The Red Guide to Temp Agencies

Review of Kelly Services

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Philip Morris Headquarters
Rye Brook, NY

Total time with agency:
NYC - 1983, Rye Brook - 1998

Wait for first assignment:
Weeks

Average wait between assignments:

Last five jobs:

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

Tests given:
All the usual software/PC proficiency tests; writing & math comprehensive tests

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

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

Comments:
Throughout the '80s I must say Kelly kept me working on excellent long-term assignments: BMW, IBM, NYC Partnership, Chamber of Commerce, and others. Twice I accepted permanent positions which I held usually 2 years, got stagnet and finally realized I was born to be a Free Agent. I would return to Kelly over the years whenever I needed my independence and they would always treat me well, finding me great assignments sometimes the same week I returned. This was usually due to my relationship with most of the staff who were long time employees and aware of my skills and dependability.

However, recently (1997-8) I was treated terribly. They could not find my records (ten years at least), they had jazzed up their offices and hired snotty, inexperienced yuppies who were only interested in meetings and "networking course 101". The staff totally ignored your existence, never could remember who you were and what exactly it is was that you did -- so how were they actively looking to place someone that had to reintroduce themself every time you called for work? This went on for weeks, during which time I was told, nastily, to just come in at 8:30 every morning and sit and wait (with a multitude of folks) "on call". Needless to say, I complained, and, never heard from them again.

Ironically, I was recruited by the Kelly branch on-site at Philip Morris in Rye Brook, NY through another small agency in White Plains that was horrendous. They secured me a 3 week situation at Philip Morris which turned into about 2 years. Kelly in NYC assured me that they had informed their Westchester affiliates of my availability and skills as I had requested because I lived in Westchester and commuted. This was not the case as the recruiter in Rye Brook never heard of me or received my files by E-Mail. When the CEO I supported at Philip Morris asked Kelly to switch me from the "agency from hell" that I was currently with or I would leave, that's how I got back to Kelly. For the record, Kelly has become like a whore house in the temp business. They have no regard for their temps, lie about assignment availability, give you a hassle if you deserve a higher rate (some of their temps have been working at the same, low rate for YEARS). I would not recommend Kelly Services for career temps expecting fair compensation commensurate with their skills, respect, and mutual loyalty and consideration in the workforce.

Reporter:

Email:

Date:
Sat Aug 5 08:10:17 GMT 2000

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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.