I discovered Smart Group through the Green Echo as there was a job advertised I was interested in.

I was a bit wary about going through an agency. I have dealt with agencies in the past when trying to find work and have sometimes found I would have been better off on my own: They either don't make the effort to ring me back, I have to chase them all the time for progress reports, they have a really awkward registration progress or I have been put forward for interviews which I am completely unsuited for.

I found Smart Group really different to deal with, everyone I spoke with was really friendly, helpful and approachable and they rang me with any news they had instead of me chasing them. I registered via email and was put forward for the job I was after within a couple of days. They dealt with the company direct and kept me posted with arrangements for the interview, and helpful hints and tips for interview technique. They even sent me a map of how to get there.

When I went for the interview it was exactly what I expected and I was really pleased with how it went. Liz at Smart Group had asked me to ring her when it was over to let her know what I thought and how it had gone. I told her I really liked the company and would accept if they offered me the position. Within half an hour Liz rang me back as she had spoken to the company and told me they wanted to offer me the job. It was that quick!

After I had been offered the job Liz was still liasing with me and the company on a regular basis, they arranged everything and made me feel really at ease. I started my new job in October and it has been really great. I'm really happy. Smart Group have phoned me since to check everything is OK so I have felt really supported the whole way. I would definitely use them again (although I hope I don't need to for a while!)

Candidate B