Can you trust employment agencies, are they shady?

I ask bcz I notice how its always some STRANGE OUTCOMES when I look for a job thru an agency. They'll send you out for a job, all will go very well, you get called back for 2nd interviews, etc., then you don't get the job. And it happens over & over. You don't know what's going on bcz the agency (the middleman) is doing your talking for you. I'm starting to think the AGENCY is the reason I'm not getting hired bcz the AGENCY is doing something and spoiling everything - like perhaps they're pitching for too high a salary - either way you don't really know why you didn't get that job but the agency builds your hopes high and its like a waste of time. Anybody know anything about employment agencies?

I worked for Manpower and Snelling with excellent results. Just go somewhere with a national reputation and don't type "bcz" or "thru" on your typing tests or resume.

The agencies are legit, but they paid by the employer, so they send out bodies like a cattle market. I dont like using them because there is simply far too much competition.

I prefer to ONLY apply to those jobs posted or advertised directly by the companies.

Employment Agencies have never gotten me work. I had appointments with the offices. I spent hours filling out paper worrk, W2 forms and taking computer tests. They give me my time cards and employee information. They never call me and offer me assignments. When I call them, the answer is always the same. They had nothing for me. I have a BA in Business Managment and I am computer literate. What is up with them? I have been to Apple One, Abigail Abbot, Dial, Thomas Staffing, Pro Staffing, Olympic Staffing, Volt, Kimco, etc., I see them at job fairs. I always tell them my experiences and not to waste my time. Each time they tell me they are different and they never are. Don't waste your time. Like the above answer, respond to job leads posted directly through the employer. Private industry as well as the public sector. Good luck.

I have tried Manpower and Burton, both with the results you have stated. I'm not sure why, but I'm guessing they are sending every application they can lay their hands on to the employer and the competition is pretty stiff. Its really difficult to go the newspaper ad route also. I registered through the state employment service, which you do not have to be unemployed or on unemployment to do so. Doesn't cost anything and they do not get any money. Well, except for my taxes paying their paychecks...

The agency is not looking out for your best interest they are looking out for themselves. With that said i would start looking in the classifieds and still try to get a job with the agencies looking. All the agencies i have worked for would not look for jobs i wanted so got away as soon as i could.