Message #71576

[gee4]

Unfortunately Susan, yes!

A few years ago while in between jobs, I was hired as an Events Administrator to oversee the opening of a new hospital building.  Everything was going well, I had created a guest list, sent out invites, was co-ordinating replies and preparing registration lists and name badges for the big day.

I asked the Consultant who placed me in the role if I could take a day off for my birthday.  I made the request well in advance so that a temp could be put in place for the day.  I never thought for one minute a fiasco would occur.  A temp was found and I did a handover with her but got the feeling she was not very sure of things, however  I trusted that she had been vetted and took my leave.

Upon my return I discovered the invite database had been messed up and the various replies were not processed as they should have been.  I had previously set up a mailmerge for name badges and had to re-create what I had already prepared.  As you can imagine I was livid.  Here I was re-doing work that should have been a walk in the park.  Not only had the Consultant misplaced a temp but she had also messed up, and I was left to look a complete fool.

I was so angry I phoned the Consultant and gave off and explained that all my work had to be redone.  They of course could not believe what had happened and soon after I left them and took up a permanent job elsewhere.  I did of course fix the mess and saw the job through to the end but didn't quite enjoy it as much as I should.  Prince Charles was the VIP who opened the new building and we all got a momento of the day.

Not sure how this could have been avoided but recruitment agencies do need to vet staff more closely.