Contract Work & Staffing Firms

Most recruiters are pretty unprofessional & rude, they will not return your call if you are rejected (it's a numbers game to them), and will block your resume from being used by another agency/recruiter at the same customer, which is illegal, but proving it is almost impossible. DO NOT DEAL WITH Staffing firm or any recruiter unless you know upfront & in writing what T&Cs and the rate will be before you allow your resume to be used; basically they want to make a margin of around 45-60% on your labour. And most importantly negotiate!!! They will tell you, "that's all the customer is willing to pay, but most likely it's; they will not cut their margin to place you or pay you a little more (like $45/hour increased $50/hour). If you can afford to pass on the work then pass. ALSO IF YOU ARE SUBMITTED TO A COMPANY, THE RECRUITING FIRM HAS A 1 YEAR TERM ON YOUR PERM PLACEMENT, in other words you CAN NOT get hired unless they get paid! It's all worked out in the professional services agreement signed with the big corp.
You have skill and experience, your labour has value!!! If you can network & go direct DO IT!

You are so correct and ADDITIONALLY in women career industries they don't care how much you are actually worth...they will throw you to the bus to make a profit.

It is amazing that while most other professionals have increased their salary demands...administrative professionals have not and they want to test you like a work a bunny!