Since 1948, ManpowerGroup has grown across the globe as a far-reaching recruiting company. In Newport News, the recruiting hub continues to enrich the community, connecting workers and companies to find the perfect fit for both employees and entities.
Jennifer Harris, market manager, works between both the Newport News and Richmond offices. Over the past five years, her work with Manpower has taken her from a temporary in-house recruiter to being hired as a senior recruiter, paving the way to her current position.
Now, she says, “I service the entire Hampton Roads area,” managing employees, recruiters and sales. A secondary Richmond office allows for services to be extended to that area as well. Three recruiters work with her, and the team averages working with about 125 associates each month.
“Our main goal is not just to find [individuals] a job but also to find them a company where they can work full time and advance,” she says.
Throughout the years, Manpower’s reach and opportunities for job seekers have grown. “We are pretty much able to staff any and every position. If it’s not through a temp assignment, then we do have search consultants available through direct hire. So, Manpower’s kind of a one-stop shop for any hiring needs.”
Communication among recruiters, job seekers and managers at Manpower ensures connected involvement for better opportunities and outcomes. Collaborating with community partners and resources helps achieve this goal.
Harris says that Manpower reaches candidates through referrals, social media, advertisements and community resources and partnerships. The Newport News office welcomes many walk-ins looking to build their careers. “Our greatest strength is our ability to be hands-on, involved with clients as much as they are willing. Recruiters allow us to maintain contact with others as much as we can,” she says. As a locally based agency, Harris explains, that in-person contact goes a long way.
“We’re more than just a temp agency,” Harris says. “We assist candidates with creating and updating their resumes. We also have career resources to continue candidates’ education and their skills while they’re on assignments with us.” Associates can enjoy temporary assignment benefits (including health and other insurances) and educational programs (including GED and college programs) through Manpower. Online training and career readiness opportunities are also available.
“ManpowerGroup is committed to diversity and inclusion by ensuring equitable access to work and advancement for individuals of all backgrounds,” Harris says. She explains that Manpower values and promotes “inclusive hiring, fair treatment and workplace cultures rooted in respect and belonging, recognizing that diverse talent strengthens business outcomes and communities.”
Reflecting on her time at the company, Harris says that Manpower’s culture has shifted positively. “It’s always been a great company, but within the past couple of years, it’s gotten so large that it’s more of a family-filling type company. We have branches all over — we are a global company — so now we’ve kind of crossed where recruiters talk with others in locations.”
Beyond her work at Manpower, Harris stays busy as a military spouse with her husband and five children. Often uncommon for military families, hers has lived for 23 years so far in one place — Virginia, where Harris continues to make a difference in the Commonwealth’s workforce of the present and future.
TO THE POINT:
Manpower
Address: 601 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606
Contact: Jennifer Harris, market manager
Phone: 757-873-2260
Website: www.manpower.com/en
