Truex Metier

There is something to be said about a recruiter who knows when someone is a good fit for a particular company. It could be a natural ability, concise concentration or just over all social intelligence. Whatever it may be, Aisha was able to place me in a role where I not only felt an immediate sigh of relief, but a connection within the company that made me think to myself, «this is a great fit for me!»
This recommendation is for Aisha and Truex for taking careful care of its candidates and making sure that the role you are placed in is right for you.
There is a lot of taboo about recruiters, but I will be the first to say that Aisha will not place you unless she really believes it will work in the end. Not only that, when you have self doubt, she will coach you along the way.
Good recruiters are psychologists, friends, match-​makers and business professionals. I am happy to say Aisha is one of these to me and I would highly recommend her.

Since there are two different locations SF/​Palo Alto and this their newest branch in the area, I’m posting the same review that I posted on the SF office’s page. Nevertheless, my opinions remain the same!
For my first experience with a staffing agency, I must say I was continually blown away by Truex Métier’s dedication to their mission and their candidates (individuals who they help find jobs for). This agency was recommended to me by a friend and honestly, I came here fresh out of college and wanted the experience in developing the skills I needed to really build a future for whatever career pathway I set out to pursue. I really conveyed this to the recruiter I was working with. She understood what I wanted and I really must stress that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions! Because honestly if you’re new to the job hunting scene like I was, no question is too small, too general and they definitely are not silly, trivial or stupid. The position you will end up with is for YOU after all. With time and patience, you’ll get a good job/​s to build up your resume and/​or start you on the pathway towards success in whatever career you strive to pursue. Just don’t expect it to happen automatically and right away, patience is a virtue and when it comes to where you’ll be spending a good chunk of your time — the job you end up with should be worth it! Right? :)
THE PROCESS:
1. Send them your resume!
2. Wait to be contacted & proceed to schedule an interview with your recruiter, which is where they’ll get to know you, your skill set, and what you’re really looking for in a job position
3. Go to the Interview with your recruiter. (Don’t forget your resume and dress to impress! Ladies — keep your hair pulled back or down :) and be professional
4. Await for them to inform you of positions that align with your skill-​set and goals, etc. etc. Remember, it’s important to note that you don’t have to say YES to have every opportunity. Though I must say, it doesn’t hurt to give some opportunities a chance but if you’re really not feeling it — don’t force it on yourself (I mean or do, I’m not here to control you nor do I know your situation haha) So after you let them know that you are available for an interview, & guess what? They help you feel even more prepared by sending you practice questions for the interview. The recruiters also help you role-​play the interviews as well, which I found to be incredibly helpful. They also really help you out with your resume! They give you suggestions so as to improve your resume so that’s it in tip-​top-​shape to be sent out! So honestly, — I’m not joking these recruiters DO CARE and that’s a definite plus. :)
5. The rest kind of just flows through depending on if you get the position, if you accept said position, etc. etc.
6. Don’t forget to email them weekly to keep them posted on your job hunting status (aka are you even still looking for a job?)
Overall, if you’re a looking for a Staffing Agency and you’re in the Bay Area — Truex is a great choice because they truly care and will coach you and help you find that job (s) you desire. :)

I have to say that I don’t normally do reviews because I am not very good at giving them, but considering Truex Métier helped me find my dream job… well, I thought I would try and give something back :)
My experience with the Palo Alto office (I also have experience with the San Francisco office which will come after this,) was with Aisha. Aisha had worked with me for awhile and knew my skill set and what I was looking for. There was a couple of jobs that she talked to me about to see whether I was interested or not, but was always up front with me about the pro’s and con’s and if this would be a job that I would want long term. Well then came this Biotech job that did NOT want to meet with me, as I did not have a degree which was what they wanted… She knew I would be perfect for this position because I more than had job experience for the position they were looking for. She fought for me, and after they saw a few candidates, reluctantly agreed to meet with me, after I took a few tests. I took the tests the same day (Microsoft office, word composition, etc.) Well once I passed those tests, my interview was set for the following Monday (this was on a Friday.) I was extremely nervous for this interview, because on paper, it sounded like an amazing job, but I was nervous that I would not be what they needed. Aisha was so amazing about keeping my confidence up and going over the description, and giving me advice on how to be better in the interview, to make sure I would be confident and wow them. She also checked in with me the morning of, and after the interview. Once I met with the two superiors for the interview, I was still nervous afterwards but more at ease after finding what they expected in this role and knowing I have had previous experience doing exactly what they wanted, just in a different field. The very next day… Aisha called me back and said I have great news for you! They want you! I was so excited. Aisha then has checked in with me during my first month of employment to make sure that we are both happy and that this was a good match. Also, when I have questions about anything, she usually gets back to me promptly (I think the most I waited was 24 hours.)
Now this job is only a contract job, however, my boss (one of the superiors I had interviewed with,) loves me so much, that she is trying to work me in the budget so that I can become a permanent employee and part of the team permanently. I LOVE my job and the people that I work with, and I have to say that even if I am not able to stay here, I will have been blessed with everything I have learned and adding to my skill set as well as my resume. I have no doubt, that should I need employment again, Aisha will find me something amazing. She truly wants to make a fit and not just find placements. She wants to make sure it is a TRUE match and will be there for you, should you feel nervous ;) or to coach you about said employment or resume. I am extremely grateful to Aisha and Truex Métier for really believing in me and making this work. This is not the first time I have found employment through this agency and I have NOTHING but amazing things to say. They really do care about making matches and not about finding placements.

I worked mainly with the San Francisco office but I’ll note my experience for this division too since I also worked with them and enjoyed doing so.
So, I initially connected with the SF office thru Jessica C and she was generous enough to connect me with her Southern San Francisco colleagues. I met with them in the SF office since they come up for a weekly meeting. Since Mary Ann oversees both office, it’s pretty much the same experience, so my other review applies:
For this location, Valentina was my go person and it was very pleasant to work with her. She’s very communicative and didn’t pressure me to go for any job that wasn’t right. That was not my experience with so many recruiters up here in the Bay Area and that’s what made working with Truex Métier pleasant and enjoyable. Plus, it’s so much better for the clients too. I don’t know how the other recruiters that pushed me to go for jobs that I didn’t want build trust amongst their clients. Truex Métier really made sure I wanted the jobs I went out for and that’s really the only win-​win situation for client and candidates.

After working with quite a few staffing agencies in the bay area, this is one of the strongest agencies. The staff are professional and really seem to care about the success of the people that they place. I got the feeling that I was more than just a number or a «placement» to be dropped into a client site. Really great prep for interviews and follow-​up post-​interview.

I responded to a job ad on Craigslist and was asked to come in for an interview with Aisha and Valentina. They were both lovely people; however, they got me really excited about a job, interviewed me very thoroughly, promised multiple times to follow up «either way» within a week — didn’t, I emailed them — and they promised to follow up again, and never did. They told me my resume was one of their top picks for this particular position and that they had close contacts at the company I applied to, but. nothing happened after that. It’s totally acceptable and understandable if I didn’t get an interview, but I felt like they over-​exaggerated my chances and made false promises. I must emphasize how friendly and comforting Aisha and Valentina were, but in the end, it was a let down, and essentially a waste of my time.
As far as the setup, Aisha made sure I was aware beforehand that their office was located in an apartment building, and I read the Unilocal reviews about the setup too, so I wasn’t surprised when I got there, but it still felt a little strange. When I knocked on the door, it took a really long time for them to open it – long enough for me to consider turning around and leaving. I could hear someone use the restroom from the outside, and then two people (probably Aisha and Valentina) talked about where they would hold my interview since all the rooms were taken. When they finally opened the door, there was another TM employee interviewing some woman in the living room who was raving about all her skills («SCHEDULING, DATA ENTRY, TYPING, I CAN DO IT ALL.»). It was a bit odd. I felt like I was invading a conversation that should have been private, and I was hoping I wouldn’t be interviewed in the same manner. (I wasn’t; they interviewed me in the building’s lounge area where residents and guests could walk by and sit and listen in if they wanted to!)
I’ve worked with other recruiters/​temp-​agencies, and they just seemed a bit more professional and organized. I’m sure TM is great for some people, but it wasn’t for me.

Very unprofessional recruiter. She asked if the reason I left a position that was too demanding was because someone younger needed to he in the position… really, Valentina? I will never work with this agency again.

I had responded to an add on Craigslist about a job, and a few weeks later was contacted by Shelby at the SF location. We scheduled to meet later that week and when we did, she recommended I get in touch with Valentina because I was looking for a position more inland. After getting in contact with Valentina, we scheduled a time to meet and she was very patient with my busy schedule. We met and talked for about an hour as to what position I was ideally looking for. Valentina was incredibly friendly but very honest at the same time (in a good way). She made a few suggestions about changing my resume (and that after I could send it to her and she would make any corrections necessary to buffer it up), and what to wear to a future interview. Literally a day after we met, she contacted me about scheduling multiple interviews. I was shocked and so excited at the same time. After scheduling my interviews she would call and email me the night before to prepare for potential interview questions and to also give me some insight and some background into the companies I was interviewing for. After about two weeks of interviews, I landed a perfect job. I couldn’t be happier with where I am working now and I never would of been able to land this great job without Truex or Valentina.

Mary Ann and Valentina are fantastic!
Many times when you go for an interview, there seems to be a need to alter who you really are… you have play down your energy if you’re energetic, you use words in the conversation that you wouldn’t use on a daily basis… I think everyone knows there’s an interview you, and you outside of that setting. I immediately felt comfortable, and felt as if they wanted to really get to know me and what I was looking for. It enables them to place you somewhere that’s truly a fit. The part that isn’t common isn’t that they can make you feel comfortable and open, but they’re able to do that wile also professional and polished.
I would recommend Truex Métier to anyone looking for the RIGHT job. I’m happy to be part of the Treux Métier team!

This place is awesome! Valentina reached out to me about a year ago and she was very professional through the whole process. She listened to what I wanted and helped me improve my resume and interview skills. I was always very prepared. I got a job at the second company I interviewed with and have now been here a year. Couldn’t be happier! Would definitely recommend

I am forever indebted to Truex Métier, I am currently working at my DREAM JOB and would not have had this opportunity without Shelby and Valentina.
Initially, I was approached by Shelby from their San Francisco location, then quickly introduced to Valentina due to my desire to be in the Valley. I met with Valentina in their Palo Alto location, we chatted and discussed my career goals and a couple of the positions they had available. I spoke with an additional colleague and the owner during my meeting, which I felt was pretty standard; anyone who has interviewed in the Valley knows multiple people will interview you.
The following day Valentina asked for my resume and suggested that I make some revisions. I didn’t hear from her for over a week afterward but, it wasn’t the end of the world because I was too busy to even notice. When I did hear from her, I was driving to work and she wanted to submit me for an EA position to support a very well known executive. Despite my lack of a college degree, she was able to get me an interview. Valentina called that night to prep me for the following day and we spoke for quite some time. (There is no guarantee that the questions or topics will be discussed in the interview, it is only to prepare you in the event that it comes up and you shouldn’t rely on that preparation alone.) In the morning Valentina called me before the interview and wished me luck, it was super helpful.
The interview was intense. Nothing could have prepared me for it. But, to be fair, I had some practice with Valentina and the panel interviews I went through weeks prior with other companies. None of the topics or questions we discussed the night before were brought up, however I was still able to answer and explain myself pretty eloquently.
The day after Valentina calls me to say I am getting an offer in a few days. I should be excited but, I had just received another offer from a large well known tech company with a short deadline to accept. Valentina helped push along the process and I ended up with two extremely strong offers. Valentina talked me through both, pointed out pros and cons and helped me make this life changing career decision — I couldn’t be happier.
I hope that TM can help more people how they have helped me. They give you a chance at opportunities, but in the end it’s up to you to make something out of those opportunities.

I was contacted by TM and was urged to meet with them with the promise of discussing a particular job. When I got to their office, which is an apartment, I was given a seat so that I may be asked some questions about my resume. During the course of the interview, several others came into the room (we were seated just inside the front door without any privacy). At one point, there were 5 people interviewing me. I’m a professional with over 20 years of experience, so I wasn’t uncomfortable but found this to be unprofessional on their part.
At the end of the interview, I was told that candidates weren’t yet being put forward for the role I’d driven over an hour to interview for. What?! Yes. This was a complete waste of my time. Avoid this place.

Helen Bowers at Truex Métier is the BEST recruiter I have worked with. Helen is professional, caring, perceptive, responsive and above all she really listens. Ultimately Helen is looking for a long term match, and it shows in how thorough she is in getting to know me. We met in addition to several phone conversations so she could really understand what my skill sets are as well as what I’m looking for. Helen really wants to understand the job and she will do research, ask questions, problem solve, advocate and negotiate on your behalf. She always follows up with me on any feedback or updates so I’m always kept in the loop. I walk into interviews feeling confident and well prepared because of Helen. I’m so glad I met Helen and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a top notch recruiter!

I absolutely agree with the other reviewers who rave about Truex Métier. Everyone I have worked with in this company has been exceptional… professional, friendly… gone above and beyond the call of duty.
My first conversation (a phone call) with Helen was definitely the most in depth conversation I had ever had with any temp agent. She really took the time to get to know me, find out what are my strengths and weaknesses, and try to find out what I could bring to the table with a company. I was so impressed — I had never in my life, worked with temp agents who paid THAT much attention to detail. And both Helen and Valentina were SOOO sweet… you really get the impression that they truly care about their clients.
I hate to say this but there are a lot of temp agents out there that are flaky, don’t return your calls, or bring you assignments that are absolutely NOT what you want. That being said, I have to give credit to ANY temp agent because it is an incredible amount of work to manage a ton of clients and candidates, keep track of who is who, and return everyone’s calls on time. But… the ladies at Truex Métier still manage to pull it off beautifully… it’s really refreshing to work with people like Helen and Valentina!
As a crazy coincidence… a few times, my husband’s ex wife mentioned that she wanted to introduce me to a friend of hers who was really, really good at getting people jobs in VC’s and Private Equity companies in the area, but we never got around to it. One day she mentioned her first name, and I said, «Do you mean Helen BOWEN??» And she said yes, and I said, «I just spoke with her, she’s my temp agent and she IS awesome!» Also, Helen reminded me so much of one of my girl friends who is an EA — super sweet, detailed, caring… I emailed her and raved about Helen, because she is looking for a perm position right now, and as it turns out, she already knows Helen, and raved about her too!
Anyway, Valentina and Helen helped me get a really good temp assignment on Sand Hill Road. I won’t say the name of the company but can tell you it is one of the most well known and highly respected VC’s in Menlo Park.
Susan was very helpful in terms of taking care of my paycheck /​timesheets, and even sent me a reminded to turn it in when I forgot. Another awesome thing about Truex Métier is how QUICKLY you get paid. Timesheets are due on Monday and you get paid on TUESDAY. How’s that for speedy service??? I’ve never seen any agency operate that fast. I love these guys!!!
Also, Shelby got me an interview with a really great company… when I heard about the company and looked at their website, I actually gasped, it looked sooo nice, and the girl I spoke with was really sweet. I ended up accepting another job offer that was closer to where I live, but I appreciated Shelby sending me that lead so much.
Thank you Helen, Valentina, Susan, and Shelby. You ladies are wonderful and I will definitely recommend Truex Métier to anyone looking for job on the Peninsula!

Phenomenal… Outstanding… Incredible… I could go on and on about the team at Truex Métier… But I won’t… only long enough to say that as a novice to the whole recruiting process I was incredibly unsure of how it worked and how I would fit into it; but it is safe to say that after using the services at Truex I will never go back to job hunting the same way. I had the pleasure of working with Valentina and Helen at Truex and let me tell you they really care about their candidates, not just in placing you at a «job» but essentially finding you the perfect match.
As I approached a junction in my career I knew I was ready to move on but I wasn’t entirely sure how to make the jump that would allow me personal and professional growth. Truex assessed my needs and desires for potential growth and placed me with a career that allowed for both. If you are looking for a run of the mill agency than this is not it!!! The whole team at Treux works diligently to prepare you for your placement and goes the extra mile to make sure you are happy in your new professional «home».
Not only is Valentina warm and inviting but she genuinely cares about her candidates and makes you feel right at home during the process. She has set the standard for all other recruiters for me and I could not be happier to provide her and her whole team with a glowing recommendation. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the whole Truex team and would recommend them to any professional searching the job market!

In my job search I actually had contact with several recruitment agencies and I have to say, hands down, that Truex Métier was by far the best, most professional one I worked for. From the beginning, Valentina and Helen seemed genuinely interested in me as a person and spent time getting to know me. I believe they are successful because they go to lengths to really get to know both the companies who have hired them for staffing and the people they are considering, in order to make the appropriate fit.
Valentina spent time assisting me with my resume and Helen spent almost an hour with me on the phone prepping me for my interview. I really felt as if they believed in me, and this made all the difference in my self-​confidence and belief in myself.
I highly recommend this agency over all others in the Bay area!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Truex Métier. This is a truly special agency, staffed with really caring and hard working people who pride themselves in their work and provide such a high level of service.
I have worked both with Valentina and Helen, and they are truly wonderful! They have been so supportive and helpful in the process of trying to find the best fit for a career opportunity for me. They’ve helped me every step of the way, from prepping me for interviews to providing feedback on my resume to maintaining a high level of communication between both me and clients.
I’m so grateful to have worked with such a great agency! Thanks, Truex.

The Truex Métier group is outstanding. They vet all job hunters carefully and only send the most qualified applicants to their customers, saving time for both candidates and clients. If you are a job hunter, TM spends time interviewing you to determine what your abilities and desires are for your next position. TM also spends face to face time with the Clients, assessing their needs. Only a few qualified applicants are sent to the client, avoiding time loss to interviewing candidates that are clearly not a good fit.
I strongly recommend Helen Bowen, VP Truex Métier and Valentina Nesci, Talent Acquisition Manager of the Palo Alto Office of Truex Métier for your next job opening, whether you are a job candidate or client looking to fill a position.