I applied through a staffing agency. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Robert Half (Columbia, MD) in Apr 2012
Interview
When you register with office team, you go in fill out some papers (bring current professional reference information), and wait in the lobby for the recruiter to call you in. Dress professionally and bring extra copies of your resume. They tell you about the company and that they are a staffing agency, they have contact with the potential employer and if hired on you would actually be working for them for a disclosed amount of time until they take you on permanently. I was referred to the website for job availability.
Then the interview continued. I was asked what do you want to do? What salary are you willing to accept? Have you ever worked in a call center environment? Ect. Then they tell you about the positions that they have available to you. If you are interested he/she will set you up with a phone interview with the company. Then if that goes well the company will give them feedback and officeteam will set up the in person interview. If that goes well then you are hired.
Keep in mind that some of the starting salaries are on the low side, but do not be discouraged. It is the company's way of giving you a no obligation try out to see if they like you and your work. If all goes well they should want to take you on full time and your pay will increase by at least a few dollars an hour. It is also a way to get your foot in the door and work with the company.
I will say don't expect too much from the agency, as they have thousands of people they need to help find a job. They are your advocate and will help you, but be proactive and call them to check in every week! Good luck.
It was a friendly and relaxed experience. The recruiter seemed genuinely interested in you. Ended on a good note, though at the time, I didn't feel that their needs were a good fit for me.
I applied in-person. I interviewed at Robert Half (Los Angeles, CA) in Oct 2017
Interview
Met in person, the recruiter asked me to send her my resume online with a pitch elevator and then no news even after my follow-ups. Not Really professional to ghost people after interviews in person.
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at Robert Half
Interview
A quick and decisive panel followed by a few phone screens, overall a transparent and painless process.Hobest about the company and the position opportunities and challenges. It made for an easy and educated decision with so much transparency.