Boly: Welch

I was new to the state and my first stop was Boly: Welch, great staff, pleasant, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. They found me a job within the month. Thank you Boly: Welch couldn’t of done it without you.

Thought I should expand upon my review with further details, in case you’re wondering what the candidate experience is like at boly: welch. Before going in to meet with anybody, you have to take a couple hours of tests. Even if you are a mid-​career professional, you have to take these ridiculous computer tests straight out of the 1980s. It’s a demeaning waste of time. Tests include things like typing speed, excel, power point, etc. Absurd. Not only are the tests insulting and irrelevant to some job searches (such as mine), but they are very buggy and don’t work well on Macs. I can see requiring these tests for recent college graduates or somebody looking for reception work, but it honestly had ZERO relevance to my job search. Then, upon arriving for the interview, MORE tests are shoved at you, including a spelling test and grammar test. Yes, a spelling test. I haven’t taken a spelling test since grade school. The whole experience was so degrading. When I finally sat down with the recruiter, she didn’t even look over my resume. No discussion about my professional background, experience, job history, or career goals. This would all be great if I were looking for a job as a typist in 1983, but that just isn’t the case. I hear boly: welch has great contacts, so that must be what keeps candidates going back to them. It’s just really unfortunate that there isn’t a more modern, respectful recruiting company in town.

I recently relocated to Portland and from the moment I reached out to Boly: Welch everyone there made me feel like they were invested in my success. I have a pretty niche career, so was concerned about finding the right placement. Heather, Roxanne and Corbin went above and beyond to work with me and find me the best possible opportunities. I ended up with my dream job in less than 8 weeks, and could not be happier. I wholeheartedly recommend them for executive placement. They are consummate professionals, provide honest and constructive support, and have a sense of humor when it’s needed. The job search process can be stressful, and they knew exactly how to support me through the process and keep my chin up. Bottom line, don’t bother with any other firms. I was thoroughly underwhelmed by all others.

Little or no communication. I interviewed with them twice and never heard from them again. I emailed them twice about jobs I found on their website, but again no response. They claim they are very selective for the employers, but it turns out it’s laziness.

In October I quit my 100% commission job in search for a more balanced lifestyle. I am a well educated woman with lots of unique experience and felt that my search in a new career (more in the field of my degree ironically) would be relatively simple. Well I was WRONG. Portland is a very competitive area with more people looking than there are jobs to offer. My intent was to reach out for a recruiting agency that was attentive, communicative and professional in the Portland area. I went through THREE before I landed on Boly Welch one night. I had the pleasure of working directly with Shea and Sally at their office. They provide an extensive application that allows for them to get a very good feel of not only your experience, but your wants and needs, as well as your ethics, personality and character. This I felt allowed them to dig in and find exactly what I was looking for. Jobs I wasn’t offered after an interview they would call right after they heard from the respective business and would provide detailed feedback along with encouragement. After 4 interviews I landed a job in which met every want and need I was looking for. I have been there 3 months now and I couldn’t be happier. I would recommend Shea, Sally and the Boly Welch team to anyone! Thanks guys!

I have tried using several recruiters in the past, and they always seemed to disappoint me. I was first skeptical to use another, however I am so grateful I did! Boly: Welch, more specifically Brittney Rerecich, did an AMAZING job finding me employment. Brittney listened to my concerns, is very professional, and communicated promptly with me. The interviews just kept coming and coming. I am happy to say that I love my job and could not have found it without the help of Brittney and Boly: Welch! I would recommend anyone who is serious about finding a career to use them right away!

Edit: I have raised the review from one star to 3 because Mrs. Welch herself reached out to me to discuss the situation. She was polite and professional and wanted to work with me to address any irregularities regarding her office staff acting outside office company policy. The conversation was amicable which surprised me given the gravity of the experience being discussed. I truly hope our discussion helps eliminate any further inappropriate conduct. Even though she did not request it, I felt it necessary to express my satisfaction online by altering my review.
…
Was told flat-​out last year I would not be considered for a position because their client only wanted to hire women for an executive assistant position. When I told them that was illegal, they responded flatly with «yes it is.» I considered contacting Oregon BOLI, but after reviewing the state claims process, I concluded that I lacked the «preponderance of evidence» for my case to be processed.
It is a hell of thing to read on their website that they are so progressive as an organization… but only if their bottom line benefits I suppose.

One word: unprofessional. First, Heather asked if I would be interested in a particular job and said she would bring me in for an interview that week. A few hours later, she sent me a «Whoops! Turns out they’re only accepting applicants with experience in that field!» Then came the incident that caused me to lose all respect for the process at this company. I specifically told her I did not want to continue working in the field I was leaving, but she still recommended I apply at a «rival» firm of my then-​current employer. Before I had the chance to email her back to decline, a friend at that firm texted me wishing me luck on my interview there. I am APPALLED that Heather gave my information to an employer without my consent. She did apologize, laying the blame on the employer for blabbing around the watercooler, but she should not have mentioned my name to them in the first place.
I will say that Colby was very helpful in updating my resume. When it comes to the actual job search, don’t waste your time. I got a wonderful job on my own and am very happy.

If Boly Welch represents professionalism in Portland we should all be terrified. After applying to multiple jobs and not getting anywhere the lovely staff at Boly Welch sent me a tart email to discourage I apply again, let this not be confused with the generic auto response type of email they send to everyone. I would know the difference because I had received the professional generic email and the one that got me all hot and bothered was not the generic one.
When I responded to the tart email the owner reached out and contacted me. At first I thought this was for good will, sadly it was not.
I had the unpleasant experience of speaking with Pat Welch this afternoon and could not be less impressed. I respect following up on complaints about your business, but calling strangers sweetie and hanging up in folks faces because they are not buying the fluff you are selling is far from professional. Interrupting me and trying to speak over me so that she could feel better about her unprofessional staff was all too much. That was the most unproductive call I have had in months.
Nothing about my experience with this company was pleasant, and frankly there was no reason for this exchange to even take place. No part of me wants to ever interact with such rude and unprofessional people again. If this is how they treat potential recruits I am missing out on nothing by avoiding them in the future.

I have worked with them both as a candidate and client — they are not what they used to be, they have gone way downhill.
In recent years as a client I have found that their attention to detail is not good — they don’t pay attention to what is outlined in a job description and often have sent me completely unqualified or inappropriate candidates.
When one closely reviews their testing (manual tests) they make many mistakes on grading/​proofreading so their results are not to be relied on.
If they don’t happen to have just the right person at the time you have an opening — forget it.
They simply send over bodies for the sake of doing so and move on to the next job opening.
They are no longer recruiters — they simply try to match who’s on hand that may be kinda-​sorta close to what you’re looking for.
I would not use them again in any capacity — as a candidate or client.
They’ve gotten sloppy and provide very poor service.

Brittney at Boly Welch worked hard to find me the part-​time legal assistant position I wanted. In Vancouver! This is not an easy task. She remained positive and professional throughout my job search. She did all the work for me. Boly Welch has a great history and relationship with many of the first-​rate employers in the area. They will work hard to find the right fit for you!

Years ago I signed up with BW and had a pleasant experience. They helped me get into a good job and I was hired on with that employer. So when I was laid off last year, I signed up with them again. I spent a good amount of time filling out their online application and sent them a resume. Then I went in for an interview and had to fill out the application again on paper. I took over an hour’s worth of tests and then met with a recruiter who asked me if I’d brought a copy of my resume. After giving over this information three times, I was concerned that she couldn’t manage to print it out herself. We talked for a while and I went on my way with the understanding that I was to announce my availability by emailing every weekend. I did this and never heard a thing from them. For three months I waited. I called and emailed and eventually got an email response that said it happens and I should keep calling in my availability. Eventually I found a job myself. The whole experience was a frustrating waste of time.

BW is a business with great depth down from the receptionist to the recruiters. They are well regarded with many businesses and have great connections.
I worked with Brittney who is very hardworking, dedicated and determined — her work ethic is impressive! If you believe in yourself and have some top notch references to back you up, you will be in a good position to find employment. Patience and positivity will be key though! I almost got hired in 2 positions before getting permanent placement — for me, it took 3 months. It’s a very competitive time for job seekers.
While you’re looking for a permanent position, BW can connect you with temp positions! If you can, try and take some temp work. It’s a great way to make even more connections.
Overall, my experience with BW was inspirational and memorable. I will never forget it! Bravo and good luck to all the job seekers!

Boly Welch is hands down the best recruiting agency that I’ve ever worked with. I worked with Heather Gordon, Debbie Zurrow and also Andrew Welch. Each of them were supremely professional, yet personable and I felt like they truly had an understanding of what I was looking for in my career.
They were always available to have a heart to heart chat, and were thoroughly supportive, without pushing me in any one direction. I felt that they really had my best interests in mind.
I highly recommend anyone to work with Boly Welch if you’re looking for a team of professionals who will treat you with care and respect.

Heather Gordon is the consummmate professional. She is very up front, hard working and down to earth. I kid you not, with filing an application online to accepting a written job offer took no more than six days! A complete life changer, in less than a week. I owe Heather as many recommendations as I have an opportunity too. She’s already starting talking to of my friends. Tell her what you want, be honest, and let et you a great career. A+ Thank you Heather.

Here’s the short summary of my experience with this business:
— A rep from Boly: Welsh called me and wanted me to come in for an interview based on the resume they’d seen.
— I showed up 15 minutes early for my appointment, but waited an hour for the staffing agent.
— The meeting with the staffing agent was only 20 minutes because she wanted to go to lunch, but realized she left me in the lobby.
–After a few general questions, she told me my resume looked great and that it wouldn’t be too hard to get something soon and told me I did great on the tests they had me do online.
— I never heard from anyone from Boly: Welsh again despite sending a follow up email and voicemail.
— I found a job directly.
With all of the pre-​interview tests and forms I had to fill out, I’d say it was a colossal waste of 3 – 4 hours.

Literally one of the nicest, most professional and helpful employment agencies I’ve EVER visited. Charisse, Nicole and Sandy (who was actually heading to a meeting but managed to squeeze me in) were so amazing. Each of them took the time to find out what type of work I am seeking as well as offering valuable recommendations and suggestions all with a positive and friendly demeanor.
And in the end, if I find employment on my own, I will still stand by review as my experience with boly: welch was so lovely.
I would definitely recommend checking them out first before approaching any other agencies!:)

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE:
They are super nice when you sign up but afterwards they are negligent and unresponsive. I was with them for 5 months and they didn’t help me at all. I ended up getting a job on my own.
WHY ONLY ONE STAR:
— It took me 3 weeks to hear from anyone after contacting them. They never got back to my friend
— I went for Temp to Hire positions and the agent only offered me positions that I was clearly not qualified for based on the job requirements and therefore did not get the positions.
— I sent in my availability every week for regular temp jobs. I only got e-​mailed one job opportunity and tried to accept it but no one ever got back to me.
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend Kelly Services. They deal a lot more with big businesses in Washington County and they are all around better to work with.

I posted «useless» in my last review and left it at that. But it was taken down for not enough information to support my short yet accurate description. So allow me to elaborate.
I’m an easy going person with a ton of patience. I am also a highly qualified individual with a tremendous amount of experience in business and marketing. I relocated to Portland from Southern California and within the first week of my new residence I contacted Boly Welch for an appointment. I went in, took the tests asked of me and scored very well. I met with two recruiters and was told they would contact me with any possible job leads. «Swell» I said.
Weeks went by and I heard nothing. Of course I was looking into jobs through my own connections and sources but I was hoping to at least get a follow up call or email. Then one of the recruiters I met with called me. She left a message and said she had a great idea she wanted to discuss with me regarding a possible job opportunity. I was excited. I was intrigued and I called her back within a half hour of her message, because that is how I roll.
I heard nothing back.
For 2 months.
I called. I emailed. I left messages.
Crickets.
Now mind you this person called ME and left ME a message.
I can appreciate how busy people are. I can understand forgetting to return a call now and then. Can I respect and appreciate someone who just straight up does NOT make a minute of time to return a call or email for 2 months? It’s important to find work. That is why a person goes to a place like Boly Welch to begin with because work = money and money = living. I was disgusted to say the least. I called everyday for one week after getting the initial message. I emailed twice that week. After that I checked back in once a week via phone and email. After two months I gave up and decided to leave a message that pretty much expressed my disgust. And still it was very respectful and restrained but something along the lines of :
«Listen, you called me 2 months ago and I can’t for the life of me understand how you can be so neglectful when I took the time to come into YOUR office and take YOUR test and talk to you. Have the decency to return a call that you made in the first place.»
I got a call back that day. Apologies all over the place. But at this point who cares? I mean the entire situation was absurd and I had zero faith in Boly Welch and no interest in dealing with them.
In the end they did nothing for me. Shocking I know. I never heard from them again and I have since enrolled in real estate school, completed the coursework, passed the exam and joined a successful office all within a two month period AND with a one year old baby at home. (*Enthusiastically pats one’s own back).
BF out.

Boly Welch is a great recruiting firm, but you have to understand their business model compared to a lot of other firms. I’ve worked with them from an employer perspective (needing a candidate to fill a job), and an employee perspective (conducting a personal job search).
They have been easy to work with, and stick to their goal of putting the RIGHT person in front of employers, versus just putting anyone out there. People who do not get placed through them should not take offense because they aren’t just out there to find you any old job – they’re in the market to find you the right one.
In a world where Toms footwear and mini skirts seem to be the preferred interview attire, Boly Welch provides only the best fitting candidates for an open position, and from an employer perspective, that’s appreciated. At the end of the day it’s not just about how many years you have under your belt, but your personality and skills you bring to the table.
They focus on consulting as well as recruiting, and are typically win titles like «Most Admired Company» and «Best Green Company». The team is very friendly, and most of them have been with the company for 5+ years (a lot have been there for 10−20+). They are my favorite recruiting agency in town – and they’re local too!