The Red Guide to Temp Agencies

Review of Aquent Partners

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71 West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010
1-877-2-AQUENT

Total time with agency:
6 Years

Wait for first assignment:
2 Weeks

Average wait between assignments:
2

Last five jobs:

Job Title	Length	Client	Hourly Wage	Typical of agency?
				Y
				Y
				Y
				Y
				Y

Tests given:

Payroll policies:
On-site time sheet pickup: Y
Direct deposit of payroll checks: Y
Free check cashing at agency's bank:

Benefits:
Medical insurance: Y
Dental insurance: Y
Paid vacation: Y
Transportation allowance:
Entertainment allowance:
Matching contributions:

Comments:
Aquent Partners, formerlly known as MacTemps, has been monumental for me... HOWEVER, as of late has definitely taken a turn for the worst. Before adapting the new name, I was constantly able to find work when I needed it and didn't have to wait long between assignments. The payrates for even the simplest of clerical jobs were pretty high and the clients were nice to work with.

So when I moved to New York a few years later, I heard that they just opened a branch of MacTemps/Aquent in Manhattan. All I had to do was transfer my profile and everything was smooth sailing. I once again was working again with some great clients. Over time, however, I started having issues with the newly formed office in New York. My agent was constantly changing due to the number of people that would come in and out of the company. Some of the agents I had would withhold information regarding client evaluations, which later on affected my chances at future work. You would go for as long as a year thinking everything was fine, then all of a sudden you're called in for a meeting to discuss your conduct.

The final straw came just recently during a job that was supposed to be a permanent position. The client is given a grace period just in case they decide if they want to keep the temp or not. To make a long story short, the client claimed their position was "permanent" to make Aquent jump to find a person to fill it. However, once the main work was done the client created very weak arguments to terminate my employment. This happened only a few months ago.

NOW... my agent is telling me that I'm no longer eligible for work due to my resume. And considering the same resume was responsible for getting me work thoughout the same company for over 6 years (including a supposed permanent position), I find it hard to believe that now I don't have enough experience. The agent also said that the resume looks as if I do too much freelance work, which is pretty laughable considering that all the work I ever received from Aquent Partners/MacTemps was temporary.

In conclusion... since I wasn't able to make them the money they would have with the "permanent position", I am being punished by an agent who hasn't even been with the company as long as I have who will now no longer find me work. What a way to be dismissed by a temporary agency... now, I'm unemployed with no income coming in just like so many other people here in the US. :(

If you do decide to go with Aquent, it can be a great experience IF you only stick with temp assignments. Once you try to go for a permanent position and it doesn't go through, they will be the first to cut you off and leave you jobless.

Reporter:

Email:

Date:
Wed Oct 24 19:11:21 GMT 2001

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The Red Guide to Temp Agencies is copyright 1994-2004 by Angus B. Grieve-Smith.
It may be reproduced in its entirety, but may not be sold for profit or reproduced in part without written permission of the Editor.

Feel free to email me with questions or comments. Please do NOT email me your resume. I am not an employer, and I cannot get you a job. If you send me your resume anyway, I will report it to your internet provider. My email address is grvsmth@panix.com.