I have worked very closely with Aaron Lewis, now at Santa Cruz Staffing, for over 7 years now,…read morestarting when I was working at the Capitola Career Center and Aaron was a recruiter across the parking lot at Manpower. Our relationship continued through his time at Threshold, Bay Photo, Fox, and into Santa Cruz Staffing. His direct experience at different companies gives him insight into the unique nature of the Santa Cruz business community. If I were looking for a job myself, looking to hire someone, or trying to help someone get hired, Aaron would be my go to guy. He is very creative and easy to work with. Aaron has a talent for working with everyone ranging from someone looking for their first job, to someone who is in mid-career, or even someone going for that top level, executive position. I know of an instance recently where he was working with someone who was looking for their first job, was very shy, and had a hard time putting herself out there for interviews. Aaron coached her to build up her self confidence and land that first job very quickly. Jobseekers: Aaron will help you target your resume for a specific position or company, coach you on how to prepare for interviews, and how to present yourself as the very best candidate you can be. Employers: Aaron will help you find the right person for your opening. I've seen him solve some very challenging recruiting problems, finding just the right person for a unique position. Santa Cruz Staffing has always been my favorite agency in the Santa Cruz area (I can say that now; as a former government employee, we weren't supposed to show favoritism). Aaron is great, recruiting par excellence.

My experience with Santa Cruz Staffing has been nothing short of excellent. I quit my last job…read moreafter 6 years because I needed a change of pace and wanted to expand my skill set. I sent an initial inquiry email to them in early December, and I heard back to take proficiency tests and schedule an appointment with them on the 10th. My appointment was on the 17th where I got to know Ellen who gave me some invaluable advice, resume review, and a pep talk with the enthusiasm that I only wish I could have had for finding myself a job, let alone for someone else. On the 19th I heard that I had a phone interview for the 23rd. That went well and I started work on the 26th. I'm throwing all these dates out for a reason. From the time I initially made contact to the time I actually started a job was a mere 16 days. And I had a meeting with them within 7 to actually start the process. This was an INCREDIBLE turnaround time for someone who has been applying to jobs non-stop for the past 3 months with little to no word back from any. I got feedback on my resume and interview skills that have undoubtedly increased my chances at getting hired again in the future, whether through them or on my own. They are incredibly kind and supportive, and genuinely want to find work for you. A large number of the positions they get are temp-to-hire so you can go in with a relatively stable outlook, and if a job isn't working out for you or doesn't fit your skill set, they are happy to help you find something else that works better for you. They want to get you working, and have you be satisfied with it, and you can tell they care from the moment you walk in. I look forward to working with them more in the future if I should need other employment, and I cannot recommend them enough.

Working with Universal Staffing was my first experience using a temp agency, and it exceeded…read moreexpectations. Their entire team was incredibly helpful, responsive, and easy to work with throughout the process. A special thank you to CJ, who was always accessible and consistently kept me informed--her communication made everything seamless. We were also very happy with the temp placed with us, who was a great fit for our team. Thank you as well to Carolyn and the entire team for such a positive experience. We truly appreciated the support and would gladly work with Universal Staffing again.

I have had a great experience with Universal Staffing! I love that it is female owned and operated,…read moreand since I sent in my resume I have been able to complete several jobs, even though I haven't been signed with them for long. Super helpful staff, lovely office, amazing overall company. Great opportunities for those looking for work!

Do you like working with professionals with personality and heart? Do you need to trust…read moreprofessionals with your career? If so, do not move along. You have found them. I first submitted a profile which was very easy to do. They do a good job cutting the barriers to employment. Within a day, I was contacted by Julia B. We set up an initial interview to just get to know me. We had such a pleasant conversation. Despite the current Pandemic Crisis we are in, we were able to discuss our thoughts on the situation because it is unavoidable, then we proceeded to the interview. It was smooth, she was clearly an eloquent communicator and very passionate about her job. She informed me next steps and we were done in our allotted 15 minute time frame. Julia continued to be responsive. She provided me two emails. Just two. One to set up the interview with the recruiter with tips included (bonus) and one to confirm my interview. The day of, she reminded me of the interview via 1 text. Then there was Grace S. The interview was scheduled for 30 minutes. Get two HR Professionals in a room that truly understand service for others and what the HR profession is about and you will quickly notice 30 minutes is not a lot of time. Grace is the recruiter you want by your side. She takes the time to know you by listening to you, actively, and she takes an interest in what makes you, you. That is exactly what a recruiter needs to do. One that can present you completely. Not just by resume, but really "go to bat for you." You instantly feel safe and trust when you speak with her. She is honest and she is open. In times of where we really need to earn people's trust, Grace goes the extra mile to earn it. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and her blunt honesty. As an 15+ year HR professional, this was pleasant experience and a great choice for me. Julia and Grace are great representations of "PREMIER TALENT PARTNERS" and I look forward to building long lasting professional relationships with them and their colleagues. Many of us are being adversely affected by the crisis. In these times, turn to people who will take it upon themselves to ensure your success. They truly care and they truly want the best for you, at least that is how I felt. Remember they are humans too, I brought positivity to the table and got a great result. Come in with a good attitude and you will see, they will provide great service. They are professionals through and through. Don't wait any longer, choose the best, choose Premier!

I can't get enough of PTP!…read more Close to two years ago I nearly solidified my decade long tenure at Alameda county working as an EA with CIOs and CTOs as long as I can remember. I wanted a job sector change and venture out what's out there. I tried many opportunities with two other hiring firms but both have been discriminating against my previous experience. This one other particular firm interviewed me and told me my EA background in government is laughable. After many years of public engagement, being trusted by my executives, actually thinking I was a bigger part of something in my career, I had one other hiring agency told me I wasn't worth it. It hurt so much. It wasn't until my friend told me about PTP. I was already traumatize with hiring agencies I wanted to bypass PTP altogether. So flashback to 1.5 years ago. I placed in an application through LinkedIn and was immediately contacted by Sue, Jackie, and Rebecca. I went to interview at their Palo Alto location (an actual chic office and not some shanty bedroom/house converted office) and immediately wanted to get to know me. Rebecca sat down with me and listened to my needs. Why I was searching. Why want venture capital? Why go after start ups? What was your culture like in government sector? I couldn't believe my eyes. Rebecca was acting like that one friend who always wants updates on you. It didn't feel like an interview, it felt like you were sitting down at brunch and talking casually with Rebecca and giggling, just enjoying atmosphere and talking about career. I left their office in good graces. Sure enough, they had 2 JDs for EA and EA/OM after two weeks. I got a job at a VC firm! Ladies and gentlemen, top recruiting is not about making money. These recruiters know that you are already a good fit at the start, they will help you mold into it. Other hiring agencies could benefit from this tip. Thank you so much Premier Talent Partners! I would 100% recommend!

The Good - Nothing so far…read more The Bad - Poor customer service Details - I emailed my resume directly to Jamie Vermillion a staffing supervisor there for a job posted on their website that was two days old. She stated the job was filled and would keep me in mind for other positions. Now that would be great except for a few things: - She didn't ask my name - She didn't ask my phone number - She didn't ask anything about my qualifications So either she is a great mind reader, very financially well off, or more than likely, she doesn't give a sh-- about gaining a winning client that can make her and Kelly Services look good. If you have a better experience with them, then more power to ya!!

The place is a scam!! They set me up with an interview and told me, they would like to proceed with…read morethe next step of the hiring phase and was given a start date 2 weeks from the interview date. Haven't heard a word from them. Emailed them and the replied back was they be in touch. Not worth your time if you are serious about finding a job. They more than likely are storing your private information to sell to a third party. Because of them I missed out on 3 job opportunities.

My first venture into high-tech was through the doors of The Armada Group. Jeff Tavangar is one of…read morethe most engaging people I've had the pleasure of working with. He listens to your needs as an employee and ensures you successfully fit into an environment that is symbiotic with an employer. Lisa Sullivan, then the account representative at Cisco, touched base regularly to ensure I was getting along well. The Armada Group ensured their employees were rewarded when recognized by their clients. I can tell you that they are very generous with their rewards. Years after my engagement there at Cisco, Lisa and Jeff have still maintained contact. What is not to love about that?

The Armada Group is AMAZING!!! I was able to start working in a high-tech company because of…read moreArmada! I needed an out of my previous job and Armada has been there every step of the way to help me prep for the interviews and get this amazing job that I wanted!!! Everyone at my job has been amazing and it was an excellent fit! I love where I am and it's all thanks to Armada for making the transition so seamless. Alexsis Navarro and Shelley Baca are both amazing. Alexsis is my main contact, helped me prep for my interviews and set them up (all 3 of them within a week), then she checks in with me every once in awhile (after I started working) to make sure all is well. While Shelley is my go-to HR/ Paycheck girl. They've got my back and it's awesome. Thank you so much!!! I've already been recommending Armada to my friends, family, and colleagues. They are seriously the most helpful group ever! :)

They never have jobs.Ive been with them for 2 years.I only got one job with them.They never call…read moreback or anything?It would just be nice if they had anything to offer.

The girls here were very helpful and polite when I came here for my typing test. I couldn't have…read moreasked for a better experience at a staffing agency.

Andreina is so awesome so helpfull i love this place they really help u at finding at job better…read morethan full steam super friendly staff

I went to select staffing an had the most horrible experience ever in my job search life. They…read moredetermined in the first 30 seconds that I wasn't worth their time. So I give it two thumbs down. If they would like a word of advice they need to adapt to the needs of the community as well as be knowledgable of the aspects of life in Salinas