Aquent...what are your thoughts?

[D-Frag]

So with the interviews and job postings going downhill quickly. And me sick of working 2 jobs to pay the bills. I recently signed up with Aquent. My best friend landed what I would call a dream job from this agency. He has his own office (with a window :eek: ) dual monitors (PC) and a mac. His office is decorated to his liking, and most importantly he makes $$$!!

So I signed up after seeing a designer position in the paper that paid $55K a year, and Aquent was representing them. Aquent hasn't gotten back to me (its been about 4 days since uploading my resume). So im a little concerned, in my personal info on the Aquent site they have my representatives name, phone number, and email, although I haven't used it to contact them yet.

So my question is, has anyone here used them? What was your expierence? This company is global, so im sure some of you have thought of joining, or at least heard of them.

Im not looking forward to all the testing I have to do, but I am hoping that this will be the last notch in my graphic designer bed post.

So let me hear your woes, and pros...

[D-Frag]

wow, don't all jump on this at once.

no one on this site has heard of Aquent?

[Kool]

Hahahaah, I guess not D-Frag :D

[PrintDriver]

D, my only experience with them was when I was fresh out of school and they wouldn't let a new grad take the tests. They "have a standard to uphold". Doesn't make em snotty though, just concerned for their image and ability to get the job done. And I've thought about hiring a temp from them on occasion (but we've always found a freelancer to do the work).

And they sent out these really neat fuzzy postcards once (LOL!).

I'd say go for it.

[uncle carbunkle]

go for it - whatever works, right?

i have no direct experience with them, sorry.

[greyghost]

I see them hiring temporary people in Tampa all the time. I always wondered if they were any good either?

[Crimson]

Aquent got me a Job at Galyan's until they got bought out by Dick's. It worked out that someone there got me my current job that I am happy with. If you can get them to find you a place they take pretty good care of you. Insurance after working a month or so. I was happy to work with them but they can't do much about the waiting game - Nature of the beast to get open positions. Overall, I was happy. Aquent helped me get good steady work, paid me the most I have ever made at the time and put me in a place doing actual design. A prepress environment is all I ever had since graduating 6 years ago. Prepress is good work but just doesn't pay as well as designing. Work with them if they can get you a spot.

[D-Frag]

awesome crimson, thx for your input!

[wienerdog]

I wasn't able to test with them until I had a few years experience. I tested with them late last year when I was unemployed, and found their testing to be ridiculous. I tested twice on InDesign and only scored a 2/5, and apparently you need a 3/5 to place you. Meanwhile, I've tested "Above average" to "high" on tests with two other agencies in Philadelphia. So my experience with them was less than stellar.

[PrintDriver]

Like I said. They have a standard to uphold...