Yeah, the other review by Ray was spot on. Was in here a couple months ago and they spoke highly of me to my face, but two months later I still haven't heard from them and they still haven't contacted my references. So clearly they have no intention of ever doing anything me, because one would think that would been the first thing they did after I applied and took their tests. read more

I'm surprised by the other negative reviews, though I guess I can't speak to Randstad's ability/willingness to work on behalf of people who aren't great candidates. It's too bad Mr. P. and Ray C. had such poor experiences, but I'm willing to bet their attitudes and skills didn't line up with Randstad's high expectations. I've been with Randstad for about a year and I have nothing but positive things to say about them. I sent them my resume on the advice of a friend, and by the time I met with them - the next day - everyone in the office had seen it and was keeping me in mind as opportunities opened up. My meeting/interview was great - it was clear they were interested in setting me up with something. They didn't require me to take any tests, perhaps because of the strength of my resume and interview. (It seems that's something they ask of people who aren't strong candidates.) While I was chatting with my representative at the office, another staff member popped in and asked me if I was interested in a position he'd just learned about - in fact, he was on his way back from meeting with the company's managers. It sounded interesting, so I said sure. Within two days I was interviewing with that corporation, and I started there a few days later. Since signing on with Randstad, I've been placed in 3 positions. I've enjoyed each one. I've never had to worry that I'll be unemployed - each time an assignment ended, I was set up with a new one within a few days. Randstad's staff work together to match temps with great positions, so I don't have to hunt down my rep each time I have a question - I can talk to anyone in the office because they all know my name, skills, and assignment. I'm paid well, I'm paid on time, and I'm confident that if I ever need anything the Randstad staff will help me and advocate for me. Currently, I'm working in a non-profit office, in an organization I respect, with people I really enjoy. I'm expecting a permanent position offer shortly - thanks to Randstad's work on my behalf. I'd recommend them to anyone. read more

I am grateful to have had such a great experience with Randstad Staffing in Providence. The application process was very to the point and with great assistance. This was my first temp agency experience so I was very hesitant at first to search for jobs through an agency. I quickly realized the process of the agency, which implies that by working through the agency you are directly working for them therefore making a positive impression and being business savvy is a must before approaching any business related situation. I was able to find employment quite quickly by communicating with Randstad staff through email and phone conversations. It is important to keep up to date with the jobs that the agency has available. Overall a great experience, I understand it may not be the same for everyone but I would definitely encourage any RI residents to consider Randstad agency. read more

Temp agencies have for the most part bad reputations in this state (and for good reason). You apply to their agency, you get a call, they ask you "so tell me about your past jobs" even though they are staring at your resume, they build you up and state that you would make a great candidate for this position. Next they ask you to come in so you can take some "placement tests." Okay so even though you do not have to take any kind of test when you are directly hired through a company, you still have to take these tests. After you pass the tests, they tell you they will forward your resume to the company you applied for. Guess what, more times than not, there is no position. They are just trying to build up their talent pool. Plus the recruiters have quotas to meet regarding how many candidates they have to get into their office every month. Now that I've pretty much covered (or uncovered) temp agencies practices, let me get on to this ridiculous excuse of an agency. I initially interviewed with this agency back in September 2009. They had me interview with this rinky dink internet company in East Providence. Now mind you it's the week of my wedding, so I have a lot going on and Ranstad was not understanding of this and stated "we really need you to interview with this company this week." Ok so knowing my wedding is in 4 days, I have a million things to do, all you care about is making me re-rearrange my day to do this interview. Okay whatever. I do just that. So I go and the interview lasts about 30 minutes. I thought it went well. I didn't get any negative vibes from the person interviewing me. So eventually I was not offered the position. I didn't even know this until I returned from my honeymoon. I came back and touched base with them. After finding out I didn't get the job, they told me that didn't have anything else at the moment and to call back often as they get assignments in all the time. Wait, I have to keep calling you to "check in?" Really?? I was like okay whatever. So fast forward 2 weeks later I see that Ranstad has advertised for multiple positions at a local bank. I call them and they say "well we don't think based on your past experience you would be a good fit for this position." It was for a call center at a bank. I have 10 years of customer service experience and a certification in customer service. I think I'm more than qualified. But then the girl turns around and says "but I do have this position at a local college working the front desk." So in your opinion, I'm not good enough to be placed at a bank call center as a CSR but I am good enough to be a "secretary?" At that point I tell the girl, you know what I'm all set. Your company has not lived up to the expectations you set forth to me. I am going to just go on my own. Apparently she did not like that too much. She gave me a serious attitude, like she was doing me the biggest favor in the world and I rejected her. Fast forward to today, they advertise positions for Blue Cross / Blue Shield. I call to follow up as I applied via their web site. The girl tells me "well it looks like we had a bad experience with you back in 2009. We sent you on 2 interviews and you were not selected by either company." Ummm no you sent me on 1 interview get your facts straight. Plus she has the audacity to tell me that looking at my resume I don't have any longevity with a company. I tell her, excuse me but I was with a company from 2005 to 2009. So she responds, well besides that one. Wow really?? I explain to her that I left my last job because my commute was 65 miles one way, that I was not home from 11:15 am until 10:30 pm at night. I was spending $120.00 per week in gas and that I was never seeing my family. Apparently she could care less about that too because she responds with "I'm not comfortable submitting your resume." Then she says "I'll tell you what, I email you the 5 tests the company has asked us to give to all candidates. If you blow it out of the water, I'll talk to you." Seriously who the heck are you?!?! No thanks but don't do me any favors. After attempting to belittle me and giving me an attitude, you will "consider talking to me" if I "blow your tests out of the water." If you're out there looking for work, and if you have to resort to temp agencies, avoid this one like the plague. read more

One of the most miserable and ignorant staffs that I have ever worked with. When you call with questions or help they act like it's an inconvenience to them that your calling. Just all around the worst experience I ever had. Then the places they put you are modern day slave labor with 90% non English workers. Do yourself a favor and skip randstad. read more

Stay as far away from this firm as humanly possible. I've work for other Employment Agencies in the past, but Randstad is by far the worst! I was employed by them in a professional level position with their client - a global medical equipment firm with an office located in Massachusetts. When my 6 month assignment ended, I notified Randstad and inquired about other employment opportunities (they require YOU, their employee to let THEM know within 24 HOURS when your assignment ends or this will jeopardize your unemployment benefits. It's astounding that they have no communication with their client companies?!? YOU must be the one to notify THEM of your assignment ending??) When I contacted their Georgia headquarters, I was told I must visit their website and indicate that I was available for further opportunities, which I did! To my astonishment, when I subsequently filed for Massachusetts unemployment benefits, I was denied as Randstad indicated that I had quit!! In truth, I never missed a day of my assignment, often working OVER 40 hours weekly - including overtime! I filed an appeal with The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment and was scheduled for a telephone hearing 8 weeks later. During this lapse I had zero income, while searching for another job. When the hearing finally took place, the Randstad representative was totally unprepared, stating that the post employment process was handled by a third party firm. This firm indicated that I did not register at the Randstad website on a continuous DAILY/WEEKLY BASIS that Randstad required - even after my employment ended!! Needless to say, the Massachusetts Unemployment arbitrator reached a decision days later in my favor, indicating I HAD NOT quit and that Randstad's policy was ridiculously unreasonable. It seems that we are quickly becoming indentured servants in this country, in servitude to the growing number of contract positions doled out by unscrupulous "employment agencies", who do little more than reap half the earnings of their employees for little more than minor bookkeeping services. This sadly is the remnants of the American Dream. read more

Roy E. is right, as well as the other reviewers. This is a typical temp agency that does nothing for you. I love when you apply for a position the same day it's posted and you're told it's already been filled the week before. Hmm, why would you post a position if it was filled the week before? Don't waste your time. read more

The job staffers are rude and unprofessional, hanging up on you when you're trying to explain your situation going on telling you good luck, well your bald and rude read more

Randstad is a terrible agency and I do not recommend them. I signed up with them earlier this year and they started looking for assignments for me. About two weeks later they called me about a long term assignment at a chemical factory in my city. The position was in data entry and even though it was not in the factory section I was required to buy steel toe shoes, which I did. So I started working there, coming in pretty early in the morning and doing my job the best I could working with the others there. Everything seemed to go well. However, after my third day there when I arrived home I received a call from someone I never met to or spoke to at Randstad, who may have been an office manager. She phoned and told me the assignment was over to my surprise. She made up a story saying the position has changed and that I told someone at the job or someone at Randstad that I like to do filing. Of course I never said anything like that, the only reference to filing is on my resume as part of a list of duties at a previous position. She then degraded me too saying positions for me are few and far between, and did not even let me say anything. I would never work for them again. What is ironic is that this agency stresses that they care about their workers on assignment. Anyone wanting to be threatened and degraded can work for them. But there are better agencies that realize that when you sign up with them and they put you on assignments, it benefits both you and them financially and careerwise. Obviously this one is not one of them, and they should get a 0 rating from me. read more

Maybe in other Randstad offices outside Providence, RI, the Randstad staff do their best to help would-be job seekers get decent assignments, but not this Providence office. Every time I called to informed them that I put my resume for an assignment or two on through their website, the answer I get is the same: It's not a good fit for you or the position is already filled. Despite the fact the position is only a day old. Do not waste your time with this Randstad in Providence. It's typical of Rhode Island. To get things done, you've to grease the officials hand by bribing or you've a relative or closed friend at the job who would recommend you. This explains why Rhode Island is the butt of jokes in New England. read more

Ray C is correct. Staffing agencies are a complete waste of time. They want to hit their quota and thats all that matters. I just got off the phone with Andrea from Randstad, she is the manager there. I asked her why I haven't had any responses from another employee of randstad who handles Citizen's bank. I emailed the man 2 times and left 2 voicemails as well as had an employee out of the providence office email him to give me a call. I never received any call or email back and this is 2-3 weeks now. I had an interview with the office back in I'd say april and about 1 month ago I expressed interest in an inside sales position they had posted. After having them explain the position I decided not to move forward because it involved something I feel very uncomfortable with. Since that time, I have received no help or calls or any responses from randstad. Andrea reminded me of this scenario, so, being the up front person I am, I stated that because of what happened with me backing out before wasting any of their precious time they have seemed to disconnect from me. She said that was false. So I asked her if she had any current openings, she stated there were none. I said I find that hard to believe that a STAFFING Agency has NO openings. She said that that was my prerogative. Needless to say I then told her not to bother calling me since it was just a waste of time and that I was disconnecting myself from the agency. I do not recommend anyone try to be staffed through this Unprofessional Agency you'll have better luck finding a position on your own. read more