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terrible service, never contact you or follow up about roles, then they are all over you when they are desperate to fill roles. poor communication and they take alot off the top of your pay packet. wouldn't recommend them to people looking for an agency. (12 March 10)

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terrible at getting back to me. not sure how to deal with employees. empolyer focused. will never recommend them to anyeone. (27 January 10)

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Of all the agents (and I have dealt with many) , Absolute IT are the most disorganised, least communicative, least impressive, least believeable out fit out there. There is something deeply dysfunctional about this firm. (24 June 09)

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No feedback. No respect. Waste of time. (21 May 09)

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Terrible!!! Never found me an opportunity in the three years I was with them. Good at updating current employement details, nothing else though. One of their people, Kate (after me complaining) suggested a role, never followed it up nor kept me informed. No idea. Wont deal with them again EVER!!! (13 April 09)

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I have rated evrything with a 1 as 0 is not available. The reason for this is that I just don't know; they never bothered to get back to me, call me, email me, or return my calls: Absolutely Useless IT in my books. (01 April 09)

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They give you a good feeling about there profession, but later figured out that they didn't know a bit about it. willing people but missed the insight. Never got any real feedback why application wasn't succesful (13 March 09)

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The consultant was great; friendly and very honest and upfront with the market conditions and opportunities. (10 March 09)

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When I applied, they didn't even bother to reply! Why? I got the answer eventually after 8 calls! The recruiter was either busy, or not in office or in an interview! Because I was not a "fit". Its their words against mine! What ever they asked for in the job advertisement, I was definitely a fit! Are recruitment job advertisement subject to advertisement standards? (24 January 09)

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They said they would call weekly with updates.... but did not. (08 December 08)

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Not interested in experience, only interested in the last position you have. Just did not seem to have any idea about IT. (04 November 08)

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Any agency that invoices where you are working weekly and pays you monthly two weeks after the end of that month plus charging $15 for every hour I work is a rip off, this practise should be legislated against!! (09 September 08)

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Communication was excellent. And always present relevant roles. They seem to wORK AS A TEAM. (02 September 08)

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Had to deal with them a few years back, they're alright, kept me in the loop, found a good role, no complaints. (31 July 08)

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No. I don't like this agency at all. Unresponsive at all. I wished there'd been a '0' to score them on here. (30 July 08)

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i ONLY EVER deal with [[ed: name removed]]. that man is a legend. (29 July 08)

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What a complete waste of time. I rated them zero on all criteria. I responded to a contract position on GetStaffed and I know the agency looked at my Getstaffed profile (auto generated emails telling me this) but no response from Adroit. I wrote to them again asking for an update but still not heard anything and that was last month. My advise: avoid these people like the plague..... (12 April 10)

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HELLO! Are you there? What is WRONG with these people. Hopefully hey'll go bang over xmas and no-one will attempt to contact them anymore. Then again, how would you know - they never respond anyway........ (20 December 09)

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Adroit respond to all applications with a standard response informing candidates that "Please note every application is reviewed by a Senior Recruitment Consultant at Adroit Recruitment. Only applicants whose business and/or professional qualifications meet the requirements for this role will be contacted." During our recent shift of premises we had extensive communications issues which resulted in this email not going out. To all those that feel agreaved at our perceived lack of response, it was not deliberate and I apologise on behalf of the team. Please be assured that steps have been taken to remedy this for the future. (10 November 09)

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Hopeless....do not waste your time.... as they surely will. No response, nothing at all. Suspect it wasnt a real job advertised. What a waste of space these guys are. Avoid at all costs (Auckland anyway). (06 November 09)

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Suspect that some of the roles advertised are not real jobs abd that they're just on a resume "fishing expedition". No response from their Auckland office to applications or follow up emails. And, unlike some of the more professional agencies, there are no alternative contact details on their website. Reading the previous Comments on this agency they might do well to send their Wellington staff to the Auckland office to run a Customer Service course. At least the Wellington people seem to know how to use a keyboard! (02 November 09)

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Well, as I suspected, another week has gone by and STILL no response to my initial application and three subsequent, polite queries as to the status of my application. The outcome is obvious I suppose but at least Adroit could do me the courtesy of a reply. Bloody rude! (23 October 09)

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Did not even bother to respond to my application in mid-September. Nothing. Sent a polite enquiry in early October - nothing - still. At least they're consistent. This from their website: "•Keep you informed to the best of our ability". What does that mean? Clearly they do not have much "ability" What is wrong with these people that they cannot do you the simple courtesy of responding, even a brief "thanks for the enquiry but you don't fit" ? Sent another enquiry today in the (probably unlikely) event they might deign to respond. My ratings reflect their apalling "service" and that fact I don't even know if it was a real job - I've rated their other areas as ok as I presume OTHER people have used them based on other comments. (17 October 09)

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This agency is the sh*t! Ok, they didn't get me a job, but that was more about me than them. My CV was crap and I didn't know how to sell myself. Peter sat me down and took the time to explain what I need to do with my CV and the way I presented myself, and to focus on what I wanted, as a result I am in 100% better position now to find my dream role. A valuable contact and experience, check them out. (06 June 09)

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The guys at Adroit recruitment were awesome, they looked over my CV and met with me. After that initial interview they went out and found a job that fit me like a glove. (20 April 09)

“

Jim is truely excellent. A real people person with no hidden agenda who will treat you like a collegue and be open and honest with you. Gave me great advice and helped me find a role. One of the better agencies in Wellington for sure. A truely professional crowd which I recommend to anyone. (13 April 09)

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Adroit is truly a client-centric recruitment agency. Unlike other job-brokers that follow typical protocol of advertising, gathering CVs then send candidates away for interviews, they will start the process by making an effort to really get to know their candidates and what their key attributes, strengths & desired career progression plans you might have for your future. I've dealt with both Peter & Neil from Adroit and both of them have wealth of industry experience & have extensive network of industry leaders that you can leverage. I'd give them 6 stars for the level of service I’ve received from Adroit. (09 April 09)

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Pleasant people & knowledgable, didn't end up working thru them but they kept in touch. (23 March 09)

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Great guys to work with, from both sides of the fence - as a candidate and an employer. Great knowledge of IT and contacts in the industry. (16 March 09)

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Jim made me feel very welcome, he is honest, open and gave solid advice with respect to the current state of the market. This greatly helped with my future career plans. (11 March 09)

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What a releif to talk to this guy in Wellington. He was honest and had a broader view about possibilities. He even prommissed me to talk me out of a job if it was not the right oen for me and point me to other recruiters if they had the right job for me. Keep me in the loop and delivered a good preperation. (10 March 09)

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Jim was open enough to allow an Auckland-based person to apply for a Wellington position without messing me around. I got the position and have had a very happy relationship with Adroit throughout the contract. (10 March 09)

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Despite my making a complete mess of the first interview Jim arranged for me he stuck by me and put me up for another position which I secured. He takes the time to fit the candidate to the position - if there's no fit there's no interview. Would highly recommend. (10 March 09)

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Adroit does not just find roles that their clients need, but actively matches client needs with candidates competencies and experience. This can involves the client creating new roles. To do this Adroit take the time to understand you and their client needs. Ross Amer (10 March 09)

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Jim Hogg is intelligent, honest, and treated me like a human being, and not a piece of furniture. (10 March 09)

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It is refreshing to be able to discuss needs with somebody that has actually worked in the industry and can offer sound advice from experiences gained as a hirer, employer, recruiter and employee. (10 March 09)

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Good agency to work with . All staff very experienced in IT and ensure the right contractor is put forward for the right role. (16 July 08)

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These guys were very keen to get me into a role and were in touch often with updates. I felt they worked hard to win the opportunity for me and I was kept very well in the loop. (13 July 08)

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I had a good first interview with them. promisse was to keep me in the loop. This vere happend and only communicationw as when i started to call them. And then just wanted to call me. Tui (13 March 09)

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Found them really professional, got me a job & helped me relocate; nothing too much trouble. (17 November 08)

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This agency truly represent the candidate. They are incredible in dealing with people and from all the agencies I used so far, they rate the BEST (13 October 08)

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Very personalised and professional. Dealt with both Giles Warburton who is very astute and Stuart Maxwell who has a very positive supportive approach (03 October 08)

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Really REALLY disappointed. Seemed good at first but then I've heard nothing in over 2 months! No-one answers emails! (22 September 08)

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It's funny when you see jobs being re-advertised with the same "email blah@" and you know it's pointless - if they actually bothered to read and reply to their email they might have more luck! (09 September 08)

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Never heard from them when I applied for an advertised role - had the exact skills they specified, I got the role through another agency that hadnt advertise the role, they had run a cv check of on file candidates first. (05 September 08)

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I knowingly was aware of vacancy no longer available but they strung me a long. (03 July 08)

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Top guys, tops jobs. They put me in front of 3 excellent companies, I have the choice of jobs. For IT jobs I wouldn't go anywhere else. (04 June 10)

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Where are they gone. We had a good start en there was a real click with them. But after a couple of weeks no replay on any phone number. Are they stopped? This was one of the better once to me. (13 March 09)

Agency Message: <i>The Beyond team takes pride in the service we provide to our contractors. If you feel you haven’t been treated professionally or if there are parts of our service we could improve, let me know and I will investigate and address personally. Steve Willoughby, Service Line Leader, Wellington Contracting. 021 743166</i>

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Asked me to meet them & register. Consultant forgot about our appointment. I had to come back again the next day.The additional time Cost me $125 in lost pay & $30 in parking. Promised the earth & I never heard from them. Thanks for f*** All. (13 December 11)

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When it comes to contract renewals they are shocking. I never hear from my account manager, until about 2 weeks before my contract renewal comes up, and only then it's a 2 minute phone call or email to sign something! No interest taken in how I am doing or what issues I may have. Clipping the ticket is all they are interested in doing. Parasitic in nature like all third parties I feel! (02 May 11)

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Made a big deal at the initial meet but never heard from them again. I saw a job they advertised that I thought was a fit for and when I rang the contact person on the ad she was really defensive asking why I rang her and not my account manager who apparently makes the decision on whether i'm a fit for the job! Don't know what their deal is but didn't get a good impression. (19 October 10)

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Very disappointing. Afer initial discussions I thought they were really on the ball, but then they continually dropped it. (05 May 10)

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Fantastic Agency. Better than most in town - that's for sure! Great commnunication and the 2 people I dealt with there were really on to it. Started my job only a few days after the interview. (09 April 10)

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I have contracted through Beyond and always found them professional, well-informed and reliable. I was always paid on time, and don't have any complaints whatsoever. I would definitely work through them again. (16 December 09)

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USELESS (08 December 09)

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I've had nothing but good experiences with Beyond, especially on the contract side. When I obtained a contract through beyond, I met with my recruiter and the Contractor Manager regularly. I've even received a couple of "sorry, but..." emails, which in my experience are pretty rare. (02 December 09)

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CR@P - stay away from starfish and beyond. they are useless. have the worst reputation in wellington (10 November 09)

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This agency would benefit from getting rid of a particular client manager - the old lady who looks after the large Telco client. This person " interviewed" me, although it was more like an interrogation. I was grilled over my CV, like I was on the witness stand, but when it came time for my questions, this person pretended to know the industry jargon but it was quite obvious they were too dazed & confused. She sat there stinking of alcohol & cigarettes and all the while treating me like I was someone to be wary of. I went to another agency after that experience & managed to score a contract straight off the bat. I won't be going back to Beyond; not while this client manager remains there. (27 October 09)

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What a GREAT experience. These people are knowledgeable, very helpful and professional. This is now the third contract they have found for me over the last 18 months. They stay in touch regularly, and are actually quite generous with free insurance, plus contractor lunches on a very regular basis. They pay on time every time, keep me up to date on market conditions, so to be honest I can't understand what the drama is about on this site. (26 October 09)

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Give them your resume in response to an ad and you never hear from them. A complete waste of space - not worth bothering with ! They never call back and you never hear from them even if they say they've put your resume forward, very unprofessional in a market with a lot of unprofessional companies (18 August 09)

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On 2 occasions was told I had got a job only for the job to simply not exist, the project not funded and Beyond not an approved supplier to the firm. I no longer believe a word they say anymore. Why tell such blatant lies to someone who is just looking for work ? Totally dishonest. Oh and I think I know who needs the prozac too !! (24 June 09)

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Put me forward for jobs before they were signed off, wasting everyone's time. Didn't understand my CV and said I was unqualified for a job I had been doing for 5 years. Never returned my calls - all in all, everything that is wrong with the recruitment business! (19 June 09)

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Never responded to any of my contacts, other than to accept my CV, I guess purely to meet their internal performance targets. Not sure how this agency is still around given their crappy communication. (06 June 09)

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A waste of time and space. Can't believe with all the praise they make of my experience that they have failed in 3 years to even get me a client interview. They have never called me, it's always me calling them in response to a Seek ad. Eventually you realise despite all the hype on Seek, that it's usually a dead end. (27 May 09)

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These guys are great. (01 April 09)

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Even for a clients perspective the CV's are very messy and not clear. They do not know the people and are not very interested in them. It is just changing the header of a CV without giving some suggestions to the candidates how to make the resume's better. I do not know what kind of people are working there but without IT, writing skills, people skills and communication knowledge. No value for money! (10 March 09)

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Have used them the once, and NEVER again. On several occasions I had been approached for jobs which don't exist, and was given the short-shift when inquiring about the outcomes. The folk there don't know anything much about IT, so in short DON'T USE THEM. (24 February 09)

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Useless. Advertise for roles that do not exist. If you see a role for which you think you are suited, you have to sell yourself AGAIN to them to get put forward. Not really sure what they do all day. (16 February 09)

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Quite simply dreadful. Avoid. (12 February 09)

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Hopeless Don't return calls and promising that communication is a 2-way street. There street is a dead-end (04 February 09)

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They put me forward for a job, told me over the phone I had the job offered to me then went cold! Thank god I didn't quit my current job until I had the contract signed. BEWARE OF THIS AGENCY AT ALL COSTS! (27 January 09)

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They should not be in business at all. Completely unprofessional. (20 January 09)

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[[Name removed]] needs to take some prozac and learn how to communicate. (20 January 09)

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This agency is the worst one I have ever been too. Went in for an interview and was made to feel really bad about my skill set. Then I got completely the opposite response from another agent there, but she didn't actually respond to calls or emails unless there was something inappropriate she was trying to push on me. That in itself is surprising, given that most of their jobs are fake advertisements. I have had a successful career since kicking them to the curb, despite being told after just 2-3 minutes that I "don't look like someone who would know anything about computers" - seriously. They suck. (05 December 08)

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This agency is the worst of ALL. They should not be in business, their recruiters are completely clueless and apparently not working for any commission, unless throwing money away is how they choose their recruiters to operate. Definitely a minus on my scale, will never EVER use then again. (13 October 08)

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The consultant put me under alot of pressure to go for a role that really didn't match my experience, when I wouldn't she seemed to loose all interest. This agency came across as being very sales oriented and not interested in matching me to the right role; bad experience and will not apply for roles through them again. (04 October 08)

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Amelia Fitchew is a star. Always returns calls and emails. I've recommended her and her agency to all people I know who are looking for contract work. (03 October 08)

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I have used this agency and another one rated on this site a couple of times & I have to say I’m really surprised by the negative reviews others have submitted. I've found them pretty good and they kept me busy in contract work for 2 years until I left the country. Maybe i've just been lucky. However, I also used to work in recruitment, so I understand that Consultants are sometimes in the unenviable position of having to give some candidates the slip because they have a bad reputation in the small Wellington IT market. I have come across many contractors in my travels who have complained about this and that agency, but i find that nine times out of ten those contractors have burned their bridges, having shirked their responsiblities one too many times, or simply haven't performed up to scratch, in an industry where word gets around and everyone knows everyone. Think about it: Consultants are there to make money, candidates make them money, hence they need your business – they WANT your business. So, if they don't return your calls, if they avoid you at all costs, it’s highly likely that you have a bad reputation & that it proceeds you and your Consultant is simply too polite to tell you. (21 September 08)

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There should be a law against the way this company operates. They blitz the job sites advertising jobs that do not exist, I sent them my cv, went in and met a woman called [[Name removed]] - when pushed about a few jobs that they advertised it became obvious they didn't exist. Don't waste your time with them. (15 September 08)

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Recruiter told me the wrong time an interview (he confirmed it by phone and email), when I naturally didn't show up I got an ear full with claims I was purposely trying to sabotage him. (06 September 08)

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The only good recruiter at Beyond left about two years ago to join a competitor. The people I came across in Wellington never got back to me after delivering big promises, didn't follow up after a few months etc. Nothing really - total loss. (06 September 08)

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Absolutely useless communication skills, you phone, email regarding roles advertised and never hear back from them. (05 September 08)

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They suck (18 August 08)

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These guys are a joke. They are just fishing for CVs. (13 August 08)

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Hyped me up for a job then never heard from them again (11 August 08)

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What's the difference between a recruitment agent and a movie star? A movie star really is a movie star. If they milk us, they should be more focussed on candidates and not openly on the client's 'side'. (08 August 08)

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Never respond to advertised roles, never return calls, and basically going downhill fast! (08 August 08)

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agent rang up inquiring if i was interested in permenant role. asked for details - he then spent 5 minutes extolling virtues of the company - i waited till he finished, then suggested he read my CV as i had acutally worked for this company as a permanant a couple of years ago.... (07 August 08)

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I won't have anything more to do with this agency. Sales people with no understanding about IT and made me feel bad about my skill set and available hours. (07 August 08)

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I wouldn't trust them, nor rate them. Avoid at all costs! (30 July 08)

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BEWARE - REALLY BAD AGENCY, One agent 'saddam hussein' (Look for the clue in the name) is totally sleeping. Honestly, I think the agents working in this agency are not properly trained, not up to date in technologies and just talk alot of crap. BEWARE (28 July 08)

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I think this agency advertises jobs that don't exist. (26 July 08)

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These guys are the best in town. I have used them since they set up and have used a couple of their recruiters previous to Beyond. They know their stuff and are exceptionally good communicators. Have had mixed results with others, but these folk stand out. Recommended. (18 July 08)

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they seem to advertise lots of roles - you apply then hear nothing for ages. In fact one agent put me forward for a role, promising to call me in the next few days - I rung back a week later after no contact, to be told she'd gond to Aus for a year!! - sums up the attitude of the agency for me (15 July 08)

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Very poor once on board - had to continually chase them for a renewal that I had to arrange in the end, so no idea what they do for their money, nor why a client would want to use them. Very long billing cycle - 21st of month after invoice month (15 July 08)

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Acted like immature girls, took it all personally it seems 'cause I didn't reply to an email. (13 July 08)

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I've found them to be very professional and helpful. Very easy to work with, and I'm very happy to be working through them. (10 July 08)

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They'd put me forward for roles and I'd never hear from them again. The only time I do hear from them is when they're pushing for me into a role... (03 July 08)

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I have dealt with a couple of good recruitment agents when they were QIDR, but haven't been impressed with the others there. (03 July 08)

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The consultant I dealt with seemed to be trying to fill a different role than the one I applied for. Some of their ads on seek.co.nz are appalling in terms of writing and information given - comes across as very unprofessional. (03 July 08)

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Once in the contract, they just ignored me. Werent aware when my contract was up for renewal, I renegotiated everything. When the contract finished, they continued sending me timeshet reminder emails for months, despite me telling them multiple times. Later, contacted me for a non-existent role at the same place. Poor. (03 July 08)

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My experience with other agencies has been so bad that these guys stand out simply because they actually provided me with 2 real interviews! (15 January 10)

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passed my CV for the wrong role and with a too high salary expectation (15 October 09)

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good start with the MD. But after that it became quit and had a lot of trouble to get information back. not the best but defenitly not as bad as some of the bigger recruiters. (13 March 09)

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Smug, arrogant and supercilious (03 October 08)

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With contractors are quite money minded. Will not hesitate to pay contractors less and make more money for themselves. Are not very transparent. However, if you play to their tunes are nice bunch to deal it. (29 September 08)

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Didn't do much for me. When I contacted them about my contract renewal got a reply saying that that was not part of their role. Need to say no more. (11 September 08)

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Candle placed me twice or three times. I think they are the best in the country! (25 August 08)

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An email every now and again asking how it's going, plus the advertising of the roles, handling the money, having the relationship, etc., doesn't justify them getting a quarter of what I (the worker) gets, IMHO. (08 August 08)

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Havent really done much for me, didnt get me my contract and I have done all my renewals including rate increases myself. Money for nothing if you ask me (03 July 08)

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Had a good role for me. But didn't want shortlist for this. After an explanation of my skills she said to put me on the shortlist. But never get any information back. (13 March 09)

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Far and above any outfit I have used in the last 4 years - they deliver consistently to clients and contractors alike, go to great lengths to understand you, the role being filled and the recruiting organisation. Every time I have gone for an interview via them I have been well briefed on the outcome sought by their client, the background to the ‘project’, the characters of the people I am going to meet and what to expect in the type of interview – I’d never begrudge these guys a slice of my billable hours, they earn every cent! (10 February 09)

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The account manager was all over me then I heard nothing even after I emailed for an update. Terrible terrible service and I am now thinking more than likely a fake job. (28 March 11)

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Very poor service - not only do they use high pressure tactics, they now pay 1 month and 20 days in arrears. Nearly 2 months to pick up your first pay packet? I don't know how deep they think our pockets are. (17 August 09)

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Nice guys, thats the positive point. After interview i was the perfect candidate, great. 2 days later they responded that they didn't offer me?? (13 March 09)

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Once tried to present me a role for a company mine had just merged with...both other than that a great bunch of people who go the extra mile. Had both permy and contracts through them. (08 March 09)

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Great bunch, good at renewing contracts. (01 January 09)

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Agree - great bunch of people. Always first choice when searching for new contract roles. Dylan in particular is great to deal with - very genuine (03 October 08)

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Great bunch of people to contract through - [[ed: name removed]] and [[ed: name removed]] are nice guys. Pay on time, although 20th on month is a long time to wait.Will keep in touch, ring you when relevant roles come up, they understand your skills and the IT industry (05 September 08)

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Again a sales man who jumped in the recruiter market. Doesn't know a bit about IT. (13 March 09)

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I just get the impression she can't be bothered. (24 June 09)

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I would recommend De Winter, they did a great job and I'm still in contact. (12 May 09)

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Applied for one of the jobs theyd advertised, drafted a cover letter and attached my cv, never heard anything from them about it. Very poor. (10 April 09)

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Not a dicky-bird from them (10 April 09)

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Even my grandmother calls quicker then they do. (13 March 09)

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Like dealing with your grandmother (03 October 08)

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Cant even bother to respond on opportunities even when you leave messages - and this is when looking to work for them. (06 May 10)

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Put me forward for an interview with no job description and no preparation, I wore a suit, interviewers wore trackpants and told me I was overdressed. Not a great match... and never heard back from them, well 10 months later.... (07 October 08)

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After I advised them of my preferred salary they kept calling with offers of contracts that were 40% less. Would not deal with again. (12 May 10)

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All coffee and no action. I've only ever had one contract through these guys, but lots of coffees and promises to get back to me. Luckily there are other agencies that mean business. (08 April 10)

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Not bad and also not realy good. (13 March 09)

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Spoke to them in UK and they said they were very interested in me. When I arrived in Wellington I contacted them 3 times and they have never called me back. (10 March 09)

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From the recruitment side of the world have found them to be effective at presenting viable candidates and completing follow up processes without prompting (10 March 09)

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Didn't listen to me when i told them what i wanted, presented me with unsuitable roles and didn't put me forward for suitable roles. Another agency scored me a great contract @ a better rate than what i was asking with Duncan and Ryan. Would give them another chance - but with sceptacisim (11 September 08)

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Not great, but not totally useless. People at their Wellington office are reasonably bad in following up and calling you back. (06 September 08)

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I won't deal with this agency due to the way they treated a colleague I worked with. Very poor treatment of people. (07 August 08)

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okay-to-average. wouldn't recommend, but wouldn't berate either. 'Benin' is probably the best word. (30 July 08)

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Good folks working in this agency, helpful and informative however a bit slow with getting contracts (28 July 08)

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Won't meet market rates and undersell candidates worth to clients. (09 July 08)

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Haven't actually found a contract for me as yet but always in contact to see how things are and also keep me up to date on what's out there. (03 July 08)

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I have used Recruit IT's services both in securing a role for myself and employing staff. Recruit IT stood out from other agencies when I was looking. They were streets ahead in their proactive approach. My needs did not fit the norm, but that didn't bother them as it seemed to bother other agencies. As an employer, they have been a pleaseure to deal with, making an otherwise insurmountable task straightforward. (11 May 10)

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Have worked with these guys a few times over the years and Carmen has been in the Auckland market for a long time. She knows her stuff, and is good at selling me in to companies where an opportunity may not yet exist. Am currently on a project through them and they are proactive in contacting me and we have regular catch ups over coffee. Only improvement would be some flexibility over payment terms. How about buyer created invoices and weekly pay- can't be that hard to do? (13 January 10)

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Initial meeting was good, have not heard back since and was told I would. Not sure what is going on there. (28 November 09)

“

I worked on a number of jobs with these guys, the worst and only disorganised agency I have ever dealt with, they kept on making mistakes on my pay on a regular basis, at one point they missed a pay. They have terrible communication among each other and became obnoxious and rude when I complained! (08 August 09)

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Talked to them in person at the job seminar, they were very interested, heard nothing back. >>>>>>> All B.llSh.t<<<<<<. Don't trust them. (12 April 09)

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Not impressed. There are individuals who will make the effort to talk to you and get a feel of what you are about - after all this is what makes successful matches. Then there are those who don't bother to get to know their candidate pool and think that pre-manufactured responses are communication. Certainly place Enterprise in the latter category - sad really. (02 April 09)

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The girl I worked with in Christchurch was great, she understood that I was looking for roles in Timaru, which would not necessarily be listed on the books of the couple of very small agaencies we have here - Just not a lot of IT work here, despite having a moderately large IT Department at the polytech. Unfortunately it was a one off role, but at least she told me that up front. Am considering contacting them again in a couple weeks, when I am once again looking full time for work. (12 September 08)

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A friendly bunch who appeared to actually listen to what I wanted, found a great short term contract for me without too many conditions. Kept in touch regularly with what felt like genuine attention. (13 July 08)

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Generally have fake jobs to get potential candidates in. (22 September 09)

“

I was surprised that the role I've got now was sourced from getstaffed clients searching the datebase. So far everything has been spot on, the system is easy to use, they're responsive, keep in touch and I don't have a single bad thing to say. My client has got a great deal for $3 per hour fees, instead of paying upwards of $15 or a lot more with the usual agencies. I negotiated the rate directly with the client. Everyone's happy. (18 August 09)

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signed up to apply for a job off seek and was contacted both by the GS guys within 1 hour for support, and the employer within 2 hours to set up an interview. Wow! Having said that, there was only ONE job on GS, luckily the one I am looking at hehe. nice set up profile page and site overall friendly. wonder where all the roles are? (24 March 09)

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I was offered a perm job thru a business that contacted me via getstaffed....I would have taken it but I had just found a great contract. I love the concept...it is frustrating that there are not more jobs advertised though. Maybe you could require them to post a job before they get the ability to search the profiles? (20 February 09)

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Whoa! Web-site shows me the exeptional knowledge of AJAX, JSP and modern style such as of Web 2.0 approach for the web stuff. (01 December 08)

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First job I applied for through GS I got an interview for. That was at Manukau City Council. Took them a month to make a decision by which time had another contract with the person who had vacated the position at Manukau City Council. Kinda weird (03 October 08)

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guys you seriously need to re-think your site design! too cluttered (22 September 08)

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I am sometimes left wondering if they have any contracts in Christchurch or Dunedin, as I haven't found anything acceptable. Am getting to the point where I will have to start looking pretty much in any field, as my current contract is ending quick due to the company closing. HELP PLEASE (12 September 08)

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I got my last contract through an agency but the employer have already signed up with GetStaffed.com. They could've saved a lot of agency mark-up fee if they had gone through GetStaffed.com. (26 August 08)

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I got a contract through these guys, no complaints at all, got much better rates (I guess that's the idea). One thing though, the employer never bothered to advertise the job on the site, just did a search, found my profile and contacted me directly. If all employers do that, this would explain why there aren't too many jobs listed. (31 July 08)

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Not a huge amount of jobs coming through but to be fair the one that did would have been a good one if I hadn't just signed a contract I found myself the day before. Great concept, keep marketing it and the jobs will come. (31 July 08)

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great idea, I just don't see the jobs coming through. (26 July 08)

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Great concept, simple to use. The 'Trade Me' of contractors. I really hope it takes off. I am sick of agencies taking $20/hr and doing nothing. (18 July 08)

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Where are the jobs?!! (15 July 08)

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Hard to rate anymore as they never have any jobs. Love the idea of direct marketing, fingers crossed you actually get companies posting jobs. (15 July 08)

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I submitted my CV, and was expecting to be rung back or at the very least contacted via e-mail... yet nothing. Come on guys you were selling yourself to be the best. (03 July 08)

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Probably more a financial services comment, their one (male) recruiter in this space has discussed roles with me that he just doesn't have a mandate for! Embarrasing, particularly when I knew one of the people at his so called client and asked them directly what they thought of my CV after he had apparently 'represented' me. He hadn't, they hadn't heard of him. T*sser. (21 August 09)

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I applied for a role almost identical to my previous one, at the very least I expected an interview, not just a generic email from reception to say I do not have the necessary skills and experience. I asked for feedback so I can improve my chances going forward and got zero reply. (24 June 09)

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Successfully worked through them for a year and thought I had developed a great reputation. 2 years later I've yet to get any follow up offers. My calls to them end up that I have to make time to come down and re-acquaint myself with the new recruiters. When recruiters move through this company faster than water through a drain, I consider that a losing proposition. Don't expect any constructive dialogue unless you plan to visit their offices every 2 months. (27 May 09)

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after a good start, as it looks, they only came back after a persistance effort to get information back. kept me on the line however i figured out that the role was gone for weeks. (13 March 09)

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great people, they kept me in the loop all the time (26 August 08)

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These guys worked with me to find out what I wanted! They were even helpful on how I should present for a role I went for that was advertised directly. Good honest guys, very unusula (11 August 08)

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In my role I have a number of preferred suppliers that I deal with and by far this agency has proven to be the best at service delivery, communication updates and professionalism. (08 July 08)

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If your CV doesn't fit perfect on the job, just forget it. Calling back no way. Is the staff trained at Beyond? (13 March 09)

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Hi, I noticed we had negative feedback and wanted the contact details for the person who left the response to follow up with them to see where this arose and if we can rectify this. Can you please provide or forward my contact details. Sometimes it is warranted, most times not, would be good to clarify. Thanks in advance. Rgds Leon Team Manager 09 377 9244 (05 November 09)

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Communication very average, does not call back (or even email back) after "get to know you" first meeting (04 February 11)

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I have always found Hays to be very professional, very helpful and respectful whilst always letting me know exactly where I stand. Unlike other agencies, they talk straight and tell me if I'm not a good fit, which I appreciate. (06 November 09)

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Totally useless for all the usual reasons; No communication, saying you're perfect for a role and never hearing anything again and so arrogant! (29 October 09)

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Found me a contract within 2 weeks. Good contact and a very good level of customer service throughout (14 July 09)

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Great Service, they seem to finally have a good team here. (28 April 09)

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He contacted a couple of firms and got me 2 interviews and in the end 1 job offer. I am very pleased with Hays. (13 March 09)

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Year after year the same thing with them. They never have the right job and always lots of the right people for jobs where i applied for. Doesn't know how to phone only to take it up when be phoned. (13 March 09)

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Leon McAllister has been a great agent to deal with. (20 January 09)

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Good level of service, and very professional. Took the time to listen to my needs and made some good recommendations. Would use them again. (08 August 08)

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Not afraid to tell me where I stood and even suggested new areas I could move into. They knocked on quite a few doors to get me an interview. I've referred a couple of colleagues and will use them again next time I'm looking. (08 August 08)

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Another agency that tries to put you in a box and does not appear to care how broad a range of skills you have. Better than most though so perhaps one of the better ones. (13 July 08)

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Good dealing with Mike, very up front. Didn't get the job, but was a nice change to have a good experience with a recruiter! (01 November 10)

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Excellent service from start to finish, landed me a contract then a permanent role. Would use again without question. (12 May 10)

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It was an excellent experience dealing with Lyndon and Mike. They went extra-mile to understand my profile and accomodate my needs. (11 May 10)

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I found Helium excellent to deal with. They went to great lengths to understand my skill set and match me up with the right roles. (20 May 09)

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Just not nice to deal with; the agent I delt with made me feel like a piece of meat. OK, i'm looking for a job but hey, you earn commission on my experience and skills so don't treat me like a five year old. Would not deal with them ever again. They need to learn to nuture and appreciate their assets i.e the people on their books. (01 April 09)

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There are good people to work with e.g. the MD. some other are also OK but for some others why are you in this organisation, you do not knw what your are doing. (13 March 09)

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My interaction with a female Helium recruiter was obstructive as she refused to put my CV forward for a position because I was not based in Wellington. I eventually managed to get the same contract via another agency - Helium's loss! (10 March 09)

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At the end of my interview I was told I was a perfect match for a number of positions they had. Not heard a peep from them since despite a number of attempts to contact the monkey who interviewed me. (10 March 09)

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From a recruitment point of view I find this company one of the best going as they break the mould of normal prescriptive process and really look for a candidate. I have used them to hire two staff over the last few years and the staff have been excellent. No issues about using them in future. (10 March 09)

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I have found them to be very helpful, honest and able to give useful feedback. I have found a perm job thru them in the past that was everything they said it would be and they even warned me about the cons of it! I would definately use them again and recommend to others. (20 February 09)

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I responded and got this lady who was more concerned about my resume length even though the job required width and depth of experience in technology and industry. She told me that I should only list my last projects.Not sure how any client will be able to tell width and depth of experience with only the last two projects. This means she did not understand what the clients needs, instead acted like a school teacher instead. I personally choose not to deal with ignorance. (13 October 08)

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some of the staff there are great. But one lady in particular, who is a real snob, told me how to dress at an interview. I was on the understanding that we were all professionals! I took it as a personal comment, but have heard that she treats everyone the same. Just after a income stream, but NO personality, and I would not even buy a burger from her at mcdonalds. (10 October 08)

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Helium go to great lengths to understand you as a contractor and to find roles that best suit you and which are a good match with the client both from a skill perspective and personality-wise. Their knowledge of the client's particular needs is usually much better than other agencies. And once you're in a role they keep in very regular contact with you and are really there for you if there are any problems. Having contracted for Helium off and on for some four years I would highly recommend them. (09 October 08)

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Helium keep in touch with you directly by phone or email all the time. They find relevant and interesting jobs and never hesitate to call you. (07 October 08)

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I dealt with Mike & Lyndon at Helium and found them to be exceptionally supportive and professional. They didn't apply any pressure to rush a decision which is certainly atypical in this industry. I would certainly use them again. (29 September 08)

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Helium was one of the few agencies I found reasonably helpful and supportive to work with. Although none of the positions we talked about really ended up in a contract, I can't share any of the bad experiences others reported here, I dealt with [[ed: name removed]] (the MD) directly and have nothing bad to say. (06 September 08)

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There is one lady (and i use the term loosely) that works here, shes old bitter and nasty, has no respect for any other form of life and treats people that make her money like they owe her a favour. I agree with the other comment made above, and if i ever meet her in the market place, I just wont do business with her or whoever she works for, considering i do a lot of hiring as well as sometime looking shes lost out on business due to a bad attitude, and in talking with others it appears she is known for this kind of behaviour so good on you Helium for putting this mill stone of a jim'll fix it badge round you necks. (23 August 08)

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The woman I met spent the time telling me how good and networked she was and how she knew everyone - not too interested in my experience just in having cv's on their books I think. Haven't heard from them since. (15 August 08)

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absolutely dreadful (08 August 08)

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Absolutely dreadful to deal with - wouldn't tell me who the job was with until they got my cv and wouldn't tell me who the job was with when they got my cv. I withdrew my interest on this basis and this is what the Helium agent said to me in her email: "Wellington is a very small place, and I wish you all the very best until we undoubtedly cross paths again." ....Would never contact them again. (18 July 08)

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"Unfortunately, whilst your background is very good, it doesn't quite have the depth and range of IT security infrastructure design in large scale corporates that is required. As a result, I'm afraid I can't help you this time around." All this from reading my CV and not giving me a call or having me for an interview... poor, very poor. (03 July 08)

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I travelled to town, went through a thorough examination of my skills and experience and the role itself, was given full assurance I would be presented to the client and that I was just what they were looking for. I found out the job had been filled days before and the agent I spoke too had left High St just hours after I spoke to him. Unbelievable !!! (24 June 09)

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I personally dont like IT recruitment agencies for the reason that they take $25-$30 of every hour you work as a contractor if you got the contract through them. Now that's a lot of money these people take for very little effort and thanks to these IT recruiters I would earn less than a plumber or an electrician who charge $65 an hour nowdays. So IT recruitment agencies can get stuffed. (22 October 08)

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Over-promised, under-delivered, poor internal communication and virtually non-existent ongoing relationship management. (05 May 10)

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Rarely made contact, failed to put me forward for roles, made subjective decisions based on my former circumstances and relationship with former employer. Very disappointing people to deal with. I am now in a senior role and have total influence over the use of agencies and resources. Hudson will not be used by me. (05 May 10)

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Have been working with them for 4 years. Ususally the only contact I have from them is a response to an email saying my current contract is ending adn I'm looking for onward work. 50/50 whether I get a call or email, but the response has always been that there is nothing currently available that matches my credentials. Have never received a call at any other time with other possibilities, always tend to see them in Seek first. All lip service for my liking. (27 May 09)

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How do this agency became so big without the real understanding of needs and what they get. The worst is gone 9unfortunately to one of the best Government Agencies). Could be a good organisation if they understood what they did. (13 March 09)

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Nice attitude. Always professional. Nice people - still keep in touch with some down the years (03 October 08)

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Kept in touch, pleasent staff who forwarded my comments regarding positions etc to the potential employers. (11 August 08)

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The two agents I dealt with were good. It's a shame I can't say the same for the admin staff that sometimes cover for them when they are off. Needed chasing sometimes but on the whole very good. (31 July 08)

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Probably the only 1/2 decent agency in Wgtn. Good-to-v.good. Reasonably easy to engage, and -actually- professional (I wouldn't say any of the others are after 12yrs in the Wgn marketplace). (30 July 08)

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The particular guy I dealt with was a twit - promised he'd be in touch the week the contract started, promised he'd get in touch with the client re extensions, then when I told him I wanted out he went and negotiated an extra month onto my contract. Not impressed. (03 July 08)

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Really professional and trustworthy agency to deal with - on more than one occasion. (03 July 08)

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Only guys capable of finding the role i wanted. (03 July 08)

We've contacted the recent respondents, and they all recommend IDPE. That makes IDPE in the running for the next Golden Lemon!

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Was contracting using IDPE and towards the end if the period, had no interest or contact from them. Had to contact them to let them know. Over the phone they suggested a potential role and said that they would send information regarding it - it didnt come. Had to ring them and find out whether they had sent or not. They seem very uninterested and reactive all through my dealings with them. Found them to be very slack, had to chase them everytime! (18 November 10)

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Found the recruiter to be unprofessional. I will not be working with this company again if there is any alternative. (12 October 09)

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Good personal contact from all staff I've dealt with, friendly and responsive and generally reply to voice messages promptly. (02 September 09)

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Excellent Agency, what more can I say! (02 September 09)

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Really bad to deal with. Small scale recruiters!!The guy I met with was arrogant and didn't seem to understand my skills and experience. I found these recruiters at various stages telling lies!!! (11 July 09)

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Efficient payment cycle, great social events, helpful & supportive agents. highly recommended. (22 May 09)

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Great company to work with and real people, always willing to take your call and listen to you, helping you when you need that next role. Thanks guys (21 May 09)

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Great and friendly bunch of people who regularly host social functions and giveaways. I am very grateful for my Icebreaker scarf now that we're heading into Winter. Special mention to Josh and Kim who are great. A great agancy and worlds apart from some of the others who are all mouth and no trousers (21 May 09)

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Great team, friendly personal service and plenty of extras (social events, gifts etc). (21 May 09)

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Great to deal with... (21 May 09)

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Excellent service! Was kept informed every step of the way. Lots of feedback and comments to prep for interviews, with good follow up comments after interview. Would use them again for sure! (21 May 09)

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IDPE have always paid within three days of my invoice, which is a sign of a class act. They keep in touch at regular intervals and are always friendly when I visit their office. The only negative is my agent invited me out to coffee twice and didn't turn up or phone to cancel, but he did apologise profusely afterwards. They regularly invite people on their books to social functions. I haven't made one yet, but do appreciate the thought (21 May 09)

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The company I am contracted to wanted me to go via IDPE and hence I cannot cannot comment on all these points. (21 May 09)

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Genuine and easy-going, always happy to meet up and discuss job market over a coffee (and will even pay for it :-) (21 May 09)

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Very much a cowboy, sales only feel. Weak. (08 August 08)

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A waste of time, every time. (31 July 08)

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Contacted agency for role I would be perfect for but recruiter refused to put my CV forward since I was expecting too much money for the position. (03 July 08)

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Had an interview there once, they were delighted about my CV but than never came up with any positions, never even contacted me again via e-mail or answered my questions. Fun agency, but not delivering in my opinion (10 March 09)

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Great to deal with, haven't heard from them in a while though? Staff member that left to Beyond was always a pleasure to deal with, pitty the place she went to is not rated well! (27 January 09)

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Set themselves up as a hip agency, but real sales driven cut-throat outfit. (04 November 08)

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One of their recruiters was extremely friendly and honest, a second was alright but, at least, didn't misrepresent anything. (12 July 09)

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"Iconic" agency that epitomises the art of doing sweet f.a. (06 June 09)

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Icon are classic for dragging you into town "just to have a look at you" and, after a lot of promises, not doing anything for you. Complete waste of time and they seem to know jack about IT. (10 September 08)

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Very much and very obviously in the 'haven't read your CV but shall I put you in for this job' genre. I.e., lazy, not doing their job, etc. (08 August 08)

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No Communications, contracts rolled over on last day with changed conditions with no consultation (08 August 08)

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Dont bother. I had to constantly chase them and still they never got back to me. (11 July 08)

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Rung the recruiter 4 times over 3 days, left messages each time yet he never rung me back. (03 July 08)

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In the interview they were very positive. But missed defenitly a lack of communication. It is very hard to get a status of a application if you ever get this. (13 March 09)

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Very unprofessional outfit, very pushy. Have done a lot of work for these people in the past, wish I never did. (27 January 09)

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Small crowd, very personable. Good communication. Good interview tips and support and follow-up. (09 April 09)

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The intake was absolutely fake. I was 'invited' to have a chat with the managing director. She read through my cv, started a 20 minute monologue about how great K2Consulting is and never asked me 1 single question. And then I could leave. Needless to say I never heard from them again. What a waste of time and air. I recently got back in touch with them because they had an attractive job. The consultant mentioned in the ad didn't know anything and she promised me I would be called back by her colleague who actually manages that job. Needless to say that never happened. In my 15 year career I have not ever before come across such arrogant amateurs. (06 May 10)

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Empathetic to my current situation, listened and was very honest regarding the current economic condition. Contacts quite often and does not mind when i contact him on regular basis. (11 March 09)

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Terrible. Lot promisses, but no jobs offer or for a lot less as earning at the moment (10 March 09)

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Dealt with 2 agents over 9 months both highly unprofessional, I held 3 contracts with the same company - the last 2 contracts included significant payrises which I secured completely by myself but could not exit Kelly's employment contract so they continued to take 23% of my hourly rate), did nothing to source further contracts for me when each contract was up for expiry, continuous technical payment issues when my mgr changed, needed to be chased constantly, I was their 'employee' but took my employer's side when I encountered an issue. (08 March 09)

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She's gone now, but they had one woman who, after reading my CV, (which frequently mentioned the term RDBMS), asked if I knew anything about databases :P She also insisted I come up with a CV detailing ALL my projects *from 1987 to the present*. Apparently, people still care whether I used Clipper, back in the 80s. (10 September 08)

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They were great and paid weekly :-) (14 July 08)

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Sent these people my CV, left voicemail for the recruiter specified in some ads, never heard a thing back. Looks like just a CV collection outfit, and a complete waste of oxygen. (03 July 08)

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Talked the talk but played the job up to be far more than it actually was. Would not deal with them again. (06 October 10)

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Not impressed. Just another agency taking the cream for doing precious little. (01 December 09)

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Basically treat contractors as a necessary evil. (27 May 09)

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Very good, haven't worked recently with them but I like them. Once of the best in Auckland. (23 March 09)

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Excellent. They kept my details on file and contacted their contacts when I became available. Lo and behold a great perm role appeared out of nowhere for me. It was totally suited for my experience - it was like they actually listened to what I said and understood my CV!! (16 February 09)

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Actually dealt with someone in their Auckland office but always found them to be very professional. (31 July 08)

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Not worked with yet, but they are very good at keeping in touch and only put roles forward that are realistic. (09 July 08)

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Same job description every 2 days. I doubt if a real job exists. (11 October 11)

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I kept this rating at average because I don't have relevant experience with MCC - I don't recall meeting anyone at MCC, nor do I recall being put forward for any roles through them (in the past 3 years). HOWEVER, Liana has been exceptionally helpful to me. Although we've not met, we've corresponded a couple handfuls of times in the past year. Liana has helped me, through email, with a number of my resumes - she's made suggestions, pointed me towards good reference material, and generally helped me better sell myself. I am of course grateful. I can say that I've dealt with 10 to 20 recruiters in Wellington, New Zealand, and this correspondence with Liana is the closest thing I've felt to a recruiter actually working *with/for* me, i.e. being on my team. (25 June 09)

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Although they've never got me a job I know Mary goes the extra mile and expects her staff to too. Being small they can't cover the whole industry, but she will do her utmost on your behalf, where possible. Remember, employers have their own agendas and alliances, so MCC can't promise the earth (10 June 09)

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First class service. Have used them a couple of times and will use again without hesitation. (29 May 09)

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Just pathetic in my humble opinion. I think they spend too much time entertaining the clients than understanding them and their applicants. (27 May 09)

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I would say both Liana and Mary are one of the best recruiters yet show passion in working with people that I have worked with. They both have the taken the time and eventhough I have not found myself a job, they seem to keep me in the loop of things. Its not everyday that a recruiter shows the humanistic side of the ICT industry. (26 May 09)

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Many thanks for the professional service - a first-rate job with the cv! A great pleasure dealing with Liana who was very helpful and knowledgeable. (26 May 09)

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A refreshing experience dealing with an IT recruiter who took the time to understand my experience and career direction. I would especially like to thank Liana Lloyd-Simpson for her professionalism and depth of understanding. Many thanks! (26 May 09)

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What are they doing? Once in a while they contact me if I am looking for a new job. But never come up with a job for me. Do thay realy know a thing about IT? (13 March 09)

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Trust MTR to sort you out,dealt with Mathew and the boys and they are just plain fantastic,courteous and really work for you!"Hays" on the other hand are just plain rude,they don't reply to emails or tell you why you didn't get the job,Unfortunately they get most IT jobs. :-( (31 March 11)

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I have been very happy with the performance of MTR. These are trustworthy people. (30 May 10)

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Although I didn't pass the interview for the initial job, they did manage to find me some work at short notice before Christmas that worked with my availability. (08 April 10)

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Consultant listened and always kept me in the loop and at the end of the day came through with jobs. Always professional and not pushy which is surprising in this industry/market. (28 November 09)

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Initial response was very fast, but never followed up. (15 July 09)

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If I had ten barge poles, I wouldn't use them to touch this place, 0/100 for communication, 0/100 for responsiveness, 0/100 for real jobs and 0/100 for placements (06 June 09)

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Dealt with several consultants from South and City branches all very helpful. Temp division a pleasure to deal with. (14 April 09)

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I've dealt with 3 different consultants from Madison and all of them are absolutely, utterly useless and they are stubborn to deal with. They are exceptionally slow in responding to emails and they are often far too busy to answer their phones. Worst of all, they don't make any effort to get to know who you are. They won't be in the business if they didn't have contracts with Telcos. (09 April 09)

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Another one that never get back to you (01 April 09)

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Not very impressed, didn't seem to undertand relevant experience only qualifications, didn't really know IT or understand my experienmce sall that well. Interviewed me once never heard back again. (08 March 09)

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Absolutely bloody useless. No communication. No knowledge. Steer well clear. (12 February 09)

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my consultnat didnt even know what she was talking about with my role. making mistakes about the type of technology and so forth. She put me forward for a java role, even thou ive never worked with java before. The employer was shocked when they met me and i was .net only (21 September 08)

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I was the ideal candidate but never got back to me even after I chased them (03 July 08)

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Great communicators and able to place into relevant roles. (05 May 10)

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In all my attempts to contact these people, I have not had one call back from them. I have not had any experience of empathy for people looking for work in the Christchurch market. (02 September 09)

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Are these guys still in business? How is that possible. They do not have any clue about what they are doing. Is there any employers who want to work with this people (13 March 09)

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Top agency in Christchurch. Nice friendly, useful people, pays weekly :-) (14 July 08)

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Waste of time. Couldn't get anyone to reply to my 1/2 dozen phone mesages. Really hard to join. Staff seem overworked SOME-HOW????!! (11 July 08)

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Clueless about IT. 'nuff said. (09 July 08)

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Not at all user friendly. This kind of candidate treatment is what gives recruitment agencies a bad name. (21 December 10)

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Can only cope if you present yourself to them in a highly marketable little box requiring minimal extra input from themselves or understanding of you, your skills and experience. (05 May 10)

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They kept on trying to put me forward for Communications roles and stopped contacting me when I refused to go to the interviews. They had no idea what I do for a living. (08 April 10)

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Applied for a role through momentum via seek. got a couple of emails but despite being very well suited, they never fronted with even a phone conversation, and I seriously doubt that there was ever a real vacancy here - just fishing. friendly consultant but not helpful, no feedback. (24 March 09)

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Must be a part of manpower, they have the sema strange attitude. Real CV getters but noting further. they doesn't take the time to come back to you. and realy doesn't understand your needs or posisbilities (13 March 09)

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Unbelievably bad - I told them exactly what I wanted, and felt like they totally ignored me. I got a rude and irrelevant job prospect two weeks after I'd asked to be taken off the books. (03 November 08)

“

My experience with them was terrible. They said they would put me forward for 2 roles and never heard back from them. I called and called and they just kept avoiding me. I finally got a call back from them THREE MONTHS later!!!! Obviously after I had landed a job (without using a recruiter). They are an absolute disgrace. (13 August 08)

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Complete waste of time - if only employers knew how these outfits were acting on their behalf. Met one of their agents and got no sense that the person knew my technical area. Also read carefully the contract they try to get you to sign when you go in, you basically sign over rights for them to make credit, criminal, 'personality', and background checks on you as well as realeasing all they have on you to potential employers. From their webite i see they are also connected to the 920 agency. (05 August 08)

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Their roles on seek etc, are fake, every single one I looked at. They wasted my time stringing me along, with no feedback, I had to do all the chasing. Very disappointing.Poor agency just out to make a quick buck. (19 March 11)

“

This is exactly what happened to me also. They sent my CV onto employers without telling my or asking my permission. There only seems to be one person at this agency and she is so hungry for sales I think she would do anything to get one. It's out of order to forward a cV without asking the candidate first - Neal Andrews - you need to stop doing this. Since my experience here I now add to any introductions to agencies that my CV cannot be forwarded anywhere without my permission. (19 October 10)

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want to second this already posted comment, exact same thing happened to me with a client of theirs, noone advised me that i had been put forward to the company and it was news to me when they advised me that they had seen my cv from neil andrews. This agency sent my CV without my permission to a client that I eventually ended up working for through another agency. I found out about this when my new boss commented that he had already seen my CV a few weeks earlier. Very unethical ! (10 May 10)

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Fantastic - can't speak more highly of them. Helped me sucessfully find a job even though there were 74 appliants. Did a wonderful job on the presentation / pitch. Did ref checks up front to help support the application. Kept me informed right througout the process. A great crowd to deal with. (13 April 09)

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Doesn't know how to scale you. Doesn't come back.Doesn't know the market. Question is what do they know? (13 March 09)

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Turn over alot of recruitment agents (12 October 08)

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This agency sent my CV without my permission to a client that I eventually ended up working for through another agency. I found out about this when my new boss commented that he had already seen my CV a few weeks earlier. Very unethical ! (18 August 08)

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They really need to buy "recruitment for dummies". Couldn't say it any plainer than that. (15 August 08)

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Great guys, great friendly advice - still have coffee with one of them occasionally, and he's long left Neal Andrews. Awesome people. (03 July 08)

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Told me of a contract, then asked my rate. They said it was too much, and they couldnt do it. Went directly to the business, and got $15/hour more. (03 July 08)

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Don't waste your time with these guys, they do nothing for you and seem to have few if any clients. (19 March 11)

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Hopeless communication - I had to call them for everything. Even to tell them that my contract was ready for renewal. Surely they could have known that! (13 May 10)

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Just out for a quick buck. Dont provide any value that I cant do myself. Staff are arogant (08 December 09)

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Not a bad crowd and definitely above average in my estimation. In a crazy market they made an effort to keep in touch and presented several good options. On my list to work with in future. (18 August 09)

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Of all the agencies I dealt with found to be the best based on keeping in touch and only recomending me for suitable roles. Although given the standard of others this is only average praise! (17 August 09)

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When applied only got an autogenerated email from them saying that I should hear from them in two weeks. Never heard from them again. (15 July 09)

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Actually put me forward for a role I didn't think was appropriate - but worked out great in the end. Also, one of the very few agents who got back to me regularily during my 3 month search (19 June 09)

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Not much to say. Agent was very excited when he new I had worked with project lead previously (and had received positive feedback from same). He asked via email some superficial questions about my experience with respect to the role, despite having a copy of my CV. Then nothing, did not reply to email or phone message. (05 April 09)

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Only rreact if they think they have gold in hands and can sell you direct. After a week they don't react back in anything. I should have know this when I had my first meeting. 2 hours about all kind of stupit thing but bnot about the role. They don't oversee the possibilities. (13 March 09)

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Met up and felt positive about this company being able to find me work however emails and phone calls have still not been answered a month down the track. The first impression of this company was great, the rest has been disappointing. (20 September 08)

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The sell themselves and the new heros in town, but I can't say they are. Promised quite a lot but oversold quite heavily. A friend of mine had the same experience, they never got back to him although the usual promises, "we'll call you today, latest tomorrow etc."... (06 September 08)

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I dealt with a chap by the name of [[ed: name removed]], very knowledgable in the IT sector, an overall first-class experience. (27 August 08)

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Good guys to deal with. (27 August 08)

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These cowboys lack the most basic of communication skills. They called me and left a message so I called back and also had to leave a message - 3 weeks later still no contact! Same goes for their email replies - non-existent. If they can't make immediate $$$'s out of you then they aren't interested! (11 August 08)

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Had a good laugh with [[ed: name removed]], enjoyed our contact. Plus their Marketing woman left a very lasting impression...nice work whoever hired her! (07 August 08)

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Dreadful !! I dealt with [[ed: name removed]]. What a waste of time he was. A couple of the others were losers and ineffective too. (30 July 08)

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Never heard of them before until they phoned me. Only agency I've been with that has taken me out for lunch. (03 July 08)

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They brought me in for a meeting promising lost of roles, with job specs and interviews to follow the same week. One month later I still havn't heard a thing, and they have not replied to a single e-mail. (03 July 08)

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Says they'll get back to you but don't shoddy, shoddy, shoddy.... (26 May 11)

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These guys are utterly lazy CV hunters! I have applied to a couple of roles they had in the last two years now, and they have yet to call/contact me for the first time. For as far as I am concerned OCG is in the same league as second hand car dealers (03 May 10)

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Have been listed with these guys for 10 (yes 10!!!!) years and they have never managed to place me. I have been fully booked with other agencies the entire time. Every time OCG call me about a role, they never follow up and just disappear into the background. Total time wasters- no candidate care whatsoever. They promise everything and deliver nothing. (13 January 10)

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Blatantly incompetent once you're in - let my renewal slide twice so I had to work without a contract for weeks (both times). Given the cut they receive, their inability to chase up without constant reminders showed a lack of interest in contractors as people. Also appear to be missing out on opportunities where other agencies have a lot more roles on their books. (05 October 09)

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I've been registered with them for 5 years and in that time they've never even gotten me a client interview. In the meantime I've had contracts through 4 other recruiters, and have had very few "wasted" client interviews through those other recruiters. Obviously they didn't like me or felt they were making enough money elsewhere to spend any time on me. I've told them to take me off their register - don't want incompetent recruiters representing me. (26 June 09)

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Awesome company, take a lot of time to understand your position and where you want to go, I will definitely stay with this one, it's a gem (24 June 09)

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Very friendly, professional and realistic. Highly recommended! (17 October 08)

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Brilliant and friendly, made me feel that I was important as a person, not just a piece of business (11 September 08)

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Outsource are very dedicated to their work and are always available. They have kept in contact with the me and other staff that they placed. I will always recommend them to any other prospective people wanting to get into the IT industry (10 September 08)

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Outsource IT were great the staff were friendly and put me foward for great jobs. It really helps when the recruiters have worked in the industry they are recruiting for. (10 September 08)

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Totally over sold a role. Was nothing like what they said it would be. Spoke with them and they did nothing. Absolutely horrible - ended up quitting. (18 February 09)

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They are really keen on enforcing restraint of trade clauses and clipping their $20 per hour off the ticket. I got asked back as a result of me doing all the phone calls some 7 months after my job had finished and they wanted to roll in another 12 month restraint of trade clause. Six months should be the maximum. (12 October 08)

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no problems, they contacted me as they had a contract that suited my profile, interview was fine, job was real, got it, they pay weekly, really no issues. (30 September 11)

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Another outfit who advertises jobs that don't exist. (24 June 09)

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I agree with the first poster, too. Agent made me feel like I was worthless, and he was only deigning to waste his time to interview me. Whilst he managed to place me at my permanent role, I wouldn't recommend them one bit. (29 April 09)

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Not impressed at all with Pinnacle's level of service and professionalism that is to be expected. (17 March 09)

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I agree with last poster, agent drilled me like I was lying on my CV (which I wasn't) made me feel as though I wasn't good enough for anything. Any job was below the market rate and had no consideration for circumstances ie: putting me forward for a company 50km + away. (27 January 09)

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After an interview, I felt like I had been interviewed by my mother by the agent telling me all the things that were wrong with me and my CV and career history, that I was useless and worthless, and not worth their time. I nearly walked out in tears - thanks for the help and support! (21 January 09)

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Had a meeting with these guys in Auckland, and couldn't fault them for honesty and giving really good advice and direction for me to follow even gave contacts for me to talk to direct. (19 May 10)

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Great people! They understood my needs and knew exactly what I was looking for in my next job! A pleasure to work with and I wouldn't even consider contacting anyone else if I start looking for another opportunity. (05 May 10)

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Some of the job adverts placed by this company are particularly amusing due to the appalling English and grammar used. If they can't pay attention to detail whilst writing an advert, what does that say about their ability to find the right candidate for a position ? (01 April 09)

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Probably one of the few that I would rate - have not placed me yet, but feedback and professionalism unequalled. (01 April 09)

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First contact was from the UK, good communication over e-mail. Then came over to NZ, and met up with the agency (so they could vet me before presenting to client). Was given sound advice about interview techniques etc, and after securing the job they did all they could to negotiate the best deal. (03 August 08)

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Great communication and genuine consultants. (11 July 08)

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They rock, if I had to get a job I would use them again in a second (03 July 08)

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I have only contact with one of the recruiters, Paul Heath, he is good. I like to work with him. Know where to talk about and how to handle. (13 March 09)

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Very subjective and judgemental. Very commercially focussed simply on their current assignments. (05 May 10)

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Great contracts and communication through PowerHouse People while a certain person was there. That seems to be all in the past. (08 April 10)

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Do they know how a computer or phone works? (13 March 09)

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I went for an interview for a six-figure job. I was kept waiting for 20 minutes by what turned out to be a very new recruiter. She told me she had only been there 2 weeks . She knew little about the job and less about the skills needed - obvoiously had had little or no training for the role. I eventually walked out of the interview vowing never to go there again. (08 January 09)

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never any follow up at all (10 October 08)

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Same ad placed over and over again - I wonder if real jobs actually exist (14 October 09)

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May be well connected, but very clinical and certainly lacking in genuine feedback (01 April 09)

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Megan the owner knows her stuff and is well connected. Can understand relevant experience over qualifications better than any agency. I highly recommend. (08 March 09)

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excellent communication, had a contract lined up within a few days, paid on time and i would recommend to anyone considering an agency. (04 April 10)

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not very good at keeping in contact especially when your contract is about to finish (10 April 09)

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I was "interviewed" when i responded to an Ad for a Project Management role, i had to ask, how long have you been here, three months was the reply, and what did you do before this? Oh i was a hairdresser for XXX in Lower Hutt....... the next person i saw was a pissed old vegetable who had the audacity to try to hit on me... (23 August 08)

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Very bad service received - have been owed money from them for over 2 months from a contract I did. USE AT OWN RISK!!!!!!! (07 August 08)

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dealt with wellington office. nice people and recommended to me by other also. seem to know their stuff (19 March 11)

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Not a bad agency, and there's one thing they do better than most: they pay you really early! (04 February 11)

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Great dealling with Michelle! (12 May 10)

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I have used Recruit IT's services both in securing a role for myself and employing staff. Recruit IT stood out from other agencies when I was looking. They were streets ahead in their proactive approach. My needs did not fit the norm, but that didn't bother them as it seemed to bother other agencies. As an employer, they have been a pleasure to deal with, making an otherwise insurmountable task straightforward. (11 May 10)

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Dealt with Wellington office. These guys seem to take their job seriously. Put me up for a role closely matched to my skills, kept me in the loop during negotiation process. Recommended. (15 July 09)

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Great to work with. After been interviewed with the MD he came with a couple of roles and oppertunities. One of the few good in this business. after a quit few onths come back with the perfect role for me. Defenitly recommended (13 March 09)

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Have only dealt with the AKL office. These are great people who take the time to understand both the client and the contractor and, in my experience, go out of their way to make a good match. I have dealt with them both as a employer and a job seeker. I will always use them when I can. (12 February 09)

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I was invited to a meeting by David Price of Robert Half Japan in Tokyo after I had registered my CV. He was very frank with me that since they specialise in finance and I am a telecoms guy he didn't have any vacancies but would keep his ears open if anything telecoms related came up. He was well organised and made plenty of notes and when he promised to check with colleagues he mailed me right away with feedback. Although nothing has come of it (yet) I would recommend David at Robert Half to anyone who is in the finance industry in Japan looking for a new job. He was friendly, organised, responsive and frank, just what you want from a recruitment agent. (for some reason the site doesn't seem to recognise me clicking on the dots to rate) (05 February 11)

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As much use as a marshmallow typewriter (15 December 09)

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They have an apparent practice of slandering contractors names to prospective employers in order to get the placement themselves. They did this to me and two other contractors. They have now become well known for this activity within the recruitment industry. This is a very naughty company. (01 December 09)

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A bit of a teaser, lacking delivery. Don't count on an email being replied to. Always out, never returned any calls. (18 July 09)

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They do absolutely ZERO research into their clients needs because they are only interested in making a quick commission. After I got a job through these clowns they had the audacity to argue with the client about a the level of the commission and almost cost me the job. They clearly lack respect for the client and the contractor - we're merely a meal ticket. Stay away from these guys. (26 June 09)

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terrible IT team, I was scheduled for a 2nd phone interview and the first thing I was told was they decided to hire someone else. (27 August 10)

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Promised the world and delivered nothing, continually. (05 May 10)

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Really happy with this agency, my last two contracts through them, and they really performed well. Tom is awesome, very responsive and is always helpful (22 April 10)

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Overpromise and undeliver - on several occasions with 2 different consultants. Have heard the same from other people too. Get your hopes up about a role, then it magically disappears. (28 November 09)

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Robert Walters are a good professional agency. They do what they say they're going to do and contact me on a regular basis to keep in touch and see how I'm doing in my current role or if something turns up they are proactive and call me to see if I'm interested. Well above average and one of the better agencies in my opinion (18 August 09)

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Good agent - keen and helpful... They just have no jobs to offer. (24 June 09)

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Applied for a role, and when I was contacted (which was very quick) I was told that I would not be able to get this type of role ever as I had not worked in that field for the last three years, and I'm only as good as my last role?!?! What a load of crap (24 June 09)

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RW typically spend s good amount of time getting to know the needs of their clients as well as knowing their contractors strengths and preferences. Through this they are able to match up client and contractor with the best opportunity for a productive relationship on both sides. This approach varies by each recruiter in RW, but generally I appreciate that kind of approach. (27 May 09)

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This is the only agency I applied for where every role was or downgraded after apliing or redrawn. Do they realy know what the market wants? (13 March 09)

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RW are one of the best recruiters i've come across - they found roles for both me and my partner. They keep in touch every few months or so to see where we are at. I'd recommend them to anyone. (09 February 09)

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Client comment here - They post jobs that we did not give Robert Walters permission to work on. This is after repeated requests not to do this. Then they try and charge us for the unsolicited CV's. Candidates get caught in the middle of this. Why waste everybody's time working on roles Robert Walters will not get paid for? (23 September 08)

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The company I work for used RW as a preferred supplier otherwise I would not use the person I have to deal with. Why - too aggressive and poor morals - presented us with a candidate they had only just placed just over three months ago who is "not happy". Very unprofessional to work with clients that are so poor that candidates will not stay, take the fee and then try and make money again on the candidate with another client. (25 August 08)

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Best recruitment company I have ever dealt with. Kepp it up RW! (18 August 08)

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Hugely bad on communications. I had to chase for everything and phonecalls / e-mails not responded to. They have the jobs I want but trying to talk to them to tell them that is nigh on impossible (04 June 10)

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Totally botched opinion of them. Tried to enforce a restraint of trade for six months even though it was not my contract. Stay away I say. (09 September 08)

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Clowns. Can't even get simple admin tasks right. They do pay weekly, but they forget you exist. They even forgot to invoice the client! (23 July 08)

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Basically lied to me. Pretty much offered me the role and then I found out they weren't even authorised to recruit someone! Then found it they did exactly the same thing to two other people. Totally unethical. (21 July 08)

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Excellent processes, pay weekly. Still not online timesheeting. (09 July 08)

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These guys are initially personable but in the end try to get you to work for as little as possible. I am a senior developer with over 10 years experience and they tried to take advantage of my jobless status to get me to take a $45/hour 2-month contract (less then I could make if I took a permanent job for goodness sake). When I said I wasn't interested I never heard from them again. Before you sign ask other contractors you know about them, I regularly meet colleagues, both permanent and contract, that have had an 'interesting' SGS Consulting experience. (09 June 11)

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I like SGS, have had a few contracts through them and they really work for you and try hard to get you something. Never had a problem, communication is frequent and friendly, you get the feeling they try hard for you. (30 May 11)

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SGS are con artists. They post the same troll position on seek every month. For example "Contract Dot Net Developers * 5" .Net Developers - Urgent Requirement! Ignore these guys , very unprofessional, bordering on fraud. They could be using your details for anythings (10 March 11)

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Have done three or four contracts through this agency over the past four years. Each time, Rahual listened to what I was looking for and if he didn't have anything that fit he'd say so and present what he did have. Very good communication, friendly guy and exceptionaly good at negotiating above average rates. (13 January 09)

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Good people they call me many times and interviewed me, then sended me aplications throught emails (19 June 09)

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I got my first contract through Sapphire some years ago, the contract kept getting extended due to my relationship with the client, I had to keep chasing the agency to get it renewed. The lack of communication is astounding, although certainly not the worst I have come across. During the three or so years I was contracting through them, they stuffed up my pay at least 14 times, although as an earlier poster said weekly pay was great. They are now known as Randstad, and I hope that with a change in ownership, comes a change in attitude and customer service. (06 June 09)

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Don't like them. Had a good contract thru them, but that was the employer.. not them. Admin staff are all biatches, you can't even find their phone-number on their poorly designed website. Some godawful offshoot of an up-themselves Australian agency, payrolls all processed thru some third-party in Sydney. Apparently Australia is so backwards, they haven't invented the fax machine yet. Admin is generally rude, snobbish, incompetent & uncommunicative. (23 March 09)

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What a bunch of ... people are this. Never comes back if promised do not react on mails or phone calls. Doesn't understand IT. How does it comes that thay are still in business? (13 March 09)

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Upside is that they pay weekly - it really DOES help the budget! Downside is, once placed, you never see or hear from them again (though I must admit, that doesnt really worry me). You even have to chase THEM up when its contract extension time which I do think is very lazy. They're ok though, and I would work through them again. (15 February 09)

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one of the worst i have encountered in years you are not likely to hear anything unless you are submitted i get the idea that client companies don't work with them either so even if you are submitted it likely will not go anywhere - so work with a reputable agencies calls to the office will go unreturned and even gentle nudges in emails - you will not even know if you are submitted (11 February 09)

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An OK Agency. Their "After Sales" services is poor, Once they have got you a contract there is very little follow up or checking on how you have been doing. When the time comes for a contract to roll over they have to be reminded. (28 September 08)

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Great agency, great people and what I liked the most is they invoiced where I worked monthly but paid me weekly on time every time, now this is how you administer a recruitment agency. (09 September 08)

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Had very good communications with these guys, just don't know about their restraint of trade terms - last time I actually landed a role through them, it was permie. (03 July 08)

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This is the only recruitment firm of the 12 I'm registered with who rings me with roles fairly frequently. Although none have turned into a job for me at least the communication is good. Scott is also very upfront with the commission rate they take unlike so many others. Plus they do a Xmas party for everyone on their books regardless of whether you work for them or not. Something the other useless recruitment firms should take note of! (01 December 09)

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They have the same or similar values as Get Staffed. Scot Goombridge is an outstanding IT Professional who understands the needs of IT people (03 October 08)

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Very old fashioned in their approach and selection of candidates. (05 May 10)

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Julia was great at finding out what I was good at made a real effort to keep me informed. (11 August 08)

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What are these people doing? They do not caal you back, don't react on applications. this is on all levels in this organisation. I am very dissapointed about them. (13 March 09)

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Their web site limits the size of the career portfolio and cover letters that you can submit so much so, it is too difficult for me to "customize" and reduce the size of these that I don't even bother applying for jobs they advertise. (20 January 09)

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They suck, I have worked for them reluctantly for coming up to two years. My contract has been renewed three times, two out of three I have initiated the renewal process. I just about fell over when my agent phones me (same one) recently to remind me to get into talks. There are two possible locations for where i work, they always ask where to send my contract. No welcome to the job, thanks for coming aboard, follow up call to see how the job is going, like some others do. Get a hamper at xmas though. Quite poor really. (03 July 08)

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Really personable guys and very on to it. Quick turnaround, good follow up, and good involvement. Best I've dealt with. (03 May 10)

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A completely pointless waste of time. (08 April 10)

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Absolutely useless. Double booked appointments, no follow up, the usual rubbish when challenged - stay away if you can!!! (14 October 09)

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One of the better once. Some of the recruiters know what to do, but unfortunately some not. they are better than everage. (13 March 09)

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Would not consider them for future IT roles. Stick to gumboots and shorts roles. (09 July 08)

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Two auto-responses was all that came out of the agency, one of which had completely wrong details. No personal contact. Useless. (01 October 08)

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Goen the whole nine miles for me. Doesn't promise any thing she cannot make. However there location they offert me on a perfect role in Wellington. (13 March 09)

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I found BuZZ Recruitment Rude and unprofessional. (27 March 09)

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Zero rating from me. They were rude to me. How do these guys make money?? (11 July 08)

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I can't rate this agency high enough. Their attention to detail during and after the hiring was everything a job seeker could wish for. I would recommend this agency to anyone (04 June 10)

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Liana and Brent were both very supportive and encouraging when they reviewed and commented on my CV. It certainly boosted my confidence. I have no hesitation recommending them to my friends and ex-colleagues. They are the "good guys" in the recruitment business! (26 May 09)