Meet Anthony Matteson. 

Anthony is a production employee at Package Right in Tipton, IN. “It’s easy work and there’s always something new to learn,” Anthony says, “I really like the people I work with.” 

Earlier this summer, Anthony referred a friend to WSI Tipton, which earned him an automatic entry into a drawing for free rent. Little did he know, that small act paid off big time. 

“Anthony was shocked to be named our second winner of the Free Rent Referral program,” says Moriah Morrisett, WSI Tipton Branch Manager. “When we called to give him the good news, he asked if it was some kind of joke. We were delighted to tell him it was very real!” Anthony went on to say that winning this free rent is a blessing and couldn’t come at a better time. 

Congratulations Anthony on winning free rent! Thank you for the referral and all that you do. We are so excited for all the great things ahead for you and the Package Right Family!

The Free Rent Referral program is open to all; entrants do not need to be a current WSI associate. Our first winner of the program was Yesenia Varela, a Machine Operator at Roskam Baking Company and WSI Grand Rapids Associate. The final winner will be announced soon. 

Complete details and a referral form can be found at https://www.wsitalent.com/rent. 

We get it. There are staffing agencies on every block that promise to get you in and out with a new job you’ll love. But how can you weed through the masses to find an agency that will truly listen to your needs and care about what you want out of a career? We’re not gonna lie: we think WSI is the best company to work for. But we want you to see it for yourself.

1. The Proof is in the Pudding

Don’t take our word for it. Averaging a 4.8-star rating, our Google reviews showcase exactly why associates continue to choose WSI.  

Alexis Smith – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lindsay called me today about an application I had put in. She was very knowledgeable on the positions, and just overall so enjoyable to talk to. I’ve worked with other agencies before and the experience was never positive. I never had one even ask me what I would want out of a job. She truly seemed to care about my well being in a job instead of just throwing me somewhere without a second thought into what I would want or be good at. I already told her thank you for being so sweet on the phone, but I felt like other people should know too if they apply to WSI. I could tell Lindsay cares about other people and wants them to succeed and that was just really impressive to me coming from a temp agency considering my previous experiences.

Justin Suiter – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was really in need of a good job that I felt would appreciate me. When I walked into WSI, I was greeted with care and professionalism. They made me feel like I had value and treated me as such. Because these wonderful ladies work so hard, I now have a great job that pays well. Walking into WSI Talent is the best and smartest thing I’ve done all year. Thank you, WSI for this amazing opportunity. I wanted to mention, Ashley, Kristina, and Gabby thank you so much. You are changing my life.

Tyler Wilson – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

WSI helped me find an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in my field of studies. I’m an Engineering Management student at Western Michigan University. What’s important to you is very important to them. I just want to thank Taylor for helping me put my foot in the door.

2. Onsite WSI Representative

Picture this: You just scored an awesome new job through a staffing agency. You go through orientation and are ready to rock your first day… until you realize you’re unsure of how to read the schedules and clock in correctly. Cue freak out. 

Don’t worry. When you accept a role through WSI, you’ll be introduced to your Onsite Staffing Coordinator who will be onsite regularly. They are there to coach, counsel, and assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Having an Onsite Coordinator available helps minimize the growing pains that are bound to come with being a new employee. With their help, you’ll go from newbie to pro in no time!

3. Relationships

It’s the relationships that are built through the job placement process that really set us apart from the rest. From the moment you walk through our doors to apply, to the day you’re hired in, and for the entirety of your assignment, we’re here for you. We understand the power of a positive and fulfilling workplace. We live and breathe it every day, and love helping others experience it too. That’s why it’s our purpose to empower our associates to live their best lives. 

When speaking to his account manager Lindsey Casey, WSI associate Steven B. said he’d encourage other job seekers to use WSI because we’re  a “great agency where the staffing associates always work hard to help you find gainful employment.”

We know the common perception of staffing agencies, but we’re here to tell you that they’re not all the same. We invite you to experience the world of staffing, the WSI way. 

In this technology era, the popularity of finding jobs online is growing at a rapid rate. No longer are businesses posting their open positions on cork boards and waiting on an applicant’s call. With the shift in employees moving online to hunt for jobs, companies have followed suit with virtual recruiting efforts. 

Virtual job fairs have become widely popular over the last several months. They allow the opportunity to interview around your own schedule from the comfort of your own home. With a variety of interview times, job seekers have the flexibility to schedule time around other jobs or schooling.  

But how is preparing for an online interview different from a traditional interview? We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you crush your virtual job search. 

1. Check your Tech

There’s nothing worse than logging on to start your interview, only to find out your computer or cell phone is dead and the charger is nowhere to be found. We recommend setting your computer up where you plan to interview the night before (more on that later) and plug it in to charge overnight. Also, be sure to check your internet connection at least an hour before your scheduled interview time. You don’t want to sit down to begin, only to be met with a dropped signal. (Pro tip: Using headphones with a built-in microphone will GREATLY improve your sound quality.)

2. Still Dress for Success

While you may be able to connect with employers from the comfort of your home, you shouldn’t look too comfortable. Be sure to still wear presentable clothing that you would normally wear to an in-person interview, even if it is only from the waist up!

3. Distraction-Free is the Way to Be

Setting up your computer in an area free of distractions is a super important part of having a successful virtual interview. We recommend a desk or table in a room where the TV/music is off and family members won’t enter. It’s a good idea to move your pets to another room while you’re doing your interview. While we love our furbabies here at WSI, having them make a surprise guest appearance while you’re discussing your past work experience may throw you off your game. 

4. All Eyes on Me

It’s important to give your interviewer your full attention. Here’s what that looks like:

• Eyes on your screen
• Sitting in one place the entire time
• Not on your phone or attending to other distractions off-screen (Interviewers will still be able to tell you’re not focused on them even if it’s not in camera view)

But most importantly, just relax! A good interview should feel more like a conversation than an interrogation, and that’s our goal at WSI with every candidate. Follow these tips and we’re sure you’ll be accepting that job offer in no time!

While almost every industry has taken a hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, none have been hit as hard as the hospitality sector. From the closing of restaurants and bars to the restrictions placed on travel, the leisure and hospitality industry has lost 7.7 million jobs in April alone. That accounts for 47% of all positions. 

“Working in a restaurant means being part of a family for most,” says Dani Mullins, WSI Account Manager with over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry. “Right now there are lots of lost people out there looking for a home and a sense of belonging that would benefit from a new opportunity.”

So, what are these hospitality workers to do in the meantime? The additional unemployment benefits and stimulus package kept furloughed waiters, hotel clerks, bartenders, and more afloat for awhile. But the extra funding has ended and many hospitality jobs are still unavailable or operating on reduced hours. Here’s where hospi-facturing comes in. 

If you think about it, hospitality and manufacturing aren’t so different.

Hospitality	Manufacturing
• Serves people • Transports tourists • Prepares towels/bedding for guests • Uses technology and machines	• Serves suppliers • Transports products • Washes/prepares garments for all industries • Uses technology and machines

WSI identified this comparison in industries and saw an opportunity to provide short term solutions for those affected. Hospitality provides workers with easily transferable skills to move into a temporary manufacturing position during this time of shutdown. And, it even provides some benefits hospitality workers may not have enjoyed before, such as:

• Steady schedule
• Consistent pay
• Holidays and weekends off
• Multiple shift opportunities (for early risers and night-owls)
• Temporary work

Think hospi-facturing may be a good fit for you? Take the quiz to find out!

To learn about WSI’s part in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, read our blog: Our Role and Responsibility: Navigating Through COVID-19

For community resources, check out: Community Resources you can use Today

A staffing agency can be really helpful when you’re looking for a job. But many people people hesitate to use staffing agencies to find employment because they’ve either had a negative experience or heard some questionable things through the grapevine – like these 5 myths.

Continue reading

On November 6th, 2018, Michigan residents voted for the legalization of recreational marijuana use. This act allows adults 21 years and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants in their home for recreational use. While the use of recreational marijuana may be legal in many states, most of these state’s laws do not inhibit an employer’s ability to deny employment to applicants with THC in their system. This legalization forces companies to ask themselves: Does using recreational marijuana off company time impact job performance? Some of our clients say no. 

While the workplace remains a drug-free environment, many of our clients have loosened their pre-employment requirements by no longer screening for THC. “They’ve realized there is a difference between being impaired and having it in their system.,” said WSI Vice President, Steve Beebe, in a recent interview with WWMT. “We are seeing more and more companies that are allowing that and not looking at it as a pre-employment condition.”

Beebe goes on to say that whether or not you’re screened for THC is on a company-to-company basis. You may not be initially screened, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be asked to test for THC later on. Instances such as being up for a promotion in a higher risk job, like a forklift operator, may require a screen.

It seems there has been a shift in society and that the stigma associated with using recreational marijuana lessens the more we discover about the drug. In a July 2019 Gallup poll, 12% of U.S. adults said they smoke marijuana, a percentage that is essentially unchanged since 2015. 

For more information about the legalization of marijuana in Michigan, check out our blog: Let’s Be Blunt

A grand opening kicked off with a job fair? What could be better! Join us at our brand new Paw Paw Office on August 27th, 10 am – 2 pm for our grand opening hiring event! 

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Here are 4 reasons to attend the Paw Paw grand opening job fair:

1. Meet the team

Come meet Chelsea and Lindsey! They will be available throughout the event to answer questions, give advice, and chat about our available opportunities. 

2. Tees and Treats

Giveaways will be aplenty! We’ll have complimentary snacks and treats all day long. (A full belly makes for better job hunting) Plus, our office roommate, Cheeky Print Shop, will be giving out free t-shirts while supplies last. 

3. Safety Precautions

Just because we’ll be having fun doesn’t mean we’ll forget to be safe. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available for all who attend. 

4. Jobs!
Last, but certainly not least – jobs! Get first pick of your preferred job while it’s still available. Choose from more than 200 hundreds of immediate, full-time openings in industries ranging from auto manufacturing, light industrial, uniform services, marketing material/board game packaging, and more:

• Machine Operators
• General Laborers
• Material Handlers
• Warehouse Associates
• Order Processors
• Assembly & Production
• And more!

Can’t make it? No problem – learn more about us and apply online.

Thursday, August 27th

WSI Paw Paw

233 E. Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079

10 am – 2 pm | (269) 488-5138

Earlier this summer, we launched our first-ever, Free Rent Referral Program. To participate, individuals referred friends and family to WSI in order to be entered into a drawing for a chance to have their monthly rent expenses covered. Our first drawing was completed and we have a winner…. Congratulations Yesenia Varela!

Yesenia is an employee at Roskam Baking Company in Grand Rapids, MI. Yesenia’s career with WSI began on July 27, 2020, as a General Labor Associate on 3rd shift. Not even two months into her role, she moved up to a Machine Operator position. Following outstanding performance as a Machine Operator, Roskam has offered Yesenia a permanent position with the company. 

“Yesenia was so excited and very thankful to be named our first winner of the Free Rent Referral program,” says Ana Post, WSI Grand Rapids Branch Manager. “The check was presented to her between a shift change so a lot of people were curious about the big check. Many stuck around to see who had won.” 

On a personal level, Ana was just as excited as Yesenia. “It was so rewarding to be able to give back to an outstanding associate,” she said. 

Once again, congratulations Yesenia on your current promotion and winning the 1st free rent giveaway! We are so excited for all the great things ahead for you and the Roskam Family!

The Free Rent Referral program is open to all; entrants do not need to be a current WSI associate. The next winner will be drawn on/around September 1st. 

Complete details and a referral form can be found at https://www.wsitalent.com/rent. 

Here’s your chance to work on Broadway! (Street…we mean Broadway Street.) WSI Workforce Strategies, Inc., is hosting a job fair onsite at Precision Wire Forms Inc. (1100 W Broadway St, Three Rivers, MI) on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020.

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Here are 4 reasons to attend the WSI & Precision Wire Forms job fair:

1. Meet Courtney

Come out and meet Courtney, WSI Account Manager for Precision Wire. She will be available throughout the event to answer questions, give advice, and chat about our available opportunities. 

2. Snacks and Swag

Giveaways will be aplenty! All-day long we’ll be giving out Precision Wire company swag and complimentary snacks. Plus, we hear a full belly makes for better job hunting.

3. Safety Precautions

Just because we’ll be having fun doesn’t mean we’ll forget to be safe. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available for all who attend. 

4. Jobs!

Last, but certainly not least – jobs! Get first pick of your preferred job while it’s still available. Choose from Machine Operator openings on 1st and 2nd shift. Employees enjoy medical benefits, vacation time, and a variety of growth opportunities upon hire-in.

Pay ranges begin at $12/hour.

Can’t make it? No problem – learn more about us and apply online.

Wednesday, September 2nd

Precision Wire Forms, Inc.

1100 W Broadway St, Three Rivers, MI

10 am – 3 pm | (269) 488-5100