What experiences have you had with employment agencies?

Well I worked in one for a year or so, quite a long time ago now, and I can assure you that they are pretty "hard-sell", and all they really care about is hitting their targets! Their main purpose (like any sales orientated job) is to earn commission by hitting their targets, so if that means sending people to interviews regardless of wheaher they are really well-matched to the job, or getting temps into bokings regardless of whether that temp will actualy be able to do the job, then the Agency will do so!! Having said that, I do think tempingwth an Agency is a god way t et works experience, and learn about the job market - especially for School/College leavers, students in their "gap" year, or maybe older women returning to work after havng a family. You can learn a few new skills, meet some people and get work experience, without being tied down to a permanent job you feel obliged to stay in for a long period.

I ended up going to six different ones when my unemployment completely ran out. Some of the job locations were in the worst part of town and didn't pay enough or wanted you to work overtime constantly. The one job I did get turned out to be pretty crappy, everyone one I knew there quit or got fired. The only good thing about it was practicing my computer skills for free there.

If you're having trouble finding a job by yourself, it might be a good idea to approach one. These employment agencies might not be particular in your welfare perse but the connections it have can broaden your prospects and increase your chances of getting hired. I think its the direction to take if you're planning to work abroad.