National Staffing Week | Journey

When looking for a job, it’s easy to overlook the benefits of working for a staffing agency. In fact, companies like Express Employment Professionals can help change lives in the midst of economic uncertainty and provide job opportunities for some of the most hardworking individuals around.

Express takes pride in the accomplishments of those individuals who come to us for work. Without the skills and talents of our associates who provide what companies are looking for, Express wouldn’t be what it is today.

To help recognize outstanding associates and their dedication to Express and the companies they work for, we would like to showcase select associates each month on Movin’ On Up. It’s important to give credit where credit is due, and Express would like to share stories of our associates as an inspiration to you while you strive to achieve professional success.

Erin Wharton

Erin found her current job through the South Indianapolis office in Greenwood, Ind. She came to Express after a rough job search. She spent 14 years with a previous employer in a less-than-constructive work environment. She left in hopes of finding a better place to work, but ended up facing a fiercely competitive job market, sending countless résumés and submitting numerous job applications for weeks with no response.

Fearing the worst, she noticed a job posting for an administrative position through Express. She had no previous experience dealing with staffing companies like Express and was a little cautious about calling to apply, but ended up emailing her résumé and application anyway. Within a couple of days, she was called by Michelle Bright from the Greenwood office for an interview.

“During the phone call, Michelle made me feel comfortable, confident, and helped ease what little fear I had.” Erin said.

When Erin came to the Express office for an interview, her anxiety returned until she met someone in the waiting room who had been working for Express for a few years. The woman told Erin that Express was “great to work with,” and “you’re working with the best.” When Erin sat down for the interview with Express, she was almost immediately told that there was a perfect position for her. After interviewing with McAllister Power on a Friday morning, she was offered a job to start the next Monday.

“Working with Express was by far the best choice I have made. I have even referred people to them. You don’t know how good it feels to be happy, enjoy getting up in the morning and coming to work. I look forward to the next day and what it is going to bring. Every day is something new. The employees here at MacAllister are absolutely wonderful,” Erin said.

We’re excited to have Erin as a part of our Express family. If you haven’t already considered looking into working with a staffing agency like Express, give it a try. You could find the same success that Erin did.

“I owe my happiness and my life to Michelle for matching me with the perfect company. I give everyone at Express my sincere gratitude!”

National Staffing Employee Week just began and with it comes a time of appreciation for the 2.5 million men and women who make up the temporary and contract workforce in the United States. Many may think that only a small percentage of U.S. workers are temporary or contract workers. However, according to the American Staffing Association (ASA), 9.7 million workers are hired by U.S. staffing firms during the course of a year.

The Benefits of Being a Temporary Worker

Being employed by a staffing company can provide flexibility that otherwise might not be available in an average full- or part-time position. It is reported by ASA that 88% of staffing employees said temporary or contract work made them more employable. And, 77% said it was a good way to obtain a full-time position. With this flexibility comes an alleviation of stress and an increase in career satisfaction that may not be possible in a traditional job.

In honor of National Staffing Employee Week, Express holds a contest to select the Express Associate of the Year and to find a truly remarkable associate to nominate to ASA for the 2012 National Staffing Employee of the Year. These associates are selected from nominations submitted by our 550 locations and are chosen based on the staffing industry’s 5 key messages.

Associate of the Year – April Birch

“I had a hard time finding work when I was laid off, but Express helped me find a job in just a few days. But they didn’t just help me find a job, they helped me build my clerical skills. My experience at Express has taught me to focus on what I want from life. Now I’m going back to school to get my degree in education.”

— April Birch

First Runner-Up – Jamal Al Ameri

“I can’t thank Express enough for finding me work using my mechanical experience. This opportunity allows me to bring the remaining members of my family to this country and for us to live a life not otherwise possible.”

— Jamal Al Ameri

Second Runner-Up -Colleen Horr

“Since joining Express more than 5 years ago, I have referred many associates and clients to the Plymouth Express office because the office staff makes you feel like a valuable part of the Express family. I am now currently employed full-time through the efforts of the Express Plymouth team.”

— Colleen Horr

2011 National Staffing Employee of the Year Nominee – Michael Coleman

“Thanks to Express, I got a new start.”

— Michael Coleman

So, whether you are employed by a staffing firm or considering pursuing a new career path, take this week as a moment to take pride in the integral part you play in not only furthering your career, but also building a stronger economy. We salute your hard work and dedication.

By Mike Smith