Northwest Staffing Resources

NW Staffing was great in the early 2000s but seems to have gone way downhill.
I reactivated in spring 2011, filled out all the forms, etc. 9 months later, not one peep — not even an automated, chirpy «Here’s how to spruce up your resume!» email. I know, you’re probably thinking «Yeah but maybe you are a weak candidate.» Maybe, but I did well with them in the past, have lots of experience, strong Excel and database skills, willing to do any job, etc. etc. And anyway, tell me straight up if that’s the case.
In contrast, I walked over to Manpower and immediately met with a friendly staffer who offered me a job within 15 minutes. (I have to sign up online of course.)
The attitude was weird at NW Staffing, too. The receptionist called a staff person to ask about me. The staffer didn’t have the courtesy to talk with me, but she was right around the corner. I could hear her voice from not 8 feet away just out of sight discussing me. In general, they seem distant and pretty worthless.

This agency has a micro-​detailed online application that took about an hour to complete. After registering online and submitting my resume (in addition to the lengthy application), I called to follow up. That was back in mid-​May. I was told «a recruiter will call me…» I called to follow up twice more (one week later, then a week after that) and was told the same thing. I never heard a peep from a recruiter or from the agency.
I have successfully worked as a temp in Portland and also in Seattle and have over 7 years office experience and great references.
It could be that the job market in Portland is abysmal — moreso than an employment agency would want to admit? I find it rude and unprofessional, however, to have required such an extensive application process yet not return my calls or get in touch with me in any way.

I went through this agency when I got to Portland, and got hired permanently at my second assignment. The first one was cool, but not ideal. Therein lies the magic of temping, if you don’t like it you can try something else. I had a great experience with this agency, they were responsive and professional, and seemed genuinely interested in my job satisfaction. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a quality job.