Standard procedure for these agencies: a phone screen is always the first step. Then they usually try to get you to come into the office to fill out paperwork, and further waste more of your time. Their account managers are REALLY good at getting you pumped up for any of their prospective clients or positions. Too bad it rarely, if ever, goes anywhere (as defined by getting you in front of the actual client that is hiring). A huge waste of time and effort, basically and I say this having interacted with agencies like this over the years and in multiple markets.

TCG have been super responsive and timely throughout this entire process, which I really appreciate. A recruiter reached out to me via LinkedIn and set up a call with me a few days later. We chatted briefly about my experience, interests and some job opportunities. The recruiter was also very transparent and informative about their procedures, which, again, I very much appreciate.