Access Staffing

If you have the credentials (degree and experience) and the right attitude, Access can help you upgrade your career. I worked with Debra McAllen to fine-​tune my resume and get me my dream job. She has a lot of experience placing candidates and knows the right people. Go in with an open mind, hear what opportunities they have, be patient (it’s the employers dragging their feet, not the recruiters), and you can find a great job.

I was searching for a new job, and applied to a few different positions through Craigslist and Indeed. Although the staffer who helped me the most (Debra) was very nice and helped me in finding an amazing job, I would suggest that the recruiters reply to job seekers in a less vague manner. I received an email from the company a few hours after submitting my resume, telling me to meet them the next day at a specific time without any sort of introduction or background. I am glad I got to work with Debra, who helped me spruce up my resume and have the opportunity to work in an amazing place.

I am actually surprised to be writing a 5 star review for a recruiter, considering all the bad interactions I have had with other companies in the past.
This was the most efficient and effective team I have ever worked with. I worked with John Thomas and Wendy Stern. John was able to meet me initially after work hours so it did not interfere with my previous position. He helped me polish my resume and showed me a position that he thought I would be a good match for. I wasn’t so sure about it but he thought it would be good so I was introduced to Wendy who was working with him on the role. They set up an initial interview with the company within a couple days and a second interview quickly after that. They were right I did like the job and I thought I would be a good match. I was lucky enough to land the job and it has been a great start. The best part about this recruiter is they put the effort in by talking to you before and after interviews, keeping in contact about the status of the job and your standing with it, and catching up after your first week; they know how to build a good relationship and I appreciated that. I know a lot of reviewers have had a bad experience and I can understand because I have had bad experiences at recruiters, but as far as my experience here I would highly recommend this team. I got an excellent job in just over week after meeting with them and I am so happy. I’ve been recommending them to all my friends.

I’d probably have to chime in and echo the sentiments of several of the more recent dissatisfied reviewers here.

All the staff here was really helpful, got 2 interviews set up within a week of meeting with them and already received an offer within that same week. Gail Cancelino and John Thomas checked back in with me often and really made me feel their support and that they were hard at work for me! Thank you guys! I’m recommending them to all my friends seeking a position from now on!

I received an email from John Thomas asking me to call him regarding a job he had for me. I left a couple of voicemails and emailed him, but no response.
Don’t let Access waste your time. Find another agency that cares about you.

SOOO Horrible. DO NOT use this recruiting agency, it is a waste of time and they are the rudest, least helpful recruiting agency I have ever experienced. Try BCL Search, they are great!
I am an experienced Executive Assistant and have made it to 3 different final round interviews in the past 3 months, 2 of which I turned down because I did not like the boss, 1 of which the other candidate was a better fit. I was brought in to Access twice, for two different positions.
My first experience was with John Lowery — brought me in for an EA position for a cancer research hospital. Most of my experience/​education is in real estate but I was excited about this opportunity, so I went in. Immediately, I overheard his manager say (rudely) that «she (the client) would never choose him». The whole experience was very awkward and not friendly or helpful.
The second time was with John Thomas. I chose to oversee the prior bad experience because they had an exclusive on a EA position with a large RE Developer. I spent over an hour and a half in the office, speaking with 3 or 4 different people. At any given moment I would suddenly be left alone in the office for 10 – 15 mins until the next person showed up. I was then grilled about my salary I currently receive, how I pay taxes, where my money comes from, my relationship with my boss, continuous questioning me if I had ever been arrested, inferring that I am lying about something, saying «somethings not adding up» and so forth… so awkward.
Then to add to the already horrible, waste of time, experience– I later receive a phone call that they are not going to be able to submit my resume because they cant find my company on the internet. Mind you, I worked for a private Real Estate Investor/​Developer with a small operation, and there is no need for an internet presence/​website. Everything about my job was legitimate however they were not convinced for some strange reason.
So therefore, after an intense interrogation about my finances, long phone conversations, and a very long interviewing process in their jenky office with buzzing lights and dated finishes (good indication of how well the agency is doing…), I finally received a call that they would submit me for one of the roles and needed me to call back with my availability for interviewing since the company that they submitted me to, wanted to meet with me. Needless to say, I did NOT call her back. Terrible, TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE recruiters.

A recruiter reached out to me on Linkedin looking to fill a position. By the time I responded — mere hours later– the client had suddenly changed their requirements for the job and I was no longer a fit. Fine.
So I inquired as to whether they had any other open positions in the area that would be a good fit. I even went as far to list several that were posted on their website and included my resume. Radio silence. I went on the website and filled out everything hoping to get a different recruiter. The system ensured me that I would get an e-​mail in 48 hours. Radio silence again.
Completely unprofessional. Completely useless. Don’t waste your time.

I worked directly with John Thomas and Debra McAllen who were both tremendously helpful. They took the time to get to know me, what I was looking for, review my resume, and even prepare a mock interview. They went way above and beyond!

So… I’ve been applying for jobs on LinkedIn and
. I recently receive a random email from a woman, giving no introduction, no hello, no signature… just demands my salary and bonus expectations. After asking who she is, she (Elena, look alive) condescendingly remarks that I submitted my resume to her. Oh did I? Because I have no recollection of sending my resume to a recruiter; let alone to one who’s rude, unprofessional, and apparently who doesn’t have the time or courtesy to introduce herself. Must be really busy over there.
Stay away from this company. I’d rather scoop up horse shit than to take a recommendation or referral from these people.

There are so many wonderful things I can say about the recruiter, Debra! She’s not only the best recruiter but she ensures that your needs are met for any position that you apply to. I’ve referred a few people to her and she never disappoints. If you’re looking for a reliable, honest and someone who responds to your questions immediately through a phone call or email then she’s the recruiter you want. I love my current job and all thanks go to her.

NO NO NO. Horrible. John Thomas is HORRIBLE. Had no idea why I was calling, yet it was right after he asked me to. Told me he’d call right back and never did. I called him and he said I’d never get a job in my salary range, told me «good luck» and hung up on me.
Incredible that ANYONE would be like that towards a person looking for a job — ESPECIALLY when that person makes money when you do!

I filled out their online application and attached my resume. They said somebody would contact me… never did. I sent them an e-​mail… they ignored it. Not very reputable!!!

I had a positive experience from Access Staffing. I worked with Debra McAllen and she was incredibly helpful. She helped me out from start to finish.
I first met with her and gave her my background. Then she sent me in for testing in the testing room. After that she set me up with a firm and helped me prep for the interview. The prep went well and I was able to get out most of the nerves I had before the interview. Without that interview prep I probably wouldn’t have been able to land the job.
I’ve dealt with a lot of recruiters and I know sometimes they’ll meet with you and then you don’t hear from them ever again. She completely changed my impression of recruiters and I definitely recommend her to anyone in the legal field looking for a job.

It says a lot about this company that the reviews as of late (2015) are negative. I feel the same way. BUT let me tell you my story… In November 2014 I was recommended by an old coworker to try this agency. She warned me that they are good, but you have to call them and follow-​up with them. I was weary because of reviews here at the time (YES. Unilocal IMPACTS MY LIFE.) But decided to see for myself. Nothing to lose right?
My recruiter was Salwa. Love her! Her enthusiasm and friendly personality at first struck me peculiar, but she was also really hardworking in terms of getting me a job fast. I found a new job after my first interview. :)
I am not particularly crazy about my job so I mentioned to her that I wanted another placement. She actually cares and asked why.
Unfortunately… She left access and now I am left with a new recruiter who HAS NEVER called me, emailed me or in any way notified me about his existence for close to 2 months now. I try calling him and no one answers. I leave a message at the front desk and no reply… DAN YOU SUCK.

I had a very positive experience with Access Staffing. Maggie Chandler, the recruiter I worked with, was simply wonderful. She was very responsive, calm, and honest with me, which I really appreciated. She guided me well through the entire interview process, and with her help, I was able to land the job! I was very pleased with my experience working with her. She was very thorough and understanding throughout the entire process. I’ve been working with staffing agencies for a few months and have encountered many different recruiters, and I must say Maggie is excellent. I will recommend her to anyone looking for a new job or career change.

They are ALL about getting you and reaching out when they have something wonderful in place, but when you try to follow-​up with them, they have nothing to say.
Was sent on an interview back in November — was told that the hiring manager LOVED me and I was wanted back for a follow-​up. Hadn’t heard anything, and I did my end by following up with Access — and each time it was «they have a call with them today so we will keep you posted, they really liked you!» Figured maybe due to the holiday, there was a hold, so I let it go. Come January, I decided to do another follow-​up «sorry for the delay, will get back to you». Nothing. Only come to find that the role was filled — via LinkedIn, the person that was hired, showed up in my «People You May Know» list.
Access Staffing is not professional. You can relay that the role was filled, I’m an adult, I can handle it — but to not have any type of response back or keep me on hold is ridiculous.

Sent in my resume to Access and received a reply a day later. As many others stated I also received the sketchy «When can we meet» message however I was willing to give them a try. They were nice and professional when I went in and introduced me to multiple recruiters which meant even more exposure to jobs. However watch out for RIC BOLT he will lie to you blatantly to get you to accept a position.
He lied and told me that a position came down to me and another person but if I took $ 2,000 less than I was asking I would get a raise in a September (I started in June) and a bonus. I was naïve and agreed however September rolled around and I heard nothing. In fact I later found out that I was not competing against anyone else I was the only candidate they liked, so I ended up making less than I would have if I’d remained at my previous job. I was speaking to another employee who also worked with Ric and she also said he lied about a position to her saying that because the company made an offer to her it was too late for her to interview at another company that would have paid double. Be warned.

I applied for a job and unbeknownst to me it was posted by this staffing agency. Ten minutes after applying I received an E-​mail from the apparent VP of the legal dept. The whole e-​mail back, consisted of the following four words: «when can we meet». Thats it. Seriously? This is the most unprofessional e-​mail I have ever received in my life, from the VP no less. I most definitely will not be dealing with them.

Horrible experience. It sickens me that people like these have jobs and I, who actually WANTS to work, am still trying to find a job. The recruiter who a friend recommended me to, Quwana Ocasio, was ridiculous. First of all, it took me 4 DAYS to get in contact with her. And when I spoke with her on the phone she sounded angry for no reason, like this isn’t what she’s being paid to do. Anyway, when I get there 10 AM, she has me waiting for 2 hours, comes out of her office, CONTINUES TO MAKE IDLE CHIT-​CHAT, VACATION PLANS, etc. like she doesn’t see the man sitting right in front of the Reception desk and then, minutes to 1:00 PM she realizes I’m waiting for her.
Gives me a brief rundown of what they do, reviews my resume for 5 minutes and then tells me to edit and e-​mail my revised resume based off what her advisement was. I send it same day and have heard nothing from her since. This was a while ago! Save yourself the trouble and go to a company that’ll actually care. I hope Quwana, or better HER EMPLOYER sees this and handles the matter accordingly.