy Bob from Robert Half and I am responding to the ad you placed in the paper for a secretary. Well, we have a candidate here who fits the job description. She scored an 92 on our Microsoft Word test and a 95 in Excel. She's available TODAY... when can we bring her in?"

THAT MY FRIEND is called a telemarketer.

All Robert Half employees are cold callers. If you don't score well, you can still be placed if you have a professional appearance; they just won't tell the client your score.

- Ex-RHI employee

Robert Half doesn't care how you do on those stupid tests. It's just formality so that they can get info on your previous employers to solicit their services.

They flood all the online job boards with ads for positions that don't even exist to get job seekers to send them resumes.

I applied for some accounting positions in the Tampa area only to find out that the ads I replied to were just ongoing ads. They called me for an interview tested and interviewed me and that was it.

I did well on the exams, I dressed in a suit, was professional but nothing.

I now realize they only interviewed me to get inside information about my past employers to solicit their services.

HOW DISGUSTING!
THEY MAKE ME SICK!

RH in Tampa is the worst. They could care less about you and only care about getting a commission. I have been to their office twice and the second time asked for a different recruiter. She was not different. I did not take an exam. I have been a licensed CPA for 15 years. If they think their exam is better then HA! I have an excellent job history. I only heard back and it was a totally inapproriate job that I went to 3 interviews on. When I decided it wasn't right for ME they dumped me. AHHHH no commission.

Robert Half, Dead Dirtbag at large! said:
To answer your question....
The reason why they test you is to tell the clients how well you skilled when they start cold calling. For instance:
"Hello Mr. Client! My name is Billy Bob from Robert Half and I am responding to the ad you placed in the paper for a secretary. Well, we have a candidate here who fits the job description. She scored an 92 on our Microsoft Word test and a 95 in Excel. She's available TODAY... when can we bring her in?"
THAT MY FRIEND is called a telemarketer.
All Robert Half employees are cold callers. If you don't score well, you can still be placed if you have a professional appearance; they just won't tell the client your score.
- Ex-RHI employee

So, is that what you did all day? I work for OfficeTeam which is owned by RHI and I had no clue. Is that how you find suitable assignments for the temps? What if somebody has 6 months of work experience in a bank and trying to get her foot in the door by wanting work in an office? Are you guys able to help?

Looking for help said: Does anyone knows what type of exam they give and what is the purpose for it? For example, one of the recruiter told me that I need to take an excel and accounting exam. After reading the postings on this board I am seriously thinking about canceling my appointment.
Is there a valid purpose for this exam? What are they trying to test you on? Does it effect your placement chances?
Thank you for your response.

Having registered with bunches of recruiters, take the time, take the tests. Most of my recruiters use the same tests. So, go to your least favorite recruiter and use their tests as practice. Then, go to the next and you'll probably do better. Yes, this takes times, however, getting a good job is worth the effort. I've taken them about 6 times.
ALSO -
Call the recruiter back and asks that your TOTAL scores be e-mailed to you. Then you can see where you need improvement and will have your scores to share with another recruiter.
Just keep trying. Believe me after 5 weeks of this, it was getting monotonous, but paid off.

Margaret Fong in San Francisco, California said: So, is that what you did all day? I work for OfficeTeam which is owned by RHI and I had no clue. Is that how you find suitable assignments for the temps? What if somebody has 6 months of work experience in a bank and trying to get her foot in the door by wanting work in an office? Are you guys able to help?

Why don't you know that they were owned by RHI? That tells an employer that you don't have any focus. You can get all info on the Net, so utilize it. Personality sells first and foremost, so if you don't have it, GET IT! Don't wait around and cry because you are not as marketable as you think. Having worked in an agency, the average person doesn't realize that an agnecy does not fine people jobs; they find jobs people. Big difference. If you don't have a focus and know exactly what you want to do, its likely no client that works with an agency will want you.

Cameron in San Francisco, California said: Why don't you know that they were owned by RHI? That tells an employer that you don't have any focus. You can get all info on the Net, so utilize it. Personality sells first and foremost, so if you don't have it, GET IT! Don't wait around and cry because you are not as marketable as you think. Having worked in an agency, the average person doesn't realize that an agnecy does not fine people jobs; they find jobs people. Big difference. If you don't have a focus and know exactly what you want to do, its likely no client that works with an agency will want you.

My focus was just to work in an office and being an assistant to somebody. Now I know that what I was looking for does not exist. I do have a personality. Nobody finds people jobs. My degree in City College didn't do anything. So, all the agencies REALLY DON'T HELP. Somebody told me that they help people find jobs. What a LIAR. I found my focus and not worry about agencies ever again. In fact, I QUIT that agency and all the others I signed up for.

most staffing companies want to know where you applied so they can solicit.

that is why staffing companies are taking over the job market.

on the applications, they plain ask you what jobs you have already interviewed with and what was the outcome. I am positive they submit resumes to that company HR to send someone else over and interview for the job.

What really bothers me abount Roberthalf/Accountemps is the flood of bogus ads they place on monster and careerbuilder here in the Tampa area.

Every week they keep fooling people into applying for non-existent jobs so that they can get the scoop on the applicant's past employers and solicit business (called sourcing amoung staffing agencies).

They should be sued or shutdown for deceptive advertising!

same thing goes on in Philadelphia. I am frustrated with all agencies! A rep from RH called me to come see her for an interview. A half hour before I left my work, she called and had to cancel because of an emergency. She has not since returned my phone calls (2 weeks now) to re-schedule. I wonder too if the ads posted are phony or not. One job I really wanted was posted with one recruiter, then the same job was posted a couple of weeks later with another contact name. I have been to the office twice already with no interviews or placements. I also worked for Accountemps- when the assignment ended they did not send me on any other ones- no contact. And they act alien to each other (Accountemps & RH) even though they share the same office space!

looks like everyone is really upset at Robert Half for not placing them. so, what makes them so large, successful, fastest YOY growing $6B publicly traded company? clearly, if the timing is right and your skills sets are what is needed in the market then you would be placed. if not, then there is clearly something wrong with your qualifications for you not to be able to find a job in this market while we're at a less than 4% unemployment rate. also-- something to keep in mind is that a lot of staffing firms these days bill the client, not the candidate so if your qualifications are not worth paying a fee for, then don't bother signing up with a firm. apply directly yourself with no contacts at firms and see how that works for you.

I don't know why it automatically defaults my location in pleasanton, california when i'm in seattle, wa.

raised eye-brow in Pleasanton, California said: I don't know why it automatically defaults my location in pleasanton, california when i'm in seattle, wa.

Yeah right - you phony !

raised eye-brow in Pleasanton, California said: looks like everyone is really upset at Robert Half for not placing them. so, what makes them so large, successful, fastest YOY growing $6B publicly traded company? clearly, if the timing is right and your skills sets are what is needed in the market then you would be placed. if not, then there is clearly something wrong with your qualifications for you not to be able to find a job in this market while we're at a less than 4% unemployment rate. also-- something to keep in mind is that a lot of staffing firms these days bill the client, not the candidate so if your qualifications are not worth paying a fee for, then don't bother signing up with a firm. apply directly yourself with no contacts at firms and see how that works for you.

I think you may be missing the point being raised in this thread, and I've experienced it first-hand, so I know what these people are talking about. It's not that RHI can't or won't place qualified people for jobs. The problem is their customer service is terrible. Leave a phone message or send an email, even if you are a RHI candidate, and see what happens. Oftentimes, you're lucky to get a reply; very often you won't. RHI is definitely in the "people business", but unfortunately they're woefully inadequate in "people skills". It would be a good idea for job seekers to diversify in their job search.

Use other career staffing companies, and hopefully you'll come across a company, big or small, that knows how to treat customers well. In addition, as the above poster suggested, reply to direct employer postings. You will land a job for which you're qualified and in which you can bring value to your new employer.

True when I go back to the guy who placed me a year and a half ago (I'm marketable) emails are ignored. I send an email to another one, she asks for another copy of resume, I never hear from her again. Calls & emails & faxes to offices all over the area go unanswered. This begs the question: how in the hell does Robert Half manage to pay their rent every month???

ec in New York, New York said: True when I go back to the guy who placed me a year and a half ago (I'm marketable) emails are ignored. I send an email to another one, she asks for another copy of resume, I never hear from her again. Calls & emails & faxes to offices all over the area go unanswered. This begs the question: how in the hell does Robert Half manage to pay their rent every month???

At Robert Half/Accountemps here in Tampa they post bogus ads on Careerbuilder & Monster then when you call saying you're responding to their ad, they transfer you to a voicemail that no one answers- it's message box for unwanted phone calls.

raised eye-brow in Pleasanton, California said: looks like everyone is really upset at Robert Half for not placing them. so, what makes them so large, successful, fastest YOY growing $6B publicly traded company? clearly, if the timing is right and your skills sets are what is needed in the market then you would be placed. if not, then there is clearly something wrong with your qualifications for you not to be able to find a job in this market while we're at a less than 4% unemployment rate. also-- something to keep in mind is that a lot of staffing firms these days bill the client, not the candidate so if your qualifications are not worth paying a fee for, then don't bother signing up with a firm. apply directly yourself with no contacts at firms and see how that works for you.

"Lots of staffing firms these days bill the client, not the candidate"...... Wake up raised eye-brow, smell the coffee. Robert Half and all the big agencies bill the client, and have done so for 20 YEARS....

do salespeople make money at Robert Half. Does it pay well if you're good?

Kaeseb in Providence, Rhode Island said: I met with a rep from RH, and also went on an interview, then nothing! They do not return calls, e-mails etc.

I am very disapointed with this agency.

As someone who was a Vendor and a Client, I would never do business with this company again. Trust me-they employ unethical and inexperienced recruiters.

Horrible. I have 20+ years experience in my field. I agree with all of the above negative comments and could probably add more.

Don't work for this company...unfortunately I do, and I'm dying to get out. It takes the blood right out of you...long hours little pay. After about a month or so you'll go to bed on Sunday night wishing that Friday was already here...sound like a place you'd like to work. Go to the vault.com and see what other's have said. Run as far as you can when you're approached for an internal position with any of the divisions withing the Robert Half umbrella. The only people that make money are the ones that have been there for 5 plus years. They may have a great name in the industry, but once you work behind close doors you'll really know what they're about. Sheeps in wolves closing is how I would describe it.

I have a lot of unique talent and experience which makes it difficult to find a job suited to my skills and talents. I called Office Team from a newspaper ad. I interviewed immediately by the client, a wonderful and caring company who takes very good care of their employees.(HA!) During the interview, the position I went for(paralegal and very qualified for) was not what they offered me. I was offered a receptionist job. I told my rep at OT and she acted like she cared but pushed me to take it. Wanting to get out the employment I had, I took it. Come to find out, I was one in a long string of receptionists (5) that OT had placed for this company within 6 mos. All before me had left because of the abuse dolled out by the office manager. The OT rep failed to mention that. After I moved up, three more receptionists (in a month time span) came and went. One of them told a co-worker of mine she wasn't coming back because of said office manager and when she talked to the rep at OT, the rep said, "We've gotten that a lot about her." I was not warned. Now I've gotten fed up and decided to go look for another job. I contacted the same rep at OT. I was not yet jaded. First call was great, emailed my resume, everything was perfect. Even more experience and skill. Several jobs were opened and waiting I would be perfect for. Nothing. I've called at least six times trying to talk to my rep and nothing. I managed to get through to her once and the phone picked up, I heard her groan my name, some laughter in the background and then the phone went dead. I called back and finally got a hold of her. She was just as cheery as can be. I asked her if anything was wrong and she said no. She asked if I had gotten her calls. She never called. I've emailed three times. Nothing. I am so fed up. I don't know if I feel better knowing that I'm not the only person this is happening to. I just want a good, non-abusive job. The positions are still open after 30 days! Can I file a complaint?

RHI is completely rebuilding. Most of their departments staffed 10 recruiters last year. Now staff levels are down to 1 or 2 recruiters in every division. Patrick previously managed a division in Sacramento and got tired of the run around and unprofessional ism. He left and started a new recruiting company with another RHI recruiter. Word now is the branch manager is leaving. Morale is at a all time low.

You can and should submit your application just on the case they are working with candidates. But for the most part they are only going on client visits and rarely return phone calls.

If you read enough blogs, you will see RHI dresses the part, but is very unprofessional. This is simple not an ethical company. Probably best if you invest your money and time else where.

Kaeseb in Providence, Rhode Island said: I met with a rep from RH, and also went on an interview, then nothing! They do not return calls, e-mails etc.

I am very disapointed with this agency.

Thats because you arent skilled enough. Our company does $4 billion dollars in revenue so were doin something right. We've been in business for 60 years, do you know any other staffing firms that have been in business this long?

Robert Half in Memphis simply "cuts & pastes" jobs offered by legitimate hiring companies in their "Robert Half" monster and career builder ads.

Now, how stupid and brassy can one company be???

I find 3rd party recruiters to be absolutely useless, and very annoying, ... as a hiring manager & as a job seeker.

Here you have Robert Half in Memphis running ads for jobs which hiring companies have already posted on internet job boards ... as if they have an "exclusive" on the position. ... You know the old "my client company", etc. Their gig is to "fish" for job openings at the expense of the naive job seeker.

All Robert Half can do in cases like these, and there are many of them, is to get the candidate excluded because the company doesn't want to pay a fee ... or risk the potential of a hassle over the candidate.

Stay far away from them!.