Do Employment Agencies Find Prospects better Jobs – No
I am a recent graduate of Loyola University Chicago's post-baccalaureate Paralegal Program. As of program completion in October 2009, I am still looking for employment. I spent several months looking on my own, in phone directories and online, for individual law firms and major businesses with legal departments. Sadly, I eventually gave up this search and succombed to the need for professional assistance. I researched employment agencies and found seven to call. My experiences with them have not been ideal.
Smart Resources is a general temp agency in Chicago, Illinois. I interviewed with them in late 2009, around the holiday season. At the time, there was nothing to offer. However, as the holidays quickly approached, I received a phone call from Smart Resources, informing me of a part-time data entry position seasonal in nature. I completed a series of tests online at home and immediately submitted them to the agency. The following Monday morning, I received news that the position was already filled. I was devastated. I could not get part-time basic work, seasonal or otherwise. Smart Resources has yet to offer a job.
MS Services is a general employment agency in Chicago, Illinois. I interviewed with them in late 2009, shortly before the holidays. My interviewer took great sympathy for me in my difficulty in finding a paralegal position. Pity did not cut it. She had nothing to offer and recommended I restart my search after the first of the new year. Approximately one month ago, MS Services came across two legal positions and offered both to me. However, when I explained that my areas of interest are in Family Law and Medical Malpractice, they rescinded the offers because one was in Patent Law and the other required extensive experience in Plaintiff Personal Injury. I was not surprised by this course of action. And MS Services has yet to make any other offers.
Ajilon Legal is a legal-based employment agency. I interviewed with them in February of this year. In blatant terms, there was nothing to offer then and nothing to offer in subsequent email follow-ups.
HIRE Counsel is a legal-based temp agency. I interviewed with them in March of this year. In blatant terms, there was nothing to offer then and nothing to offer in subsequent email follow-up.
I have since submitted my resume online to three legal-based employment agencies recommended by Loyola's Institute for Paralegal Studies office. I have yet to receive a response.
Approximately one week ago, I underwent massive research on all Family Law and Medical Malpractice law firms in Chicago. Out of 22, I left nine voicemail messages and submitted via email four resumes. I did in fact receive a response and am excited to say that I have a pending interview.
I responded no to the debate topic, "Finding employment: Do agencies find prospects better jobs," for clear and personal reasons. If four employment agencies cannot make an offer, better or not, and three subsequent employment agencies do not even respond, then clearly my response being no is justified. Further, if I am able to land an interview with an actual position on my own with no professional support, then my response being no is solidifed.
