Jobhunting Question

[mmb 0]

Can anyone tell me if it's normal in America for Employment Agencies to charge fees to job seekers. At home I would expect any costs to be covered by charging the employer but I just ran accross an agency that wants $495 upfront and guarantees work.

It smells like a scam but I don't know if this is normal practice here. My husband is no help as he has next to no experience with agencies.

[*JG* 2]

I say SCAM all the way.

Employment agencies normally get the money from the employer after a job has been procured.

Don't do it!!!!!!!!!!

[payxibka 10,047]

Whether or not it is a scam is another question... There are plenty of agencies that do not charge the applicant and so simply locate and use one of them....

[tom&tata 2]

The employment agency got the fee based on my hourly rate charged to the company. They also got placement fee when the company hired me on permanent basis.

Edited April 10, 2007 by tom&tata

[homesick_american 1]

Can anyone tell me if it's normal in America for Employment Agencies to charge fees to job seekers. At home I would expect any costs to be covered by charging the employer but I just ran accross an agency that wants $495 upfront and guarantees work.

It smells like a scam but I don't know if this is normal practice here. My husband is no help as he has next to no experience with agencies.

Total scam. They should bill the people who hire you, not you. RUN, and while you're at it report them to the BBB (Better Business Bureau) in your area.

[mmb 0]

Thank's for the replies, I was willing to bet it would be a scam but thought maybe things here might not be what I was used to. I'm glad it looks like my instinct was the right one.

Although I've spent a fair bit of time here in America there are so many normal day to day things I know nothing about.

[Otto 83]

Thank's for the replies, I was willing to bet it would be a scam but thought maybe things here might not be what I was used to. I'm glad it looks like my instinct was the right one.

Although I've spent a fair bit of time here in America there are so many normal day to day things I know nothing about.

I'm not 100% certain 'those' places are scams (but not far from IMO) - but they typically present themselves as recruiters (usually for higher-paid positions) - scheduling candidate 'interviews' to get them in the office. The fee is typically not revealed until much after you've invested time in their 'interview' process and they have 'sold' you on their ability to market you.

They also claim more employers will look at your resume if they don't have to pay a recruiter's fee - this is false information. I've never known anyone who has used them or would admit to have anyway... If you have a resume posted on some of the popular job sites (Monster and Careerbuilder for example) you will likely get emails from these companies.

Personally - I avoid at all cost.