I Thought Job Agencies Were A Scam Until…

Have you been applying for jobs through recruitment firms without success and even given up hope? It can be quite frustrating when all your applications seem to be in vain.

Florence did not believe that there were genuine recruitment firms. After applying for numerous job opportunities for almost a year, she eventually landed a job through Corporate Staffing.

On 16th March 2020, we advertised an Administrative Assistant job for our client, Norwich Union Properties on our website, and other partner websites. We received over 1000 applications. Of those, we shortlisted 30 for the first interview, where we recommended five candidates for the client interview, and ultimately one of them got the job!

This was just before Covid-19 was declared a pandemic in the country.

She recently reported to her workplace and I had a chat with her. This is what she had to say:

Tell us about yourself and your career journey.

Florence Wangari

My name is Florence Wangari. I am an admin professional with over 8 years’ experience in providing administrative support.

I started out as an intern in various organizations, before landing an admin job in 2011. That opportunity then began my career in administration.

Although my background is in IT, after landing my first admin job, I decided that this was what I wanted to do. Eventually, I went back to school to boost my administration skills.

Where did you hear about Corporate Staffing and the job opportunity?

I heard about Corporate Staffing in 2015 when my friend who was then working at the firm, told me about the organization. Before this, I had a negative attitude towards job agencies because I didn’t think they were real. I always thought they were all scams. My friend however explained that Corporate Staffing was a genuine firm. She took the time to explain how you work.

After that, I registered my CV details and have been informed of job opportunities via email, ever since.

How long had you been job searching before coming across this job?

I had been looking for a job since August last year (2019). The position I held at my previous workplace was declared redundant and that threw me into the job search pool.

Since then, I had been constantly applying for numerous jobs, getting shortlisted for some, and thereafter getting regrets, and many of them going unanswered.  

How was the application and interview process?

It was quite easy. I sent my application and got a call about 3 days later telling me that I had been shortlisted for a face-to-face interview at Corporate Staffing offices.

I loved the level of professionalism you upheld. The feedback was also something I appreciated. Whenever there was a delay, the recruitment officers also took it upon yourselves to inform me.

With many professionals facing pay cuts, unpaid leave, and even others being laid off, did you think you would get a job during this time?

No, I did not. Having being declared redundant in my previous role because the company was not doing well, and being out of a job since then, I did not think I would.

However, the fact that I was hearing that people were getting jobs during this time made me continue applying and hoping for the best.

It is the little hope I held on to. After all, I wasn’t going to lose anything by applying.

Many job seekers are skeptical about finding jobs during this difficult time. Based on your experience, what can you tell them?

Never give up. You never know when your job will come.

Also, don’t be skeptical about using job agencies and in particular, Corporate Staffing. Sometimes, it may take longer for you to even get shortlisted, but this is a real company. Subscribe to their job alerts and apply when you see an opportunity you qualify for.