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“Unprofessional and shameless. ”

written by on 23/07/2013

I had a missed call from a consultant in the South Wales region regarding a job I'd applied to through their website. Upon returning the call, I was informed that the position had actually been filled, but that they would continue to "clear my file" for other opportunities if I visited their office the following day. Later that day, the consultant called back to ask when I could start training for the job - the job that had already been filled. I was confused, but really needed a job, so naively didn't run a mile at this stage.

During the visit to their office, after spending 30 minutes filling in forms and listening to the consultant swear outside the door, I was interrogated about personal details on my form, and informed that after obtaining proof of address, training for the job would start.

A few days later, after having received a paper bank statement from my bank, I contacted Hays only to be told that "the job description had changed and I was no longer suitable for the position". Apparently I specifically needed NHS work experience. I expressed disappointment, and confusion, as I had NHS work experience and this has been discussed. My consultant changed her mind: I needed 'secretarial' work experience. Aha. Not to worry though, as other jobs were coming through all the time.

I was informed that my consultant was transferring the case over to her colleague. After initially being contacted regarding references, I haven't heard anything from Hays Recruitment. The original consultant is 'out of the office' for the next month, and my new consultant hasn't been in touch.

My experience with Hays Recruitment has been a HUGE WASTE OF TIME. The time spent waiting for proof of address to allow me to start a job I was assured I had *could* have been spent job-hunting elsewhere. The time spent naively believing that my file was being 'cleared' for other jobs similarly could have been spent filling in genuine application forms.

Vulnerable people desperately looking for work during a recession are exploited by Hays Recruitment Agency for the sake of commission. Avoid at all costs.