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Innovations PSI
Category: Professional Services Employment Agencies Employment Agencies [Edit]
345 California StSuite 1750
(between Battery St & Sansome St)
San Francisco, CA 94104
Neighborhood: Financial District
(415) 392-4022
26 reviews for Innovations PSI
26 reviews in English
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Review from Ashley F.
Oakland, CA
5/11/2011
In the summer of 2010 I moved to San Francisco with only my resume to take me places. I had no connections in the city so the first thing I did was to reach out to several temp and employment agencies. I had several bad experiences with some highly rated agencies and then I found myself at Innovations and working with Laura Kent. Laura was personable and she definitely knew the market well. It was an absolute pleasure working with her.
I ended up taking a position through another recruiter, which ended up being a terrible decision. I was bullied into taking the offer and quickly regretted it.
Fast forward to 10 months later, I reached a point where I knew I had to get out of the hostile work environment I was in. I called up Laura and within a few weeks had an interview at a company I had interviewed with previously through Innovations. I was offered the job and Laura was there every step of the way. I only wish I had made this decision 10 months ago!
All in all, I would 100% recommend Laura to anyone looking for an administrative position in SF or the peninsula. -
Review from Isabelle W.
Fremont, CA
3/26/2011
I'm surprised at some of the reviews that have been written about this staffing agency. I haven't been with Innovations very long, but I work with Kurt Gundersen and yes, he is very pleasant. He's also very professional and gets his job done, within the limits of what's possible! Shortly after I applied I got placed as a temp receptionist at a financial firm in the city. It wasn't very long but it was a job and paid very well. And a week later, he emailed me again about another job opp he had found, as a temp with a video game company. I really liked that he had listened during our interview and knew what type of jobs would interest me. I had to turn that down unfortunately because I had another job, and he was very nice about it and wished me luck. Once I'm done with my current contract, I'll definitely be back in touch with Kurt!
I think the main thing is, is that you have to approach placement with the right attitude. It's not always going to be easy, or perfect, but it'll be better than sitting around at home melting your brain with daytime TV. -
Review from Zany C.
San Francisco, CA
6/20/2011
Overall I didnt have great experience with this company.
I sent my resume in to Innovations PSI about a month before I arrived in San Francisco. Kurt responded to me almost immediately to set up an interview. At this point I was very impressed as no other recruitment consultants were willing to do this for me before I arrived. They had all suggested that I rather get in touch at a later point. Fair enough.
Anyway, when I arrived at the interview, it was clear that he had forgotten about our meeting. He then looked at my resume and basically gave me the advise to register with other agencies. Between that and spinning me other ridiculous stories of how for a 1-2 day temping job is reviewed by the recruiter, it was apparent to me that I was not suited to their (very specific) needs. I was more than annoyed since I had given him the resume a month prior and he should've just rather directed me elsewhere at that point.
So be warned, they specialize in the financial field and are very inflexible as to your specific needs. I would not recommend this firm unless you have a financial background. -
Review from tabitha n.
San Francisco, CA
6/29/2011
Useless!!!
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Review from ChristineTheCritic -.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2009
Innovations was referred to me from a highly trusted resource, so I am sure that my experience was unique. My experience with the Innovations permanent team and Laura I. was very positive until I encountered Gregg Lawson, the temp recruiter. He is new to the team, has a background in real estate / mortgage, and has no prior experience with recruiting / professional services. I want to warn Yelp reviewers what my experience was.
To determine my hourly minimum salary for contract work (mind you, I have never been paid by the hour or done contract work until I was recently laid-off from a professional services industry) - he asked me if I was on unemployment benefits and how much I was making per month. It didn't dawn on me at the time that as an interviewer and recruiter, he shouldn't be asking a candidate that question because it is completely innappropriate and irrelevant to what my hourly salary should be. An individual's hourly salary should be based off what the job responsibilities are, their most recent annual salary, and their qualifications. Not how much they make on unemployment. But at the time, I was not thinking clearly and caught off guard.
He proceeded to take out his calculator in front of me, divided that number by 4 weeks, and by 40 hours per week. Then he showed me the number and told me that would be my minimum salary for Innovations contract work. When I told him that I will not accept that for an hourly minimum, he told me that he didn't want to waste my time or his.
Not only was his behavior incredibly unprofessional, but it made me question his motive and the interview did not resonate well with me. I have 4+ years of experience in HR and recruiting, and have never heard of such a question during an interview.
I decided to call and email Laura I. and tell her what happened during my interview, and ask if that was standard procedure of how the contract and temporary department determines a candidate's hourly wage.
She said "Gregg is new and still learning, and that is not standard office procedure so she would advise him of this." Though I understand what it means to be green, I think there is a vast difference between being new and being condescending toward candidates.
I appreciate that Laura handled this immediately, and appreciate her professionalism. She still continues to reach out to me about opportunities or leads, and I greatly appreciate that. However I will seriously reconsider working with Gregg going forth.
I network quite a bit in the local business community here, and remain well-connected with professional associations in various industries. We always exchange contacts and information - both positive and negative experiences we have had dealing with companies and recruiters. And I will not hesitate to share with these folks what my experience was like on the temp team at Innovations.
Edit: 3/31/09: Carolyn E. below ironically is someone I met at one of the mixers I attended. She didn't realize it was me until I left her a VM about her review stating, "I don't know what Christine is talking about." I wasn't joking when I said I'm well-connected and network a lot in this city. -
Review from Ryan A.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2010
Hey! Yes! Great!
It took them about a week to get back to me, which with the situation right now isn't that bad. Once I actually went in, however, the attention I received was about as good as it gets. Very friendly staff, professional, and honest. They were calling me 20 minutes after I left to offer me possibilities, and I felt very looked after. -
Review from Josh B.
Ashburnham, MA
1/26/2007
I actually found everyone I met at innovations to be extremely pleasant, and I have come to believe that they are reasonably sincere.
Mr. Gundersen persuaded me to come in by explaining that I should be earning 40K or more a year by temping in the SF Financial District, which he almost made sound plausible. He was extremely patient with me while I angrily detailed problems I had had finding work or wanting to keep the work I'd found, and the tests he let me take were really OK; he said I did fine, but he also let me take them again later that day when I said I thought I had underperformed.
None of these things was a problem for me. In and of itself, I also didn't have a problem with it when he laughingly dismissed my doubts about him actually finding me any work. Had he actually found any work for me these months later, I'd probably also still be taking it better that he laughed extra hard at the fact that I was working at McDonalds with my Master of Arts degree. Apparently he considered this job to be beneath me, but he still hasn't provided any substantive comparison for me between that job and any real options. Moreover; minimum wage is at least more money that all the jobs pay that he has ever offered me, combined (nothing!).
Please understand, then, that I feel I need to be as fair as possible to these extremely nice people in providing the following summary of Innovations Personnel Services:
Talk: Yes
Action: No -
Review from Josephine C.
Concord, CA
6/3/2010
Laura is terrific. She is sweet and very personable. She follows up often and checks in to make sure you're still in the market, and if any of your criteria has changed. She cares about placing you in a the right company. I know it's been difficult in this economy, but I've asked to work with more creative-esque companies and that is exactly what Laura looks for for me. They don't just try to send you on a job you won't like --- they really make sure you'll like it! I really appreciate when a company puts your interests first.
Kurt on the temp side is very nice as well. -
Review from Bernadette M.
Brentwood, CA
2/22/2008
Michele C. ROCKS! I haven't been unemployed for in over 10 years and this past month of looking for a job has been incredibly stressful. Interviews with staffing agencies over and over again...wanting the same information, filling out the same old forms... AHHHH! But Innovations and Michele were awesome. They have a beautiful office on California Street with very friendly staff.
No, I didn't land my new job with the help of Innovations BUT Michele was the only Consultant/AE (out of probably 8 companies) that continually kept in contact with me, was always pleasant and the one that eased my mind saying that I will find something because I was a "great candidate." She even has a blackberry and would respond to my emails during the evening/weekend. I was very impressed with her. Unlike other staffing agencies I've recently dealt with, she didn't make me feel like I was wasting her time and that I was just there, wasting money on Bart fare, to help Jane Doe fill a quota.
Bottom line: I HIGHLY recommend Innovations and Michele C. if you're looking for a job. -
Review from Jowin C.
1/8/2009
I dropped off my resume and I was hoping they would at least call me or e-mail me about it. But, I guess they were busy.
College graduate needs a job! holla.
//EDIT
FINALLY AFTER 49 DAYS...Gregg contacted me and offer to help. I boost you one more star! Laura called me to tell me they work with people with 2-3 years experience. I can't believe they didn't even offer to meet with me or give me some test to exemplify my administrative skills. Basically back to square one: nothing. However, I got some closure. -
Review from Cameron O.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2008
Innovations has been getting me work consistently for most of the time I've been with them. When they weren't able to get me assignments as often as I wanted, they recommended that I also work with other agencies at the same time. They even recommended a specific company.
They put my interests first and are exceptionally professional. -
Review from Jen M.
San Francisco, CA
10/13/2008
After relocating to the Bay Area, I sought the help of Innovations PSI to find temporary work while I looked for a permanent position.
Marion at the temp division was extremely helpful, and always had my best interest in mind. She was great at keeping me up to date on job opportunities, communicating the task at hand and always offered me positions that fit my needs. She offered a fair price for each position, and I would highly recommend that anyone seeking temporary employment seek her out. -
Review from J-Meoww W.
San Francisco, CA
11/20/2008
Innovations has been really good to me. Marion and Alima, specifically, are wonderful to work with.
Most temp agencies are super-flakey, but Innovations is completely professional. They'll return calls, set you up with work and keep in touch to make sure everything is going well. They've also been really good about offering me assignments close to where I live.
I can't stress enough that Innovations will return calls and emails. (So refreshing!) -
Review from Jennie M.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2009
Laura did a great job of meeting with me periodically to see if my search had changed and put me in touch with Marion on the temp side of the business as well.
In turn, Marion called me every week with new opportunities and eventually helped me find a great long term contract. I have really appreciated the opportunity and experience this contract position is providing me. -
Review from Elizabeth T.
San Francisco, CA
11/1/2010
I have found that every staff member I have met to be highly professional and knowledgeable, especially in the financial services community. They are working with me in executive recruiting and I feel like I'm in good hands so far!
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Review from Julie V.
Fremont, CA
11/11/2010
Back in 2005, Laura Imus was exceptional and landed me a few temp jobs when I really needed it. I had been to about 4 other temp agencies and never heard a peep from them, I'd definitely recommend Innovations.
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Review from Patricia H.
CA
10/26/2006
Pleasant people who make professionals with 15+ years of experience take their tests. No follow-up whatsoever.
Listed in: Employment agencies I've loved…
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Review from Danielle V.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2007
I can't say I know too much about their temp division but their full-time is great. Laura Imus placed me in a fantastic job approximately two years ago and I still love it to this day. Note to some candidates: Recruiters are busy people, therefore it's up to YOU to follow up with your recruiter. I highly recommend Innovations!
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Review from susan C.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2007
This particular S.F. Staffing Agency appears professional looking, upscale on the outside, but, the people are moderately intelligent, meaning they look smarter than they are.
They will make you take tests and they do give you the normal run around. If anyone has experience with them in "direct hire" & or temp. to hire.
Please contact me & let me know your experience. I'd like to compile a Stats report on them.
Thanks. -
Review from Alexis D.
San Francisco, CA
12/10/2008
Innovations was the first temporary work agency I got involved with and I could not be more pleased. I am now working with other temporary work agencies and still feel Innovations is a top notch agency that I prefer to get work from.
In particular, I worked with Marion who is not only enjoyable to deal with, but also dedicated and excellent at following through with work. Marion always provides accurate information pertaining to the temporary position. Marion understands the temporary work world and is definitely on your side helping you through your transition or whatever situation that has you landed in the temporary work domain.
Innovations is a great place to start your temporary work search! -
Review from Bethany K.
Los Angeles, CA
2/17/2009
so far so good!
i replied to a position they posted on craigslist on a friday morning and then laura kent got in touch with me within a couple hours. she asked me a few questions via email and then we we scheduled a meeting for the week following.
the office is bright and clean, they had me fill out some paperwork and then spoke with laura about my resume, experiences, etc. she forwarded my resume to the company (re: the position on craigslist) and connected me to marion re: temp opportunities.
(just a suggestion- bring your passport or driverslicenseANDsscard just in case you decide to fill out paperwork)
two weeks later, i got a call in the morning from alima for a day-of temp position in an office... and took it. everything was smooth, thanked them and found out that marion's no longer with innovations, and now it's greg.
i really wasn't sure what to expect from a staffing agency but so far so good! -
Review from Bridgette A.
Long Beach, CA
2/12/2009
I did temp work with Innovations over the summer, while I was on a break from school. Marion was SO helpful, and got me a ton of great jobs! I tried to sign up with other temping agencies as well, but Innovations was the only one that ever pulled through and got me work. They work with you to help you get the jobs that fit your skill set and wage requirements. As far as temp agencies go, I think it's safe to say they are one of the best! Marion is also WONDERFUL in terms of staying in contact... she's so available by phone or email.... it's really nice. Even now, though it's been 6 months since I worked with them, she responded to an email I sent her. If that's not the sign of a great company, I don't know what is. If you're looking for a place to temp, you cannot go wrong with Innovations!
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Review from Danny D.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2009
I have been working with Innovations about 3 years now. In my previous job they were the first call I made for temp work, permanent job placement as well as referrals for friends who need some job advice. Late last year I lost my job and Gregg Lawson was amazing in pointing me in the right direction and making calls to all of his contacts to see what was out in the market. Gregg went over and beyond what I think most people would do and I got a job within a few weeks. It is a tough market out there today but Gregg and the team has the experience to find the right person for the right job.
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Review from Frasher K.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2009
I had a great experience at Innovations and would recommend it to anyone out of a job. Everyone I met was extremely pleasant and treated me very well. I've been to other companies where the receptionist wasn't even nice to me or they just never called me back to begin with.
I met Gregg over the weekend and I told him that I was out of work and looking for a job in advertising. He informed me that Innovations didn't staff for the advertising industry but that he had a few advertising clients and could pass my resume along to their recruiters.
I met with him this morning in an effort to land some temporary work in general office administration, as I am willing to do anything for work at this point. I really appreciated th fact that even though they are not an advertising staffing agency, he took the time to meet with me. The interview went very well and he e en offered me a temp assignment helping one of his clients do some office reorganization (I don't really have any secretarial skills).
I will be referring my friends to Innovation. Innovations and Gregg thank you for helping me out and treating me the way you did; it is really hard to find any type of work in this economy and everything helps. -
Review from Amanda S.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2008
EVERYBODY at Innovations is so warm and friendly, especially Alima Connan, who was my recruiter. She got me soooo many interviews I actually had to turn some down. I talked to her at least once a day, but usually 2 or 3 times in a day about a potential interview. She emailed me all details and links to company websites so I could do some research before the interview. She gave me tips on improving my resume and how to dress for interviews. I did have to take a Word, Excel, and PowerPoint test, but that was because a company I was going to interview with had requested these things (I saw someone complaining about these in an earlier review, and honestly it's not that bad, it took me like 30 minutes and I swear a fourth grader could ace these!). I did work with the full-time dept. so I don't have anything to say about the temp division. The full-time crew is great though, and if you are looking for a job in the financial industry, I highly recommend Innovations!
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Review from Erin G.
Oakland, CA
1/12/2009
Innovations was recommended to me by a friend who found a permanent job with them. I had just moved back to the area after half a year away, I had no job prospects and was unsure of my long-term plans. I was a bit hesitant about going to a staffing agency, but I was pleasantly surprised by how fast they got back to me to talk and to set an appt for me to come meet them. Their office is impressive and hints at the type of companies they help to staff; upscale, top corporate firms in the city. They didn't make me take any tests, we just had a short interview and I went home. I wasn't sure what would come out of it, but soon after I was very happy with how quick they were about getting me work; first short one day temp jobs in the first week or two of meeting them, and then a longer temp job that stretched into an 8-week gig. I was even offered the position full time, and although I ultimately found another permanent job on my own, Innovations was instrumental in finding me work for the period that I needed it. They were always available and consistently followed up with me throughout the long-term temp job that I had. Most importantly, I always felt like I could go back to them and get more support if I needed it. I got the feeling that being referred to the company by a friend gave me more of an 'in' there, but that could just be a feeling. Nevertheless, I've since referred half a dozen people to them on the chance that they'll be able to help them as they helped me.
