Sanderson Reviews 

Very disappointing recruitment experience — 2 months wasted

Honestly, I’m really disappointed with how this whole recruitment process was handled. It took around 2 months from the interview stage, and throughout the process I was given the impression that I had been successful and that the only thing left was the usual checks. I was told these checks could take around 45 days.

Because I was told I had got the role, I genuinely believed everything was going ahead and made decisions based on that. I even turned down another job opportunity because I thought this position was secure.

After waiting for around 2 months, I was eventually told that they couldn’t proceed because of one negative reference from a previous employer. I had already explained the situation surrounding that reference and provided evidence and information to explain what had happened. I also had other positive references, but unfortunately it seems that this one reference was enough for the client to withdraw the application.

What has made the whole situation even more frustrating is the communication. There were long periods where I heard nothing and I had to keep chasing for updates. At one point I was told that they were still discussing the situation, and I waited weeks before contacting them again. More recently, my recruiter told me he would get back to me, but when I didn’t hear anything, I had to chase again myself.

I completely understand that companies need to carry out reference and security checks and that a client can ultimately decide not to proceed. What I find difficult to accept is being left waiting for so long after being told I had been successful, especially when I had already made decisions based on believing the job was going ahead.

This whole experience has put me in a very difficult position. I’ve now been out of work for around 2 months, and the uncertainty and lack of communication have had a really negative impact on me personally.

I’m not writing this because I expect them to give me the job. I just feel the process could have been handled much better, with more honest communication and consideration for the candidate. If there was a possibility that the application could be withdrawn because of the references, I feel that should have been made much clearer much earlier in the process.

I hope they take this feedback seriously, because behind every application there is a real person making decisions about their work and their future. Three months is a long time to be left waiting, especially when you believe you have already secured the job.

The experience with this recruiter is the worst. They advertise the roles and then completely ignore you. Dan (Bristol Office) ignores every communication. Reputation is poor amongst peers who all say the same and won’t apply through Sanderson. They are alienating professionals who have voices in the industry and won’t deal with them anymore. Today’s candidates are tomorrow’s clients. I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone

I was contacted by someone called Harry via indeed. Harry had seen my CV and thought it would be good fit for a certain company. He told me I could get a higher salary then I was already getting. I was asked to do an online assessment and he would ring me back. I passed the assesment.
Harry then asked when I would be available for a first staged interview, to see if I would be suitable for an actual interview.
I work 8.40 to 5pm Monday to Friday with every other Thursday off working that Saturday. After explaining this Harry seemed a hit miffed. It was arranged for me to have a teams meeting on my lunch break.
Before the teams meeting Harry tried to call me, even though I had explained I was at work and could not take calls.
I was told during this teams meeting that I wouldn't get paid the amount I was asking for because I didn't have the right experience. This confused me because I never once told Harry I wanted that amount money per year, he put that forward.
I was informed in the meeting I had a lot to work on for the actual interview, the things Harry told me to say or explain wasn't ideal for the interview.
It was arranged for me to have an interview 2 weeks later.
I couldn't just take a day off work for an interview.
I had a job and needed to protect this.
After my teams call Harry called me almost straight away, asking when my interview was, I explained when it was and he erupted saying I needed it before then, I would have to give 4 weeks notice at my current job and that would mean I couldn't start until September. There was this massive urgency around it and to be honest he's whole attitude put me off.
I don't understand what the urgency was and why he was coming over so pushy.
Harry called me and text me a few times, again I'm at work and cannot take calls or answer text messages.
I had told him a few times I couldn't answer he's calls.
I decided that I wouldn't attend the interview and the message I got back from Harry, well I've blocked him and he's tried to call me.
Sorry but if i say I'm not attending an interview and explain my reasons why, this isn't excuse to keep contacting someone!
If a company is that desperate for staff there must be something wrong.
I don't like pushy people or anyone whom harasses me.

By other reviews I've just read I'm not the only person whom has been treated like this.

I know they work on commission for every successful candidate but hounding someone isn't the way to go about things!

I think i will avoid this company at all cost in the future.

Disgusting service, I had a job interview lined up, I advised them the day before I could not attend due to a family emergency I had a point of contact, sent numerous emails multiple calls no answer left numerous voicemails nothing back from anyone do not use this company I have now withdrawn my application disgusting service from Bristol office the phone just rings no answer some recruitment agency.

Was aggressively hounded to be put forward for a role. 3 weeks later and numerous chases, ghosted still by the company.

Blocking talent for profit

Sanderson allegedly block talent for profit so they can make the most money out of their clients. They seem to be part of the the recrutment sales clan that uses block/black lists, so they can only deal with employees who make them the most cash in the most trouble free way, regardless of skillset

Poor and quite frankly aggressive behaviour

I had a good start to a job I applied for seemed well and placed forward for an interview opportunity
Some errors of dates thereafter and was later informants a games format had to be completed then prior to being interviewed which I thought was unusual and only on succeeding would the interviewer see me completed as requested and then another call to be again pressed to ensure I had prepared for the date found the interview aggressive and not pleasing which I made clear but more aggression was placed on me and then pulled out of the meeting and never have I had this problem before had reservations anyway this conversation confirmed that and this highlights some important issues and points this company and particularly Dan who dealt with me to learn about respect and how to conduct himself towards people

I can’t recommend Herbie and Ian enough for the amazing role they played in helping me land my new senior engineering position. They were incredibly supportive and kept me updated at every stage of the interview process.

Herbie and his team went above and beyond during the package negotiation phase, and thanks to their hard work, the offer came through really quickly.

If you’re thinking about your next career move, I would highly recommend getting in touch with Herbie and Ian from Sanderson, London!

Sanderson recruitment (Bristol).- hopefully not all recruiters are as inefficient, inexperienced and as dismissive as the one I dealt with at Sanderson. A very poor service indeed.

I have had the misfortune to have to work through this company for the last six months. Without putting too finer a point on it they are liars and cheats.
Too big to care or to listen to issues that could actually improve their business.
Avoid if you can.