Recruitment agencies advertising jobs that are already taken or dont exist

_oveless_

Hi, I had an interview with a recruitment agency for a job I had applied for through them, it was in the morning so I had to organize time off from work. When I arrived we began a basic interview where I told them about myself, my experience etc. then after a while the interviewer thanked me for coming in and now that I was registered with them they would call me in for any suitable vacancies that became available. I was very confused and asked about the job I had applied for and had come to interview for, and she said that unfortunately that position had already been filled. Is this the norm for recruitment agencies? should I bother applying for any positions in future unless it's directly to the employer?

Shurimgreat

It happens a lot and one of the main reasons for the low standing of some recruitment agencies. In my experience recruitment agencies have improved in recent years but there are still an awful lot of cowboys in the industry who have no problem lying and lying again to you.

Most recruiters haven't a clue about the roles they are recruiting for. I find this particularly annoying when they try to "screen" you. The blank look on their face when you start to get technical is laughable.

The industry is largely unregulated and anyone can go into it and become an "expert" within a few months on the job. Its essentially a sales role with a lot of cold calling.

Some recruiters actually care about candidates, but a lot don't and are only interested in keeping the companies they recruit for happy or their own commission.

ABajaninCork

I find recruitment agencies here about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike, and just as professional. I've really had my eyes opened since I moved here. I've seen and read everything from CV harvesting, pointless meetings just so they can meet their targets, to downright lies. I've even read a post on here where a candidate seemed to be a perfect fit for a role. S/he applied. Agency told them they didn't have the relevant experience. Imagine the candidate's shock when they saw their CV word for word on their website for the same role they were turned down for!!!

Don't bother with them. Try to get a role through the direct route if you can.

the_syco

_oveless_ wrote: »

Is this the norm for recruitment agencies? should I bother applying for any positions in future unless it's directly to the employer?

You'll quickly find out which ones do it, and which ones have real jobs. Agencies can be annoying, but as some jobs only take people in via the agencies, there s sometimes no other way.

happysunnydays

Recruitment agencies in Ireland are the absolute pits and zero professional in contrast to my experiences abroad. They are making a bad name for themselves.
I know that 'blah blah' keep advertising for a specific position on all the job websites. I sent my details, no reply, so I contacted them, I was told they were receiving hundreds of cvs, ..... yet weeks later they are still advertising for same position.
Advise: Go directly to employers, skip the bollixes acting!

happysunnydays

Shurimgreat wrote: »

In my experience recruitment agencies have improved in recent years .

No they're not, if anything gone worse like great snake oil merchant with massive stetson and quack credentials. The thing is...you could have a great job abroad and be fooled into thinking that there is a position at home for you, that's deceitiful.... lulling people to come home for nothing! Proper prikology!

the_syco

happysunnydays wrote: »

Advise: Go directly to employers, skip the bollixes acting!

With the increase in numbers applying, some companies get the agencies if they can afford it, to cut down on the number of applications, and as such you may not be able to skip them unfortunately.