Pamela Neave

— compared to other recruitment agencies I used in the past, going into Pamela Neave was a relatively positive experience. Instead of turning their nose up at my CV and grunting about my lack of factory/​office work based experience, they sat me down and went through my CV with them. They told me which were ‘transferable skills’ and which sort of summer jobs were out there. I left feeling a lot more optimistic and confident, and was able to get a job within the next week. They didn’t pester me to get the latest job that was advertised to them. Instead, they carefully chose the right type of jobs that would suit me, which made me secure in the knowledge they knew what they were doing and not taking the mick.

My experience of Pamela Neave wasn’t great. Most of the work I do is in the media sector and a few years ago, when I was just starting out, I had to, on occasion; work some temporary jobs to get me by. Pamela Neave was one of the places I tried.
The problem with most high street recruitment agencies is they’re geared almost exclusively towards people with office based experience and office based qualifications. Some places, like Flair 4 Recruitment, appreciate that you may not be from an administrative background but will look to try and use your experience in a «transferable skills» kind of way. Other places, like Pamela Neave, look at you like something they’ve just trodden in if you don’t know how to use excel.
«I don’t care if you’ve got an MA or a PHD; can you type 60 words a minute?» Well no. «The pi** off», was pretty much the attitude. (I haven’t got a PHD, but thought I’d exaggerate the scenario for dramatic effect).

I know the recruitment agency’s of Bristol all to well. They can be judged chiefly on two measures, their ability to get you work and their ability to treat like a human being. Pamela Neave gets middling marks on the first measure and top marks on the second.
Located in Bristol city centre, it looks a bit tired and dowdy on the outside and this feel increases when you enter. Don’t let this put you off though. The friendly-​ish receptionist will give you some forms to fill out and then you’ll talk to one of the consultants. This is where Pamela Neave is a bit different — they actually seem to listen a little bit and don’t try to either fob you off at the first opportunity or steam roller you into work you don’t want. These might not sound like great achievements, but are nonetheless rare in the depressing world that is high street recruitment.
If you’re looking for work and want to be treated like person and not a commodity then head down to Pamela Neave.

Although a little old-​fashioned in appearance, the staff at Pamela Neave try their best to accommodate you and find work no matter how much or little experience you have. From anything to stock takes to charity fundraising or telephone operating the jobs are offered relatively often for a small recruitment agency. Try visiting here if you’re feeling a little defeated by the blank faced and bored looking staff at the other agencies, the friendly staff here will make you feel like a person again and may even remember your name after a visit or two.