12/18   Could i get some people's comments about working at Taos Mountain?
        thanks.
           \_ Why do they have the bad rep? Is it only because of the
              fact they act like some employment agency? (How much do
              they get paid for you?) Or is it because you dont learn
              anything? Does it look bad on the resume to leave soon?
                \_ You'll probably get somewhere in the range of 30%-40%
                   of what they're paid for you.
                \_ They're a contract agency.  Contract agents and head
                   hunters aren't bad people, they're just primarily
                   interested in earning a living;  like in any job situation,
                   the other guy will consider his interests before yours.
                   Act accordingly.  -John
                   \_ Taos takes about 45 cents on the billing hour, after
                      they pay your FICA and benefits.  For some contracts
                      that's probably higher.  This is probably ok for a
                      jr/mid grade SA.  The norm for staying there is about
                      2 years, but it won't look bad or good if you leave
                      sooner.  They're just an agency. Always remember that
                      you're a contractor, not really an employee.  -jor
                   \_ Exactly.  And they don't have a bad rep, per se.  They
                      just don't have your interests at heart.  You have to
                      fully understand and appreciate this before going there.
                      I have never held short time contracting against someone
                      when considering a new hire.  YMMV but I think it's ok.
        \_ giving the above poster/baiter the benefit of the doubt:
           i would rather comment privately -- it has its pros and cons.
           email me, i used to be a recruiter there. --chris
           \_ Are you the same person quoted in the sfgate article?
        \_ She'll just try to recruit you to some lame job.  Don't email her.
           In public: Taos is ok if you have zero job experience and need to
           put something on your resume fast but don't stay more than 3 months
           or 6 on the way outside or you're missing out on real jobs that will
           be much better for you in the long run.  Taos keeps getting paid
           more for you with each contract but you don't see any of it.  Pity
           the fool who stayed at Taos long enough to get the lamer jacket
           (one full year).  Use them like they intend to use you then leave.
           If you already have job experience there's nothing they can offer
           you, don't waste your time on them.
           \_ Why do they have the bad rep? Is it just because of the
           \_ Don't flatter yourself, dear anonymous poster.  I would rather
              just talk "offline" about Taos.  It's good, and it's bad.  I have
              anything? Does it look bad on the resume?
              my personal opinions, and I would rather not air them in public.
              If you're an intermediate SysAdmin, it is a great way
              to build a career for yourself, any more detailed info, ask me
              yourself.  --chris
                \_ If you're a beginner SysAdmin it is an ok way to start a
                   career.  As far as flattery, how many recruiters such as
                   yourself are really careful about who they're willing to
                   try to place?  "Oh, I don't think I'll make $20k+ from
                   trying to place you.  You don't meet my high standards."
                   Get real.  Any recruiter such as yourself would place any
                   warm (or cold) body anywhere they could make a fast buck.
           \_ Why do they have the bad rep? Is it only because of the
              fact they act like some employment agency? (How much do
              they get paid for you?) Or is it because you dont learn
              anything? Does it look bad on the resume to leave soon?
                \_ They're a contract agency.  Contract agents and head
                   hunters aren't bad people, they're just primarily
                   interested in earning a living;  like in any job situation,
                   the other guy will consider his interests before yours.
                   Act accordingly.  -John
                   \_ Exactly.  And they don't have a bad rep, per se.  They
                      just don't have your interests at heart.  You have to
                      fully understand and appreciate this before going there.
                      I have never held short time contracting against someone
                      when considering a new hire.  YMMV but I think it's ok.