Temp agencies in Chicago (Des Plaines, Kell: attorney, live, legal)

[crepella4]

Can anyone recommend a temp or placement agency in Chicago that's got some actual jobs? I've signed up with Kelly, OfficeTeam, Active, Advanced, Stivers, Larko, Manpower, Aerotek, North Shore, Express and Interview Consultants. I haven't worked in 4 weeks now and have excellent skills.

Thanks.

[brainiac138]

you might want to try North Bridge Staffing... they are located in the Wrigley Building on Michigan Ave. When I first moved I had a few jobs from them, almost all of them wanted to keep me in a permanent capacity. However, some of them didn't pay as well as the Office Team jobs I had, which were very few and far between. I would say go with North Bridge, do all the little tests and interviews, wait a week, let them get you a reliable almost decent paying job while you wait for something better to come along with the other agencies.

[Avengerfire]

Try Loftus and O'Meara

Loftus & O'Meara - Career Opportunities (http://www.loftusomeara.com/lhome.nsf/CareerOpportunities?OpenPage - broken link)

[Elder18]

Can anyone recommend a good temp agency in Chicago?

I guess I'm not really sure how they work in general. What separates a good one from a bad one?

Thanks.

[PhotogGal]

I'm in South Carolina now, but lived in the Chicago area until last December and worked as a temp for the past few years. I can't comment on a lot of different agencies as I only worked for two and only went on one assignment for one of those two. The one I worked for the most and really, really liked was Stivers. I'm pretty sure they have a downtown Chicago office, though I worked out of the one in Des Plaines.

[L N]

Hello, I hope somebody has an idea for me. After having relocated to Chicago because of my husband's job, and being in between jobs myself, I cannot find ANY temporary office employment. I have a J.D. and worked as an attorney for a year prior to moving here. The legal market is very slow now, and I don't have the Illinois license so I was hoping to get any type of temporary office job, but so far... absolutely nothing. I've contacted dozens of temp agencies with little luck.

I know the economy is bad, but this is the third largest U.S. city! I have a job offer from one company, but that job doesn't start till late spring. I would appreciate any suggestions!!!

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

This is the third largest city, but that means more competition, too. Now's a time that temp services have fewer placements for existing temps, so I'd imagine they're pretty booked.

I'd only recommend a little hunting around on Craigslist and the like to see if there's anything out there as a stop gap. That, and hound the temp agencies. Which ones have you contacted?

[knitgirl]

My experience with temp agencies is unless they have a job that you are an exact match for, you're outta luck. As a JD, you are overqualified for most temporary office jobs and that may be part of your problem.

[Lookout Kid]

I temped in Chicago when I first moved to town. The agencies tend to favor workers they've used in the past over newer applicants. And yeah, it's a crap economy where people are kicking and scratching for jobs!

[Anthera]

Try agencies that place Paralegals. You would make less than a temporary JD job, but its a foot in the door.