Elite Associates Reviews

Elite Associates is a company providing recruitment services in luxury Fashion, Beauty, Fine Jewellery, Accessories, and Interiors. Around 3 months I am working as a Temporary Beauty advisor in Elite. I am fully satisfied with Elite services. It was unbelievable that this Company gave me a chance to work with luxury brands like Chanel, Sisley, etc. It is so difficult to find permanent job in retail when you are new in London, when you have no experience in UK . Elite Associates it is a good start for people who want to start a career in London. Company gives training for the candidates. Training is focused on customer experience, fragrance training, image consultancy and hygiene standards. So I was so confident when i started.
Firstly i had to impress not only Elite team (because I am literally representing the Company), but department store team as well. Building good relationship with Client and store's staff is necessary for further requests, and this might lead to permanent employment offer from Store Managers.
Secondly I mentioned Elite team that eventually I would like to find permanent job for myself, i explained my preferences and , thank to Elite, I have been interviewed for the job of my dreams (wish me luck, by the way :) .
And the last, Elite is giving opportunity to create my own schedule, i am aloud to choose the days i want to work ( what is just perfect for students or people who have other jobs, or travelers).
PS and financially wise Elite is reliable Company: payment never late, and is enough to have a decent life in the area close to the city center.

Went on an interview and never heard back from them ( I actually think it wasn't that bad either), and no feedback at all. I find this very unprofessional

I was at an interview and after they didn't bother to email me anything. A huge waste of time.

Its my second year working with Elite and my experience is fantastic.
They work with the bests luxuries brands and the professionals who work in the company (Elite) are
very friendlys and they are always willing to help you.
If you are new in London Elite is the best way for start to work in the fashion world.
Kinds regards,
Vicente.

Really really unprofessional staff, no replies and communication.
People with no experience trying to teach you!!!
Judge by looks rather then experience.
I would suggest Four Seasons, the best agency in London!!

Unfortunately all the reviews are true. I decided to give them a go a while back despite the negative comments but a bunch of us were lied to about wages. I will not go in depth but I recommend to not work with them.

rude ass people one spanish girl cant even talk properly all getting rude. seems like she needs a slap.

To be fair, The training that Elite providing is AMAZING, they taught us so many things about the luxury industry, that luxury brands that i worked for for many years they didnt even mention it, and some other agencies they didnt even bother to invite me to a training, instead they send me the booking by e-mail with this big coloured text that i thought it was spam, now from the other hand i request a permanent position, and still i am temping, also some times i have full booking and i thank them that they send me in so many brand and learn different things, but sometimes i have only 1 nobody can survived with 1 booking in 2 weeks

Elite Associates are by far one of the poorest examples of a recruitment agency. I have no idea where their esteemed reputation comes from. The brands I worked for complained about the level of unprofessionalism from the staff at Elite and I myself was subject of a petty gossip item (something I very rarely subject my own self too) and was made to work 10 hour shifts and underpaid! The company likes to bully you into shifts that you can't commit to. For anyone considering it then I would advise you do your research first, I could think of better recruitment agencies to work for. The company is saturated in arrogance and a high level of pretentiousness which probably explains such a bad reputation from internal and external sources.

One of the worst recruitment agency. They are completely waste of time the have no relation building skills and they never complete the communication loop. I would not recommend them to anyone.

I have applied for a role a client recently. I haven t received a news no response. I wouldn t recommend to contact this Recuirtment

They have no idea how to find quality staff. Plenty of other agencys hire for high end brands without to much fussiness

I have been working with Elite Temp Fashion Division for over 5 months now and they have always treated me in a professional manner. They try giving me constant jobs when possible and I have never had any problems with my pay.I look forward to continue working with them in a wide range of high end luxury brands.

So I applied on LinkedIn and when they contacted me I sent pictures across of my nose and lip piercing as I know luxury brands don't embrace individuality. I was told it was fine. Went to the interview and was surprised that the pay starts More

I do like this agency, they have given me some great Jobs in Harrods.
Not so keen on the Check in lady I'm sure it's Anita or Nita! (Short curly hair)
I know that she smokes and can be a bit rude to us.
Hopefully I will be working in the Boutiques soon, but they are good. So don't be put off!

I would give them multiple zeros if it is possible. All the negative reviews about this company are true. So future jobseekers YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! Do not go there. It is a waste of your time and money.

I have been working with Elite Associates since November, and if there is something i can say without a doubt is that it is an excellent agency to work for; my experience with them has been and still is simply amazing. Since the beginning they have provided me with fantastic bookings with some of the most prestigious brands within the beauty industry. Moreover i also just got the opportunity, through them, to apply for a permanent role, which i just adore!! at the beginning of my adventure with them i have been given this training which i found absolutely professional and helpful. they gave me lots of insights about the category of products i would have had to deal with, also lots of tips on how to deal with customers. it's been productive and definitely useful for my work. another fantastic thing about them is that if you need support they will be there and help you out the best they can. The staff is very kind and affable and I have never had any complains with them, therefore i would recommend Elite to all of my friends and to all of those who want to be a part of a very well known and optimal agency. It's professional, it's reliable and it could really give you the chance to build up an amazing career within the luxury field. what more could I ask for?!

Elite Associates provided professional training and essential information of how to represent designer brands, when you start working for them. I've received temp bookings straight away, and was quite happy being flexible by choosing my days off. I have worked with Elite for about a year with brands like Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and many more. My temp booker was amazing and she never left me without a work! Remember, to confirm all bookings in writing and communicate prior if you can't turn up on a day. Be professional with the brands you're temping for, as while working as a temp you have a chance to be offered a permanent position at one of them. I would highly recommend Elite to all who wants to gain an insight into luxury retail designer world!

I had unpleasant experience as well. I wish i could read reviews before going, total waste of time. I thought they should help you instead they been nasty, rude, unprofessional and very cold. Maybe there is another reason under opening this agency. I would not recommend to go there.
Thanks

This agency is a joke! Once one lady called me and invited me for an interview saying she will email an address and I will have to confirm but she never did! Of course I didn t go for the interview that time. A couple of weeks later a different girl called me and invited me for an interview. At least she did send details :D I went to meet her and she seemed to be very nice but it was absolutely waste of my time as I never heard from her back regardless she was saying that my experience and qualifications were difficult to find! Probably they have nothing to offer but still have to pretend doing something to not lose their job...

Elite offers great opportunities to start in luxury retail, since I'm there I been working with Cristina Castro , she provides me my bookings and I really appreciate her organisation ahead of time.

I've been working as a temporary beauty consultant with Elite Associates since Oct 2014. They are a very professional, wonderful company to work for. Elite have provided me with plenty of regular work with Chanel. The Chanel team have been helpful, welcoming and fun. I would highly recommend anyone who is inspired & passionate about beauty who is looking for temporary, flexible work which pays weekly. I would regularly get an email from Laura and Natalie offering lots of bookings for Chanel. Sometimes a months worth and sometimes it can be last minute. From having this amazing experience I now have a part time job for Elizabeth Arden In Boots, I got recommended by my manager on Chanel who has been amazing and so lovely to work with, this helped me get this job. Its a very good way to get your foot in the door if you are interested in beauty! Already recommended this agency to all my beauty friends. I am very sad to leave, I would of loved to stay on the agency as well if i was allowed. :(
A truly wonderful experience........

Grace Lewis
Brighton

Deceitful Timewasters. Don t believe them when they say they ll call you back because they never will. So get ready for the run around and constant waiting this rather pretentious agency will give you! There are other better, more professional agencies out there who a FAR more deserving of the title elite than Elite Associates. CANDIDATES AVOID!

Great experience, staff are lovely and I get plenty of shifts. Would definitely recommend

I've been temping for Elite for a while now and it's been great! Staff is always friendly and very professional.
I am a part of the Beauty team and I've done shifts for a variety of departament stores and brands. There's always a lot of shifts available so you can get really busy if that's what you want. They also take part in special events and brand promotions, so you can also be a part of those oportunities.
If you're looking to temp, you couldn't go wrong with Elite :D

This has to be the worst recruitment agency I have come across, they advertise great jobs on linked in and there own website. However they never bother to get back to the candidate, Diane wheeler is terrible, she will not return your call and never follow up.
I would advise all companies looking for candidates to stay away from this agency. Waste of time

I worked for Elite for almost 1 year. I consider Elite a professional and specialised agency in luxury retailing. Cristina Castro (my booker) is a nice and helpful girl that helped me to work in their best brands all the time. I really recommend to people that want to work in luxury environment.

I highly recommend a person who wants to work in luxury retail but doesn't have too many experience to chose elite. I worked for Elite for almost 1 year. They gave me so many opportunities to work in top luxury brands. It's a professional agency, people there are quite nice especially Cristina Castro.

Just phoned to find out more about a job they are advertising and they had a very off-hand "don't call us, we'll call you attitude" despite their website stating they offer an "exceptional level of candidate care". I wouldn't "bother" them if I were you, they are far too important and busy (posted 17 Feb 2017).

Dear All,

I am pleased to spend some time for dropping a line about this agency as it is not so common in London finding one so serious like Elite Associates is.

I have been working with them since last October and what I can say is that they are people, not only numbers to call or email addresses to write to. They are understanding ad they support and provide outstanding opportunities to those who can ensure to them an hard working attitude.

In few words, they reward serious worker.

I will always recommend this agency and its consultant to those professional who are looking for a serious job opportunity to get into the fashion and retail world for the first time and to those who need a new start for their career, like was my case.

Good luck to everyone!

Best,
Antonella

Totally unprofessional. Stay away. Used my reference contacts to approach my employers to win business and lie about the process. Many more reputable agencies to use. Do not waste your time or give your contacts to these firm.

I have 7 years of fashion retail experience, 4 of which in luxury. This kind of companies do not do any good to candidate or companies. There it goes my rating: Manners - 0. Helpfulness: 0. Professionalism: 0. Multiple 0. They are rude!!! Many reviews say the same thing: RUDE!!!! They wanted me to interview with them without disclosing any details about the vacancy. I have never seen any other agencies doing something like that. Time wasters!! Bad recruitment practices. Lack of respect to candidates. And that is the best to say to be honest.

I have been temping with Elite Associates for a few months now, and I have been very happy with them so far. The agents are helpful and get you ready for settling into the brand you are going to be working for, and they keep providing help along the way if you need it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone wishing to work in luxury retail.

Here's the thing with Elite... It's as much about how much you want to get the jobs as it is how much they want you to get it. In the early stages of interview be interested and interesting! This will make you stand out to whoever is conducting the interview. I was a christmas temp but left after being offered a part time permanent position with a brand that rhymes with Pucci and begins with the letter 'G'. I was under no illusion that I would not be with the agency forever, they probably expect people to be leaving the agency to work permanently with other brands, I knew this and used Elite for what it's great for! which is providing great training in luxury retail and work experience with the worlds most prestigious fashion brands... AND IT PAID OFF, MAJORLY. As a very young first year uni student with no work experience at all but a burning passion for the world of ready-to-wear this was the best decision I could have made.

But you can't forget the pay is less than ideal, work is not guaranteed and I hate to admit it but just like other people are saying there was times when I had to deal with the really bad lack of organisation, like being sent to wrong locations for interviews or something as simple as being told different days for a booking on the phone and then another in an email and then being confused so emailing your booker but then no reply or calling and your booker isn't there lol.

Saying all that I do actually think your best bet if you ONLY want to work in luxury retail is Elite. I remember in my induction at Harrods there was a girl from another agency I think they are called TBC or 24seven or something she said her agency was good and super organised and then she told me how much she enjoyed it when they sent her to work in Debenhams... I don't mean to sound like a snob and theres nothing wrong with the store at all but after I heard Debenhams I counted myself lucky because there is no way Elite would send me there lmao it is true they do only work with luxury brands so if you feel most comfortable in this environment then Elite is for you.

In conclusion I think Elite Associates is good for getting your foot in the door of this world of retail but if you're serious about having a steady job whether you're a student or anything really that needs assurance of a fixed income then apply quite early in the run up to a busy sales period and make sure to work! work! work! and get all that experience but be sneaky and apply to work in as many concessions and explain how you're looking to leave the agency. Overall I'm glad I worked with elite! and agencies in general are so convenient especially with pay frequency (provided you work) it's a good experience but for me the anxiety of a different concession every week was draining and more hassle than it's worth.

I've been with Elite for 4 months and left because of the external circumstances. I can't say they are the best agency because I haven't tried others but I'm quite glad I haven't had any bad experience with any other agencies before joining Elite. Looks like I got in the right place straight away. What I can certainly admit is that if you want to work and work well, you'll get your bookings. It is of no use to blame the agency if one doesn't get many, the problem is in most cases in oneself. Everything they've promised was done accordingly, I received my bookings promptly and had excellent communication with my bookers Patricia and Natalie. It was never a time when I was without any bookings if I wanted it. I'd happily recommend anyone who aspires to work in beauty and fashion to join this company. It's a great first step on the career ladder. And a perfect place to learn the rules of fashion and beauty retail. In fact I have already recommended a few of my friends to apply for a temp position with Elite Associates.

Suspicious contradictory positive reviews and rude time wasters, never believe them when they say they'll call you back cause they don't! Far better recruitment agencies out there people! All positive comments on here are SHILLS here to drown out the truly appalling stuff these 'people' have done. Or fake, some DIFFERENT USERS have the SAME REVIEW (Grace from Brighton?!?) to bolster the ratings falsely. Don't believe the positive reviews it's a RARE experience (the 1* reviews evidence this). 4 Seasons, 24/7 even are better!

Having read through former reviews, I understand that some individuals have had not so favourable encounters with particular employees of Elite.
Therefore, that being the case I consider myself lucky as everyone I have come in contact with, especially Andreea have been a pleasure to communicate and work with.

Elite is a professional Fashion recruitment agency, they helped me have an incredible experience working with many luxuries brands, I've been working with Elite for around one month, so far my experience is going great, they gave us a professional training and the team is always helpful, and my Booker Cristina Castro she is very nice and always available to help and try to find something suitable for me and for my schedule as I'm a student, they are flexible in bookings and they understand any situation you go through, I'm happy working with Elite and I hope that this experience for the next year will be even better. Thank you:)

good enough agency with decent professionalism and passion for beauty and fashion retail. despite them being quite rude at times I would say they are quite good. I recommend it if you are looking for a good pay and have an extreme passion for beauty.

they do not pay, there are not enough working hours and the treatment they give you is possible and the staff has it very believed they believe that they work in the VOGUE office they do not pay you all the hours and if you get a job offer in some of the companies that you work, you have to stop working for 6 months in this company 0.0 I did not like the experience at all.

Within a week of joining the agency Sophie helped me get a permanent job for a skincare brand. Nadia and Andrea were very helpful too when I joined. I understand the previous reviews are terrible, but Elite now have all new staff members who are very helpful and very friendly.

I said to myself that I will never deal with this agency after feedback I got from numerous candidates and they way Elite Associates treated them . One of my friends and colleagues recommended this agency to me specifically she highly spoke about a consultant...I accepted her recommendation and I contacted the consultant . After our initial conversation over the phone I was invited for a face to face in Elite offices . I attended met the consultant, she spoke to me about couple of roles . One of them I was very interested in and I was assured I was going to put forward for it .
Two weeks past haven t heard from the consultant so I txt her on WhatsApp she read my message but completely ignored me .
I find this behavior towards a candidate so disrespectful and unprofessional ... this agency works in a very nasty way by discriminating candidates , they have no empathy towards people that looking for jobs so they can live and playing with peoples feelings . They waste candidates time and ignore them . Personally I reached a point of depression because agencies like Elite make you feel that you are not good enough even though you have all the experience .
I keep applying for roles that Elite is advertising on job websites that are relevant to my experience but I get no respond .
Please think twice before you deal with this agency . The feedback in the Retail sector from many candidates are the same as mine . I hope Elite will soon change this brutal approach and treat their candidates with more respect ... I doubt it !

Lol how to start of,

Basically this was one of the worst experiences I have ever encountered working in retail. It is a good Christmas job for the holidays but the lack of professionalism is unreal.

They promote themselves as they are very professional and have everything set up for you, but they could not careless.

The company will provide you with a lack of information about the position with their clients and expect you to turn up without having a clue of what you would be doing. (I have also been working in retail for many years) When you start asking questions, they become really rude. I spoke to one of the managers about my role and they were going to replace my position with another candidate straight away. She was very rude and started being quite disrespectful over the phone.

Terrible and very unprofessional.

Really bad, they do not answer to any emails they do not find you work. I have heard many people from the agency complaining also. Absolutely a joke. Would not recommend this agency to anyone

Consultant: Karena Arpin
Awful stuck up woman, useless and Lazy! All the negative reviews are true they are calling you in to make money off you and will not deliver. AVOID!!!! Especially this woman! Who employed this woman?

Needs renaming to piss poor associates. Elite they are not.

I've been working as a temporary beauty consultant with Elite Associates since Oct 2014. They are a very professional, wonderful company to work for. Elite have provided me with plenty of regular work with Chanel. The Chanel team have been helpful, welcoming and fun. I would highly recommend anyone who is inspired & passionate about beauty who is looking for temporary, flexible work which pays weekly.
A truly wonderful experience........

Grace Lewis
Brighton

I have worked as temporary Sales Consultant with Elite Associates last year. They are very professional, great, nice company and i found an amazing team that it has always been available for my requests.
During my time with Elite I' ve worked for Harrods , in some departments as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, L'Objet and others.
I think Elite is one the best fashion recruitment agency in London. They helped me on developing my skills and i will never forget their nice attitude with me.
I really recommend everyone to become a member of the Elite's family.

A marvellous experience I spent with them!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Very poor manners for a recruitment agency. Zheena was quite rude over the phone to me. She asked me irrelevant questions about my application and wanted to interview without disclosing what the role was or the brand. I have never came across this sort of situation. Stay away from this agency. They have really bad manners and they are most interested in trying to find out about what brands are hiring. You do not really need them to get a job in luxury fashion. This kind of agencies are the one that give bad reputation to recruitment.

God do they have rude employees. .
Why do these employees not reply when I ask them for a shift? I ve called them up on several occasions they always say Stephanie will get back to you . She never does. I know they have several people working there but if they re that crowded then best not to join them. They ignore u and I haven t had a shift with them for 6 months and I keep calling them and emailing to hear She ll get back to you
What reputation does Elites have since everybody is complaining. Don t join them.

I really recommend Elite for all employees and employers! They give us an excellent retail training and well treatment since the first contact.

I've been working to excellent luxurious brand through Elite and I have only good things to say about all staff.

Valentino, Alex, Natalia, Adeela, thank you all for everything!

The WORST AGENCY EVER!!!

i was a christmas temp and was given 3 days to work ONLY, they made me buy a whole outfit making me believe id be working there until feb. i left my previous job which was PERM to work for them as they promised theyd give me a perm position after christmas...

dont bother applying with them theyre uselss xoxo

Came across two times with this entity, and experience with them is pretty terrible. They ask irrelevant questions and since working with the job agencies, it s about give and take, they only take and give very minor. They don t respond very well too, and the manner of the agencies I won t judge since it varies from people to people, but overall I don t recommend job seekers to work closely with this entity.

Elite is such a professional Fashion agency. so far i have had such an amazing experience and very happy that I work for them. They support hard workers and my booker is absolutely amazing!! definitely glad i am working for elite !

In few months time I worked from high-end designer/brand boutiques, and department stores to even sports shops that provided me with great experience and overall understanding of the fashion market. Definitely a good place to make plenty of useful connections and awareness of current brands as well as understanding of what you are actually interested in. Quite a flexible place to work at especially for those freelancing/studying or working in another place. While temping through the Agency I also got offered few permanent positions and the great thing is in the end I actually got to pick something I was most interested in.

Possibly if not the worst recruitment agency to exist in London. From absurd waiting times to un professionalism. Furthermore the company claims to have read through your cv where quite frankly they haven t even opened it. I d suggest going to any other London recruitment agency

Great agency to temp for!

Been part of the beauty temp team, recruitment process is quick and they always keep you updated with what is going on.

I got to work within different department stores and with very different brands as well.

Would definitely recommend over other agencies in London!!!

5 stars for professionalism and also for friendly and helping attitude. Agency trainings are a big plus.

Would love to join soon
Heard all good things about them.
Great venue's and lovely people.

Very stuck-up, unprofessional and disorganised people working in there. Messed up my interviews twice and not good at following up with candidates.

Very Poor communication and unprofessional about how they carry themselves. I would avoid using this company for anyone who is looking for a job as you will be consistently chasing them up with no call or emails back. Terrible service and extremely unorganised.

The agency made good first impression, the trainings were good ,but they delivered very little work

awful agency. unprofessional and poor communication between staff, and towards temps. issues getting paid which took a significant amount of contact to get sorted, as well as being put on rotas before I had even signed a contract. wasted so much time at 'training' sessions and at tedious inductions that has all in the end, been for nothing.

IT'S ALL A BIG LIE !
I've been contacted twice this year because they "loved" my cv ! FIONA and ENRIKA had some jobs in mind for me but both vanished after a couple of days (also ignoring my texts & emails)!
They all use the same process just to get some of your reference out so they can use them for they own business!
A complete waste of time!!!!!
Go and found a real honest job you people !

ABSOLUTELY TRASH AGENCY.

Please don t even apply here if you are a student they sell you dreams about jobs. Horrible!!! don t even waste your time going there too.

Elite is a great company if you want to start in luxury. Soon after registering with them they found me work and believed in me. Cristina Castro, my booker was very supportive and helped me to find a permanent job.

I've been working with Elite since November,
it was a pleasure working as a temporary sales associate for the agency.
They were flexible and cared about my needs as an employee,
I highly recommend Elite Associates, especially if you are looking for great new career opportunities.

Love this agency and really like working at Harrods
The check in staff are so lovely.

The most unprofessional agency I have dealt with, they're also unhelpful and rude.
Also you have to follow up and ask many times about the job you're interested in, the recruiter cancelled my appointment last minute saying " I really apologize I have an urgent meeting, plz let me know when is best to reschedule" I did and until now no answer, how mean and unprofessional.
The same job is still advertised it's been 4 months, the company should change their elite recruiter

I have been working with Elite for over 2 years. This is my first one fashion job in London. I love it so much! I have to say Elite is very nice very good company . You can choose which day you want off day and which day you want do a temp for sales. You also can choose your favorite brand to work. Most of luxury sales their start the sales work from elite. Elite will give you professional training before you start your work. Now My booker manager is Cristina Castro she give me a lots help. I used to work for many many luxury brands with elite. Such as LV Burberry bulgari and la perla.... More than 100 brands!!! Now I work for chanel. I got a lots of experience in luxury brand. I am very enjoy my work. Thank you Elite! Amazing!

I would like to say for Elite Associated agency is really good and they are really great !!!Thank you for all bookings for Tate and Tara my manager to give me chance to work there !!!.

I recently joined Elite ... not going to lie, I was a bit nervous as the online reviews were not particularly positive. However my experience so far has been great, in particular my dealings with Andreea who has been helpful and true to her word since day one. I can see myself growing and building a relationship with Elite. I am currently studying and so the flexibility of when I work is incredibly important to me at the moment, and to date Elite appear to respect my situation which I appreciate.

It has been a great experience to start my new career in Luxury retail with Elite Associate. They have provided me with great bookings value with their biggest clients in the market. Special Thank you to Cristina Castro as she was my main booker and helped me to progress into a permanent job with an amazing brand. So do not hesitate to join Elite if you want to join the luxury fashion world.