OfficeTeam contacted me as an employment reference for one of my former employees. The screening questions were fine, and the OT employee *seemed* kind and perky. She also seemed interested in getting my personal resume and information so I could also be placed in a position (I wasn't looking, but I played along.) I asked her what jobs they had open and she had no answers. She just wanted me to come in and fill out info, bring my SS card, driver license, etc. My *REAL* complaint is how they treated my former employee. Where they placed her and the information they gave to me differed greatly. The place they paced her at was not a "real" company and this "company" (which actually has no real name) asked her to engage in some quasi-illegal/questionable activities. When she called and told OT on her break, (she was actually concerned for her safety as the man was sleazy); they told her to return to the office anyway. Upon later researching the "company" and "owner" she discovered a huge trail of lawsuits. The temp agency did not even bother to research anything, which is their JOB. The "jobs' they have are virtually non-existent; designed to get you to come into their office to gather your personal information, not to actually "place" you. Who knows what they do with your SS number, address, phone number, et cetera. This is my second negative experience with OfficeTeam, and I strongly caution any one who considers utilizing their "services". They are not honest, forthcoming or even concerned for you. They just want their cut. read more

Lindsay Lombardy of OfficeTeam Cleveland is one of the best placement specialists in Cleveland for Executive or C-Level Admin Assistants. Amy is good too. Knowledgeable, caring and worked with me throughout my family issues such as having an elderly grandparent and a child to care for, also through my brother's death. I've worked with them since 2000 in Orange County, CA and Cleveland, OH mostly because I am paid more than most permanent workers AND I have flexibility if the manager is "sleazy" as the other reviewer "Amanda" so aptly put it! Most workers are just stuck with it, especially in the Cleveland job market. Now that I have moved out of state again, they sent over my file to my new city and I'm good to go! Also, just so you know-they recruit "individuals" and once they find out your background they market you "individually" if you have a unique skill-set! Some agencies just deal with the herd and at those agencies-you really are just a number and they'll have 15-20 people placed in one company each earning $8 bucks per hr. while the agency gets $28 per hr. They'll work you until you die and you'll NEVER see a promotion-they will just dust off your chair and place another worker in that same day later that same day! I could name-agency names but I just wont do it. Also, sometimes when you start out you take a not so great assignment just so they can see who you are and also I've covered on short-notice for other employees who are no-shows just to uphold the name of the agency-that way the whole agency will continue to land "Plum" better paying assignments with sensible companies. I'm just saying-that I'm sorry about what seems to have happened to your former employee BUT I know the industry in and out. I ALWAYS MAKE MORE MONEY with OFFICETEAM. No, I'm not being paid to say this. I just stumbled across this page and was surprised by the 1 star review. read more

I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon The Creative Group in Cleveland four years ago. As a recent graduate with a Creative Writing degree, I was desperately seeking work in which I could apply my passion for writing with my interest in marketing. Within a month of first contacting TCG, a recruiter there facilitated interviews for a position at a national craft retailer's corporate office, where I ended up working as a copywriter for about six months. When that gig was up, I was almost immediately transitioned into a different marketing role, and then finally a third role which led me to a full-time job at an ad agency. After about a year of working full-time (and no longer being paid through TCG), I was contacted by the same Creative Group recruiter who wanted to know how I was doing. I told her I was somewhat unhappy at my job, and she told me about a promising position elsewhere. Long story short, I've been at my current job for 2 years now and couldn't be happier. This individual at TCG -- having no obligations to follow up with me as I was no longer under a contract -- took the time to see how I was doing AND was crucial in helping me get to where I am today. She, along with the few people with whom I've interacted at The Creative Group, was just so great. The team over at TCG really cares about job-seeking individuals in the creative field and does an excellent job of matching candidates to potential employers. I was fortunate to not have had any lag time between temporary assignments, and I think I owe most of that to the staff at TCG and their tenaciousness; I always felt as though I was their priority. I've recommended TCG to many; both my husband and best friend have full-time jobs that stemmed from temporary work via TCG. Creative people seeking work in the Cleveland area: The Creative Group is for you. read more

I started my career as a graphic designer as a freelancer for The Creative Group in the Cleveland office and overall I think they were a decent company to work for. I was a recent grad and was having trouble finding work on my own when I found the Creative Group. Within two weeks of getting in contact with them they already had me placed with a client. I would recognize however, timing obviously plays a roll in this and all depends on the clients they have when. I also lucked out in that there was no specific time frame to the assignment, it was continuous. But again, that was luck. Overall their staff always seemed to have my best interests at heart and provided a lot of personal attention, continuous contact and help. They were all super nice people as well and seemed to genuinely care about both their employees and their clients. The only down fall of working through tcg was that I wish my compensation had been greater, but seeing as though it is a staffing agency, that is to be expected. It was a great company to start my career with and is definitely a good spring board to gain experience and further ones professional career in the creative field. read more

I have been with the Creative Group on and off for four years and feel fortunate to have had great opportunities for career advancement while still keeping a somewhat flexible schedule. I have specific preferences regarding the type of projects I take on, and they fit me with positions based on those criteria. I have built a great professional relationship with the recruiters at the Cleveland office and I believe they truly have my best interest in mind. The Creative Group offers a great alternative to full time work for a busy mom like me. Depending on your goals, they could also be a foot in the door for a full time job. The pay is not always comparable to independent contractor rates. This is expected, but can be frustrating knowing you're missing out on part of your rate. However, it's worry free...just fill out a timesheet: no invoicing. read more

After college I was desperate and frustrated as I tried to find a full time job. I went on 19 interviews before stumbling upon The Creative Group. I met with TCG to talk about my skills and experience and they matched me up for an interview with a prospective, well-known company. I went on the interview and landed a contracting position for the well-known company. Fast forward to a little less than two years later and I am employed full time with the same company I contracted with through TCG. There's no way I could have done that without TCG's initial help! Working with TCG was just the step up that I needed to land me the job and get my foot in the door. Yes you can find work on your own, but working with TCG was such a great advantage to where I was in my career. It's not for everyone, because yes you take a small hit in terms of compensation, but if you are looking for experience or are a young professional wondering where to go next - contact TCG to see how they can help you. They could be the help and push you need for your career and they are honestly there to help you in your job search! read more

I registered with TCG and within two weeks I had a position that paid nearly double what I was getting through any other temp agency. My recruiter, Sunya Yendo, was professional, friendly and did her best to sell me to the clients. She called me weekly and suggested several jobs until we found the perfect job that fit my skill set. I got the appointment for my interview the same day she called and asked me about the job. The interview was the following day and I was hired before the end of the same day. I would recommend TCG to anyone looking for a creative job that pays well and utilizes your skills. They are professional, do what they say they'll do and will work hard to get you into a position as quickly as possible. read more

If you are seriously looking for a new job, avoid The Creative Group. I had to call twice just to speak with someone and once I did, we had an initial interview. That was three months ago and since then calls and emails have gone unanswered. I was quite shocked and disappointed at the unprofessional nature of the recruiter, Sunya. She showed no desire whatsoever to help me find a job. In talking with others, their experience with her and TCG has been the same. You are better off conducting your own job search or using another agency because TCG doesn't want to help you. read more

As a freelance SEO content writer, copy writer and social media specialist, I always receive calls from recruiters from around the U.S. Taking on work-from-home or on-site three month assignment is a great way to supplement your freelance writing income. I signed up with The Creative Group in June 2014 and received a work-from-home content writing (contract) opportunity in January 2015. I was told it was going to be about 20 hours per week. However, the reality was that the contract wasn't going to start until February 2015 and was not 20 hours per week. So, be aware that the terms of a contract may change based on the client's needs or if in the beginning, a client mis-communicates to reps what they need. My reps at The Creative Group are easily accessible via email, text, or phone. They'll check-in with me to see how things are going and to tell me about potential opportunities. If you're looking for a career change or are a college graduate, I recommend that you sign up with The Creative Group. Why? Because working as a contractor gives you the opportunity to discover the following: 1. Do you want to work for a small, medium or large company? 2. Do you want to be a permanent contractor and work for various companies? 3. Do you one day want to run a business? If you're entrepreneurial, you'll see first-hand what it takes to run and grow a successful business. However, don't tell anyone you want to start your own business, unless you know you can trust them. It's usually best to keep your dreams to yourself -- share only with your inner circle. You may want to check out the job openings on the website of The Creative Group-Cleveland; you may find opportunities that are great fit for you. But understand that a contract may end sooner than you were told. For example, I was told that my contract was to end on March 20, 2015. However, it ended on March 2, 2015, which is 18 days sooner. Also, keep in mind that clients may not approve your time sheets on time. Creative Group reps will go in to the time system and approve your time, so you can get paid. And, your time sheet may disappear for some reason. It may be a communication issue between the client and rep and you, i.e., your contract ends before the scheduled end date and the rep removes your time sheet from the system, even though you entered your hours for the week. Your time sheet will be reinstated (you call technical support and they call your reps) -- you have to reenter your time. I've met and chatted with others who've worked for the Creative Group in the past, so you may want to give the company a chance. Best of luck to you with your career endeavors! read more