On the Job: Manpower

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) -- A local staffing company wants to put you back to work, but at Manpower , it's all about the ladies.

Gina Clapprood is the branch manager of Rhode Island's office in Cranston. Perhaps the office should be called "Girlpower" since the branch is run by all women.

Clapprood says that despite Rhode Island's soaring unemployment numbers, their office isn't seeing a shortage of jobs.

"There's a talent mismatch, and our biggest challenge is finding folks that have the skills that match the positions that we're currently recruiting for," said Clapprood.

For more than 60 years, Manpower has been helping people get back to work. The staffing company has over 4,000 offices in 82 countries, boasting a very high success rate.

"We have 95 percent fill rate in our industry, with our open waters, we can fill about 95 percent of them," added Clapprood.

Manpower places job seekers in a variety of fields.

"Right now, we're hiring for data entry positions, typists and transcriptionists, call center representatives, inside sale representatives, as well as administrative assistance," said Clapprood. "On the other side of the business, we hire for light industrial positions, general laborers, warehousing, CNC machinists, forklift operators, and then with the nicer weather we're also seeing some landscaping positions coming in, as well as some light construction work."

Ya Ry has been turning to Man Power for years, getting placed with several different companies.

"I like temporary work, because of my kids," she said." I like to be on and off."

Clapprood says during a job interview, a first impression can make or break you.

"I think the biggest mistake that people make is not knowing enough about the company," she said. "The soft skills, I think, is where people kind of falter. You could be a great match for a company with your resume, but if you're not likeable and you don't present those soft skills, and you don't show that you might be someone that's going to fit into the culture of their organization, I think that's where people are falling short."

If you're interested in starting a career at Manpower, check out their website!