Contemporaries Incorporated

The team at Contemporaries, Inc. has been so great to work with. This firm is definitely who you want to contact if you are looking for temp work. Tuoyang has been my main point of contact, and he has worked very hard to find me positions. I was placed in my first position almost immediately after contacting contemporaries, and it was a great fit. After that ended, they placed me with a temp. to permanent position, which is exactly what I asked for. I am very grateful to Tuoyang and Donna and the contemporaries team!

Contemporaries provides a service that is increasingly difficult to find in today

Being from Boston, I thought finding a job in the city would be no problem. But, after coming back from college, I found the economy and job market a disaster.
I had a really hard time finding a job on my own. I worked with many temp agencies who had tried to find me a position, but it wasn

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Unfortunately this company, which used to be the best of Boston, has been struggling to survive and treat prospective temp employees like pawns in their money game. Sadly they use people when they are hot and earn lots of $, and ignore those same people who held their back when they find a new crop of fools willing to work for less. Have worked with this operation over the years and the pay scale has plummeted from north of $20 to the flat $10 per hour range. Call in, they tell you to call every morning at 7am, or there will be nothing. Ask for a call back if you are on their ""hotlist"" and they do so. Not on their hotslist anymore - never, ever, a call back.

Summary: They were the best of Boston, but not they are barely almost maybe a survivor in Boston. Don't believe the hype. Don't believe everything they tell you. Truth be told...

I had worked with Contemporaries 12 1/2 years ago when I first got out of college and it was a very positive experience.\r
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Whe I got laid off on a Tuesday and didn't know where to turn first. I had actually been looking for a new job for several months so my resume was ready to go.\r
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I thought back to when I had gotten out of college and called Contemporaries. Not only did they remember me they had me come in the next day and I was on an assignment by Monday.\r
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Some of my friends who've been out a while were shocked that it was so quick, I just tell them to call Contemporaries and get back to work.

I was hoping to move to Boston from out of state after finding a job, but after sending countless resumes without making personal contacts, I decided to move before finding a position. After moving, I was worried that I wasn't working, but determined to find a solution so I called a number of temp agencies. I felt I had a strong resume and was disappointed when multiple agencies did not return my phone calls. Then I called Contemporaries. They were able to meet with me the next day and had me working within a week or two. Although the first assignment wasn't a perfect match, Contemporaries was able to get me full-time long-term work, which relieved some financial stress. My second assignment ended up being that perfect match and led to a permanent job! I started with the basics of answering the phone and doing office work, but making connections proved to be the most important part of working with a temp agency. Contemporaries helped increase my time in the position, which allowed me to apply to jobs as openings were announced. I am fully qualified for my current position, however, my resume would have probably been overlooked had I not spent time in the organization. Thanks Contemporaries!

As a recent college graduate, finding permanent employment was a challenge. I was consistently applying for various positions within the fields of education, health care, marketing, and publishing. Although I interviewed for many positions and received many call backs for a final interview, in the end I understood that although I am qualified for all of the jobs I am applying for, the job market is extremely competitive. \r
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While applying for many jobs on my own, I contacted various Boston area temp agencies. Contemporaries was the only agency that lived up to their advertised standards of quality customer service and communication. A day after emailing them my resume, they immediately informed me that they had received it, and would contact me as soon as there was an opening. I was called back the next day! I was excited they found a job that meet my qualifications and career interests. Ultimately, that job placement did not occur (for reasons outside of the agency) however the agency put me on their payroll for day to day assignments and I was soon given a temp to perm position, where I am currently in the process of being hired by that company permanently.\r
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I am extremely happy where I am now. The position is the perfect match for my skill set and professional/ job growth. I would recommend Contemporaries to everyone, especially since I learned about them through word of mouth.\r
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Customer Service/ Communication, Timeliness, Job Matching, and Professional Guidance is excellent. Contemporaries Inc, is great at matching employees with an employer. They are different from other agencies because they have a keen sense for reading candidates and placing them in positions that match the employers requests. \r
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My review is based on my experiences with the office staff members including Touyang, Janet and Donna.

When I moved from Flint, MI to Boston I had a feeling that my new voyage into the city life might become overwhelming. However, I was wrong thanks to the help of Contemporaries. Prior to my arrival I sent my resume and within the week I received a call back.

Upon my arrival I met with their office and discussed my experiences and skill sets. I was then forwarded to their case worker Tuoyang. Within the next week he placed me into a long term assignment. I am really grateful for their assistance and would recommend any of my peers in need of work to their agency.

I met the team at their office and outlined my experience, and afterwards they said they had a client in mind with an open IT position requiring database and application skills that were a close match, but as they told me last week after I went permanent, they actually had plenty of other candidates with C# and SS2008 but they knew I was the best fit for the team I was joining, and I think they were right and I thank them for allowing me to have this opportunity.

Having come back home to Boston after grad-school with the job-market in the toilet - I decided to give temping a try. Thankfully, I found Contemporaries.

The first thing I tell people about this company is that once you are on the payroll, they make sure you have something to do. I've talked with friends of mine at other temp agencies who get hired and then sit around for months ""on-call"" with no assignment in sight.

Donna, the owner, is very personable and will work hard to place you in a position that you are well suited for. I knew I wanted to find an assignment that was temp-to-perm and I'm happy to report that I recently got hired full-time at a great company thanks to Contemporaries.

If you are looking to get your foot in the door somewhere in Boston, or just need some extra cash, Contemporaries is a great place to start!

I just moved into Boston after graduating from my University. They were able to place me right away into a temp-to-perm positon. Now after four months of working full 40 hour weeks, I have been offered the permanent position with a great salary and benefits! I couldn't be happier that I chose Contemporaries, they have really guided me into the business world and right after I graduated. They are very helpful and really take the time to figure out the perfect placement for you and their clients - job matchmakers! I don't know what I would have done without Contempories, fresh into the working world. If you're in a bind or just looking for something new, apply to them right now!

I graduated from Smith College with the class 2010, and trust me I know its not easy to get a job. Especially, when you dont have any years of job experience, or if you just dont know what you want to do after college.

I sent my resume to Contemporaries one afternoon, and received a call back immediately. The staff took the time to understand what my strengths and weaknesses were, assessed the skills I had to offer, and did an excellent job matching me to a job that I fit in both personally and professionally.

My experience as a temp has been amazing. It has given me the opportunity to learn more about myself than I could have ever imagined. My employer had the chance to get to know me and I also learned whether or not the job position will fit me in the long-run.

I was blessed to have had made the decision to contact Contemporaries where everyone is friendly and dedicated. They helped me get my foot in the door, and I have been recently hired in a place where I feel very happy, and anticipate room for much growth.

""The real world"" is hard, but you don't have to deal with it on your own. I highly recommend that you dont wait until the last minute. Let Contemporaries help you find your dream job!

Jess*

I returned to Boston from working in Europe. With my experience, they were able to find me work in days. In the midst of a recession I was working for Contemporaries 4 out of every 5 days. \r
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Jan and Donna are wonderful and actually try to give you work that you are looking for and only give you the ""random"" assignments when that's all they have. \r
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After a few months, I was able to get a full time position at a place I was temping.\r
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I had a great experience with this agency. They found me a job within 7 days of the interview/hiring process. The job wasn't advertised as temp-to-perm, but became so after I worked with them for a little while. I highly recommend them.

I started working with Contemporaries about 5 months ago. They did find me a job quickly, and at first came off as the sweetest and most caring people in the world. I felt so lucky as to have found an agency that really seemed to care for my well-being. However, as time went on, they have become sort of rude. One of the women there have sort of rash with me on more than one occasion, making it seem like I'm making her look bad. They have sent me mixed messages, and I am beginning to grow frustrated with their services. They have said to me ""I can find someone else to fill that position in a minute"", as if I didn't appreciate the position. It would be nice if they could show a little more respect. I'm a hard worker, and a good one at that. All of my assignments have loved me, and have had no complaints, it just seems as if Contemporaries get's bored, and nit picks you for reasons to scold you.

As good an agency as Ive worked with. The temp job they got me on asked me to go permanent after a few months soI cant complain. \r
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PSThank you - Thank you - Thank you Janet for all your help. \r
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Pros: They get you a job

When I moved to Boston late last summer I wanted to temp for awhile to get the feel for the job market. I e-mailed Contemporaries Inc. and within a day received a reply and had an interview scheduled for the next week. When they had a cancellation for that week's interviews, Rory called me and had me come in on a Thursday. Friday morning Donna called me to offer an excellent position that I had actually been looking at on some job search sites.

I started work the Monday after my interview and was recently offered my choice between two permanent positions. Working as a temp was absolutely the key to getting this job because my employers knew exactly what they were getting and I started my new position familiar with the people, environment, and processes, and without the first-day nerves!

The attentiveness of the Contemporaries Inc. staff blew me away. I went in thinking I would be just another number but after the first time I called them with a question I stopped explaining who I was because I never got past ""Hi, this is Cj..."" before they knew exactly who I was and answered my questions and gave me excellent advice and guidance.

Contemporaries Inc. helped make my transition to Boston a smooth one and I happily recommend them to anyone looking for work or looking for a new employee.

Pros: Professional staff and quick placement that went permanent.

I have to believe most of these glowing reviews are written by their staff.

The receptionist I spoke to on the phone was not only extraordinarily condescending, but also quite rude. If she is the face that this company is presenting, then it's a wonder that Contemporaries Inc. is still in business.

Not only did she talk over me on several occasions and make erroneous assumptions regarding my background and the types of positions in which I'd be interested, but she made it sound like there were 100s of people ahead of me ""in line"" whose needs would need to be met before I could even come in to test or meet with a recruiter. I understand the economy is rough and people like me are a dime a dozen, but a 9% unemployment rate doesn't mean you throw common courtesy out the window.

Instead, I signed up with another company who has already found me temporary work while I continue my ongoing job hunt. I'm not arrogant enough to believe that Contemporaries would miss my business, but if their receptionist keeps up the attitude then maybe they will miss the businesses who - like me - simply decide to use a stronger, more people-friendly company.

Pros: They sure sound great on paper

Cons: Pretty much everything else

I just recently moved back to the Boston area, and I am extremely fortunate to have found Contemporaries Inc. The contacted me as soon as I sent them my resume, and had me come in for an interview and testing. They asked intelligent questions, and listened carefully to my responses. They placed me in a temporary position within a few days. What I liked the most about my experience is that they found me an assignment in an environment that I had requested. Additionally, they have been very attentive by calling me and checking in. I highly recommend contacting Contemporaries, Inc. if you are looking for temp or temp to perm work.

Pros: Professional, Courteous, Fast and Reliable

I was fortunate enough to find this agency when I moved back to Boston earlier this year, as a friend of mine recommended them. I had worked as a temp back in college in the Midwest but didn't know what to expect here in Boston. The staff at Contemporaries guided me through the process and I was able to get a good paying temp job through them pretty quickly. Working with them made my transition back to Boston so much easier-thanks!

Pros: Professional, helpful

As a new client of Contemporaries, Inc., I was pleasantly surprised by our experience. Having worked with other agencies in the past, we were struck by Contemporaries, Inc. quick reaction time in identifying qualified, professional, temporary help. The temporary employee was punctual, well-educated and helped us successfully meet a time-sensitive project deadline. We will not hesitate to use their services again.

Pros: Excellent staff understood our staffing needs

I think the workers at Contemporaries are coming up with these positive reviews. If you want to feel belittled, disrespected, and still jobless, Contemporaries may be the place for you. What did you say? That you'll endure incompetence and being treated llke you're nobody for a job? Yeah, unfortunately so would I. But how about all that plus you DON""T get that $10/hr job from them. \r
They make it seem like the $10/hr job they offer is the holy grail. \r
You go to their interview, submit your resume, take a computerized test, and then call them twice a day, specifically at 8:30 am and 4pm, for a chance at one of their crappy jobs. From the questions she gave me, it was obvious the twenty-something year old worker there, Emily, hadn't even looked at my resume nor cared. When I asked if I could call in anytime or if it had to be specifically at 8:30 each morning, the girl said quite flippantly that I did specifically at 8:30 and that other people do it. So I call them at 8:30am, and they're like ""What? You're looking for a job?"" After I say ""yes, I am,"" they tell me right away without even checking who I am, that there are many people ahead of me looking for a job. No job offers, just more validation that they could care less with a condescending attitude. \r
I am a polite, educated person and I refuse to be treated this way. It's bad enough being jobless, but to be treated like you're nothing? I'm going to look elsewhere for my job

Cons: condescending, incompetent service, they make you feel small

Contemporaries, Inc. is a good temp agency located in the heart of Boston. The management and staff are professional and friendly, and work hard to hustle up jobs for their workers, even during this challenging recession. Unlike some other local agencies, they are scrupulous about staying in touch with their workers, and keeping them working.

Pros: professional, courteous, helpful

I have been a temp secretary for many years. Donna Fitzgerald and the staff at Contemporaries gave me the best temping experience I have ever had. They were always helpful, friendly, and ran everything smoothly and efficiently. Donna established a personal rapport wiith both her temps and her clients, and always made sure to match the right staffer with the right client. The clients I was assigned to for Contemporaries all had positive things to say about the company.\r
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I had to get a permanent job eventually, but if my circumstances had not changed, I would be happily working with Contemporaries still. I would recommend them very strongly.

Pros: friendly, personal, efficient, and professional

Cons: none that I know of

I moved to Boston in August and was lucky enough to find Boston Contemporaries. After working with other agencies, I can say that the personal touch at Contemporaries sets them apart from the competition. I would trust them over any agency. At a time when it was next to impossible to find a job, I appreciate that they took the time to fit me in a position that would allow me to further my career goals. Other agencies treated me like a ""product"" and only looked out for their own interests. I would recommend Boston Contemporaries above any other agency.

I moved to Boston in September desperate for a job. I had registered with several well-known agencies in the area hoping to hear back with any news of a job. Contemporaries was a pleasant surprise because not only did they place me on a job soon after my interview, they placed in an environment thats a perfect fit for my skills. After a few short months on the job, there is talk of me going permanent! I couldn't be more appreciative of the way the staff at Contemporaries responded to my needs.

Pros: Fast and personalized services

Cons: Can't think of any

Contemporaries is nothing if not attentive. I sent an inquiring email on a Sunday night and received not just a phone call, but a job offer by Monday afternoon. Though that first offer didn't work out, Donna and her friendly, helpful staff kept in regular contact with me until they found me a decent-paying administrative position at a medical office that may go permanent. \r
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The small size of Contemporaries is definitely an advantage--I've never felt lost in the shuffle or forgotten in the back of a filing cabinet. Whether it's for a missed payroll fax or a general check-in, they call me before I feel the need to check in with them. Another large temp agency I applied at kept me in the initial interview for three hours, then didn't contact me for weeks.\r
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My only qualm is that Contemporaries doesn't offer a health insurance program for its workers, one of the disadvantages of a small company. Fortunately, its other attributes make up for this lack.\r
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I'd always put off applying at a temp agency because I was afraid I didn't have enough office experience to qualify for any jobs, but Donna set my mind at ease. I've already recommended Contemporaries to people I know looking for jobs, and I'd do so again in a second.\r
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UPDATE: I have since learned that Contemporaries does, in fact, offer insurance coverage. I apologize for the confusion.

Pros: Great staff, quick offers of employment

Cons: no health insurance benefits

I moved here in July and needed a job. Contemporaries got me one very quickly after the initial interview (within a week). It was supposed to be a 12 week contract, but ended up going longer and eventually turned into a full-time permanent well-paid position after four months. I also was able to get two pay increases during my time as a temp. I've never done a temp agency before, but overall Contemporaries was a positive experience.

Pros: Quick placement, ended up with permanent job

Cons: Computer aptitude test was a little outdated, but still easy if you know MSOffice

During these difficult economic times it is refreshing to be a member of Contemporaries' temporary workforce. This is one agency that has a team of employment counselors that have vast years of experience. They are realistic and honest with their employees. It has been my pleasure to be one of their contract employees for almost a year. Contemporaries has consistently found assignments for me when other well-known agencies that I have worked for have not. \r
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Even when Contemporaries has not had a position for me, the staff has consistently kept in contact and even suggested that I register with other agencies. After following a staff member's advice and registering with one of the largest agencies in Boston, I decided that I preferred the personal approach at Contemporaries. At the large agency I registered with, I became disillusioned and felt like one of hundreds of bodies applying for that one available position. In fact, the large agency told me that I could not possibly get the higher hourly rates that I was used to getting at Contemporaries. When times are tough, temporary employees do not mind having to make some concessions on their hourly rates when they are kept busy, but when they are only offered $10/hour jobs that pay $15/hour or better at Contemporaries, you know you are being taken advantage of.\r
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Contemporaries is one agency that is extremely loyal to its workforce. The staff will get you the best rates that they can. Unlike other well-known Boston agencies, Contemporaries IS NOT posting non-existent jobs on Craigslist to recruit new temporary workers. Contemporaries consistently and repeatedly uses its established temporary workforce. The staff will not forget about you after you complete your first assignment and then move onto the next warm body. This is an agency that will keep you busy if you want to work. \r
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Contemporaries has integrity; the staff has a personal approach. Hands down it is the best temporary employment agency.

Pros: employment counselors are realistic and honest

Cons: can't think of any

Four days after a whirlwind move back to the Boston area from the South, I found myself in need of a job. I wanted a job that would ?make ends meet? in the financial arena, but also a job where I could use my current abilities while investing my work time in advancing my skill set. After ?relearning? how public transportation works (on a Friday morning, no less), I walked into Contemporaries, Inc. where I was greeted calmly and professionally. After interviewing with one of the staff, I felt at ease that this was the agency that would find a placement that I would enjoy. The staff looked at my particular skill set and placed me at a major university the following Monday. All told, on my sixth full day in the Boston area, I was working a full-time job! And just weeks from that nerve-wracking, public transportation scouting, semi-bleak Friday, the university is offering me a permanent placement! If you are looking to work with an agency to quickly find a well-suited placement, I would highly recommend taking the trip to Boston Contemporaries. If you?re looking to hire a temp, look no further. Boston Contemporaries is committed to placing the right person in the vacancy you have! And really, what could be better than letting someone else do all the hard work?!?!

Moving from Dallas to Boston was an adventure. Finding a job in Boston was a nightmare. I spent countless hours online sending out my resume, never knowing if I'd even get a response, running around to interviews with rude, impersonal staffing agencies that had me fill out endless paperwork and then say ""we'll be in contact soon"". What a waste of time! The second I walked into Contemporaries Inc., I was greeted warmly, sat down, offered something to drink, and then had a great discussion with the #1 Recruiter in Boston regarding what I was looking for, not what they were looking for. Within days, not weeks, DAYS, Donna found a great match for both the company and I right in the Financial District! All party's involved couldn't be happier, and should I ever need assistance finding a job in Boston again, I'm not wasting my time, I'm going strait to Boston Contemporaries Inc.

Pros: Great customer service, timely staffing.

Cons: Small staff and office.

When I came into Contemporaries, I told them that I just need to keep working until I started Graduate School in the fall. I?ve been with them for five months now and they?ve done just that. When my assignment at a local university was up they seamlessly got me another gig at very reputable real estate company downtown. I?ve got no complaints, the pay is good and I?ve even gotten to pad my resume.\r
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I?ve never used another agency, but I can say that the managers at both of my assignments have said that they are never using another company because ?Contemporaries has the best temps.? Working mainly with interesting recent graduates, I see what they mean.\r

Pros: They have good jobs and the pay is pretty good

Cons: I'll have to think about it...

Thank you Contemporaries for helping me to advance my transitioning career. I found this company to be extremely helpful in my quest for a perfect fit position. The gentleman I spoke with was nothing less than professional while the rest of the staff made sure that I would be both confident and comfortable before making a placement. \r
Searching for a job, any job, is tough. It is nice to know that this company cares about their employees and that they are willing to go the extra distance to make the best match, rather than just fill jobs with unhappy workers.

I went into Contemporaries two days ago and was extremely impressed by their professionalism and ability to place me quickly at a fitting position. When I walked through the door, I was immediately greeted by their administrative assistant who brought me in to meet with recruiters. They asked me what type of job I was looking for, when I would be available and how many hours, and my experience and skills. Promptly after receiving my resume and meeting with the recruiters, I was given a great job assignment. I start work tomorrow! None of the other four agencies I went to were able to get me an immediate placement. Although they might have appeared capable, being that they were bigger agencies, this smaller professional agency was the one able to give me the right opportunity.

Pros: experienced and talented staff

As a recent client of Contemporaries Inc., I highly recommend them to any professional seeking either permanent or temporary employment. My first impressions were immediately positive. I was tested and interviewed by professionals who took the time to learn about me and my skills. Within days I was given an assignment with a terrific company in Cambridge. Throughout my placement, the staff kept in touch with me and the hiring manager to see that the placement was going well. Contemporaries, Inc. is a first rate placement firm run by experienced professionals who are highly skilled in ""matching"" the right person with the right employer. If you are looking for professional service, call Contemporaries, Inc. first!

Pros: Experienced and Very Professional Placement Staff

This agency was so disappointing due to the time I took to go there. It was a very dead office and a woman by herself by the name of Donna. She twice told me how the office is busy in the morning and afternoon which I found odd when I was there. Phone never rang and nor were there other people working in the office. Other agencies are far busier with activity. She said to me she would have me right out on an assignment which I have yet to go out on one. I believe this agency is not representative of what she wants you to believe so it was disappointing. It did not seem like a professional environment either and rather outdated. If you want immediate work I am not sure this would be the agency for you as there are nicer ones which you feel are really working for you.

Pros: I have decided to go elsewhere

Cons: lacked professionalism and had a feeling of a being too small

I have have a mid-sized Consulting business in the downtown Boston area, and have worked with a couple of the temp. agencies in the city past to supplement administrative help. However, I have not been pleased with the agencies I have worked with, as their temps. have been extremely missing the mark. Either, they did not understand the type of person I needed, or they themselves were too immature to really understand how I needed someone quick and sharp. So, I did my research to find Contemporaries, Inc. I recently called in for a temporary, and was right away impressed with the woman who I spoke with through the phone. I needed a temp. ASAP and the agency immediately provided me with a highly bright individual who was at my office first thing the following day. I also felt the agency was very fair with their pricing for such short-notice. I no doubt will work with Contemporaries forward, as they seem savvy and seasoned to understand the type of people I need for my business, especially on short-notice at times. So, without a doubt I would highly recommend them as an agency of choice. Really nice group to work with for sure!\r
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Pros: Highly professional, real ""can do"" sense, and understands turnaround times clearly!

Cons: None so far!

As a small firm that does big projects, our firm needs to have the best possible employees. Contemporaries has always sent us top individuals for temporary staffing and has had superb follow-up. Each person that was sent was bright, energetic and fully capable of doing the tasks needed. I would highly recommend Contemporaries to any company or institution in need of temporary assistance.

Pros: Quick response, thoughtful staffing selection and excellent follow-up

Two experienced, friendly and efficient women run Boston Contemporaries from a small office in a convenient downtown location. Thoughtful and cautious, the duo takes the time to find the right person for the right job. Contemporaries, Inc. scheduled me for an interview the same day I emailed them my resume, and I had a job lined up a day or two after that. Even during a few weeks when for various reasons there wasn't much temp work to be done, Donna kept in touch with updates and found me enough jobs to keep me busy. In short order I landed at a major Boston university in a job that drew on my skills and interests. This evolved into a temp-to-perm situation that I have been very happy with.\r
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Some other notes: Contemporaries was very responsive and understanding on the one occasion when I was dissatisfied with a job, as well as the one time I turned down a job (for health reasons). I was also pleased to have many types of jobs in many different sectors of the business world, and I have learned a lot about office procedures, etc., in a short period of time.\r
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Contemporaries surprised me (in a good way) with their personal, personable style of business interaction. I highly recommend them as a temp agency if you are serious about doing real work in the real business world.\r
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Should I ever again find myself in the situation of looking for temp work in Boston, I would return to work with Donna et al in a heart beat. In fact, now that I am settled in a permanent job, I will kind of miss them!

I came in two weeks ago to Contemporaries, Inc. looking for a job without high hopes because I had been unsuccessful with prevoius agencies from New York City, where I just moved from. I am a graduate student that needs to make money, but good money, on the side. The owner and president Donna, started the search right away. I was surprised that she delved right in to find me a job; her commitment to finding jobs is fantastic and evident. When I came in for an interview her ability to accurately and honestly assess my skills along with her range of clients and years of experience placed me with what seems to be the perfect fit. Cecilia called me my first day to check up on how I was doing, making sure it was a compatible fit. Contemporaries, Inc. knowdlege and dedication to its profession, along with Donna's experience and savvy, made this a perfect fit. I would highly recomend Contemporaries, Inc.

I went into their office for an appointment last Monday, and talked to them for a while about what I was looking for and then they called me back later that afternoon with a 6 month assignment for a good hourly rate of pay, more than I thought I could get. They were so efficient and really nice to me. I can't believe it was that simple. \r
I started on Wednesday and like the new job. So I'm really glad I read these CitySearch reviews and made an appointment with Contemporaries. I had tried some other agencies which were okay but I definitely got lucky this time.

Pros: Good service

Cons: No parking

Two self-righteous, condescending and prideful middle-aged women run Boston Contemporaries from a small office tucked away downtown. Patronizing and rude, the duo never misses an opportunity to remind you of how incredibly precious their time, effort and connections are. As a former reseach associate and soon-to-be adjunct professor, their posturing and condescension were eventually too much for me to bare. \r
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From the moment I stepped in the door to try and change my appointment time, I could tell something was wrong with Boston Contemporaries. The two middle-aged women working there, Donna and Cecilia, acted as if I had just asked them to kiss my feet. ""We are a professional establishment, you can't just come in here unannounced!"" they shrieked in indignation. I retreated to a bookstore and waited the 3 hours until my allotted appointment time. Upon returning, Cecilia immediately brought up ""the incident"" and told me I was bordering on unprofessional by attempting to change their schedule. She then spent another 5 minutes reciting her resume and her vast experience with Fortune 500 companies, implying that I was lucky to be graced by her presence. The next day, she found me a $12 an hour data entry job and made sure that I knew that ""despite Donna's lingering questions about your reliability, we've decided to go ahead and try to obtain this position for you."" She said it would possibly run for as long as 8 weeks, but since I had already stated I was only in town for 6, I figured she would put two and two together if they ended up needing me for that long. But alas, when she confirmed that the job was available and I confirmed I was leaving in 6 weeks not 8, she was furious. ""What is your deal!?"" she demanded as we argued about who was to blame. After a five minute back and forth, I was finally forced to hang up in frustration and I haven't called back since.\r
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I would never, ever work with either of these women again.

Pros: Did get me a job offer, albeit low paying

Cons: Incredibly difficult to work with if you have an ounce of self-respect

I had tried to contact many other temporary agencies and they all left me, more or less, in a lurch. Contemporaries had a helpful staff that found me temporary work immediately. It has led to further opportunity and a foothold towards a possible career. \r
Once in the new position, those who had assisted me had took continual interest in my progress, oftentimes calling me to simply see how everything was working out. \r
Their staff is filled with lovely courteous people who will go the extra mile for a person who is serious about getting their foot in the door.

Pros: Lovely people who work hard on your behalf

Cons: A temp wage is barely enough to get by on

I am a VP at a Boston Investment firm and have had two great placements in a row by Contemporaries, Inc. I was pleased at how fast and painless the process was. Workers were smart and learned very quickly. I plan on using them again as do others in my firm.

I'm with an IT consulting firm and we recently got temps from Contemporaries. We were referred by one of our clients, and are extremely happy with the high quality of Contemporaries. Prior to this we worked with one of the well-known temp agencies downtown, and we were disappointed with the attendance, lack of quality and excuses. We were sorry we hadn't work with Contemporaries earlier. Thanks for the lack of headaches.

Pros: Good quality, no headaches

I went to Contemporaries website, and then immediately called them and was encouraged to come in for an interview as they just got a cancellation on an assignment. I went in to meet with the staff, and shared what industry I would ideally like to work, and was able to immediately secure an assignment. I was so impressed by the professionalism, thoroughness and how quickly they got me out on an assignment. I had previously dealt with a couple of other agencies, and did not even remotely get such a quick response, and right out to work. I am currently in an assignment, and without a doubt would recommend Contemporaries as a Staffing agency of choice!

Pros: Professional, matched me to compan I wanted to go and quick response

I took time to come take their tests, but I waited for about 20 minutes before they were ready for me. The tests were normal temp tests, and I have above average computer skills. They acted like it would be easy to find work, but I don't think they have the connections. \r
I called often, and I was very flexible, but they made lots of excuses why they couldn't find temporary work for me. \r
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Don't waste your time. I wish I wouldn't have. I think the other reviews were written by their staff.\r

Pros: Acted Nice

Cons: Couldn't deliver...

Donna does a terrific job at identifying and retaining talent in her ever growing network of professionals. She did an excellent job for me, giving me challenging assignments which added to my practical experience. I have been managing sales for companies, one of them, my biggest client, came to me through Donna. I would highly recommend Contemporiaries, they are the true pros in the Temporary Job Placement industry. \r
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G. Ramos - Brookline

Pros: Fast, effective

I am the Senior Vice President at a Boston Real Estate Development firm. My assistant recently went on maternity leave and I needed reliable temporary help. I tried 6 different staffing firms but was disappointed with the level of service and quality of candidates they provided. A business associate recommended Boston Contemporaries and I have been extremely pleased with the result. The Contemporaries staff is very easy to work with and they found the perfect candidate on the first try. I would definitely recommend their services to any busy professional looking for a top quality staffing firm.

Pros: service, follow up