After unsuccessfully searching for work thru traditional means for over a year in the Oneonta area, I signed up with Manpower in their Norwich office. Yes, there is a testing process, but it is to assess your ability for placement. If you don't score well on the typing and Word tests, you'd likely not do well in an office setting. However, if you do well, you now have scores that can be relayed to your future employers.\r
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I was placed first in Oneonta for 3 months, and then in Delhi. I have been at the second assignment for 5 months and will be her until the end of the year. At both locations, I received pay that is very good for the area. I was out of work for about a month between the jobs, but in a sucky economy, to have found either placement, is near miraculous!\r
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In addition to the placement at local businesses, I was treated well by my Manpower bosses. Lindsay was very concerned about my working conditions at location one, and was very supportive when I called with difficulties.\r
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I believe that if you are not able to find work thru traditional means, this temp agency is a great advocate. As for downtime, nowhere in upstate NY has work between Nov. and May, so I wouldn't rate the agency as poor, just the economy. I was lucky to find a position in March. \r
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At this point, I have worked most of 2010 for a wage that is very good for the area. Not only that, but I have an increasing amount of skills to add to my resume, which will put me in the range for a higher paying job next round, I am due a week of PAID Vacation time every 1,500 hours. A boss that looks out for my safety and best interests, and has a much larger pool of employers at her fingertips, than I ever would browsing the newspaper. \r
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Manpower also offers specials that only employees can access, discounts on computers, and other special rates on a variety of purchases. They also work hard to get their employees in permanently at good companies. Give them a try this spring! They're worth it!
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