Mary Beth H.
Mary Beth’s Story
In the wake of the 2020 pandemic, Mary Beth’s company began downsizing in July 2021 and Mary Beth was one of many in her department to begin a fresh job search. She wasted no time starting her search and connected with Kelsey Spillane at Bridge shortly after.
“Kelsey was very professional and encouraging and knew exactly which position would work best for my experience.”
Company culture and environment were two things that were very important to Mary Beth in her search; she wanted to find a company where she truly fit in as part of the team. In just over a week after meeting with Kelsey, Mary Beth accepted a new position and started in August 2021.
“Working with Kelsey at Bridge Personnel [has been] one of the most positive experiences of my working career. …At Bridge, they keep you well informed of any updates or changes in your position…I am pleased that Kelsey reached out to me. I have and would recommend Bridge Personnel to anyone else looking for a job.”
Mary Beth H.
Finding Your First Corporate Job
Samantha Upshaw
After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Illinois State in Communications, Samantha began her job search in May 2021. Client Manager, Jeimi Alanis, reached out to Samantha and discussed her job search, found out what her goals were, and presented her with a customer service opportunity aligned to her interest in gaining corporate experience.
“Once I decided to go with the opportunity, Jeimi walked me through the interview process. After receiving an offer, she communicated when my first day would be, where I would be going, the time I needed to be there, and everything I needed to be successful on my first day. Jeimi walked me through the whole process and was very helpful!!”
In her new role Samantha remained committed to her professional development. After six months of hard work and dedication she received and accepted a permanent position!
“My experience with Bridge Personnel was very good, I got my first adult job out of college, and went from being a temp employee to now a full-time [permanent] employee.”
Congratulations on your new position, Samantha! We are so excited we were able to be a part of your journey!
Samantha Upshaw
Finding Your First Corporate Job
Nate James
Nate’s Story
Nate, like many other college graduates, found himself looking for a full-time job after graduating from college. After filling out application after application, Client Manager, Amanda Hanson connected with him. Although fresh out of college with no “corporate” experience, she saw his potential and thought he would be an excellent fit for a job opportunity with a Fortune 500 Company. After connecting in December 2020, Nate interviewed and ultimately accepted an offer in January 2021.
“When I started [working with Amanda], she went the extra mile to prepare me for my interview, which led me to be hired and changed my life for the better!
In his new role, Nate continued to work hard and remained committed to his professional advancement. His dedication and hard work didn’t go unnoticed. In November 2021, he was presented with an offer for a permanent position.
“ [Amanda] was very considerate and informative, just a great employee all around. The other staff at Bridge was also super helpful and supportive during my time with them. I could not recommend a better agency than Bridge!”
Congratulations Nate, it has been a pleasure working with you and we know you will do great things with your career!
Nate James
Finding Your First Corporate Job
Eliseo “Cheo” Herrera
Cheo’s Story
Cheo moved to Illinois with his significant other in May 2021. Shortly after, he began his job search looking for a company where he could find a “home”. In August, Cheo connected with Client Manager, Amanda Hanson. Upon first connecting, there wasn’t an opportunity that was the right fit, but she didn’t give up and continued her search for him.
“In working with her to be recruited, she was very responsive and immensely helpful. She was very professional and built a wonderful rapport with me.”
After only a few days since they first connected, Amanda was able to find a remote opportunity that matched what Cheo was looking for. She was able to get him scheduled for an interview shortly after. Cheo accepted the company’s offer and started in his new position in September 2021.
“Amanda saw me as a good fit for the position and she was definitely right… I would recommend working with Bridge and Amanda in particular.”
Eliseo “Cheo” Herrera
Finding a New Professional "Home" After Moving
Andria L.
Andria’s Story
After working in the educational field for almost a decade, it was time to make a change. She wanted to make a move into a corporate environment but wasn’t sure how to get started.
“Megan helped me think outside of the box when it came to my skills and experiences. She was able to see my talents and skills beyond the job titles I carried and she helped me position them so that not only were they relevant, but they also made me stand out against other candidates. I felt empowered and confident thanks to her guidance and advice.”
In August of 2020, Andria connected with Bridge Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Megan Johnson. With Megan’s help, Andria was able to reformat her resume and highlight her transferable skills to successfully move into a corporate operations role.
In exactly one week, Andria had secured a job as a Compliance Specialist –earning even more than she thought someone new to the industry could make.
I would highly recommend Megan as a competent guide in the complex and stressful journey of job searching. I really appreciate her support in helping me take my first step into a new industry. Thanks to her, I secured a pay rate that is more than what I would have thought to ask for as a newbie in the field. I really appreciate her cooperation and support.
Andria L.
Switching Industries after 10 Years
Abigail Kim
Abigail’s Story
The pandemic left many professionals suddenly looking for a job. Abigail was no exception. Like many others, she began her job search in early 2020. Abigail connected with Bridge Client Manager, Amanda Hanson, in March 2020. Despite her reservations about working with staffing agencies, she took a chance on Bridge.
“I was apprehensive with the idea of working with an agency… I had heard some unappealing stories of people’s experiences with other agencies. Now, I rave to my friends about Bridge all the time.”
Immediately after connecting, Amanda was on the (job) hunt. Amanda stayed in contact with Abigail and would regularly discuss employment opportunities with her that would be available once businesses began hiring again. In August 2020, Amanda found Abigail a match; she accepted and started her new position. After 5 months, Abigail was hired permanently!
“I was hesitant about working with agencies until I met Amanda. If you’re a job seeker who is at all worried about working with a staffing agency, go with Bridge. I can’t say enough about the positive experience I had.”
Abigail Kim
Company Downsizing (COVID-19)
Kalah Banks
Kalah’s Story
In August of 2020, Kalah graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She was looking to start a career where she could combine her 4+ years of customer service experience with her love of helping people.
In December 2020, Kalah was contacted by Bridge Recruiter, Amanda Hanson, regarding an opportunity in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
“Moving through the hiring process for any prospective job can be overwhelming and stressful…Amanda was very patient and willing to work around my schedule. She made sure I was prepared [for all my] interviews [which led me] to get an amazing job offer.”
After only two weeks of working with Amanda, Kalah had accepted a new position.
“Bridge Personnel is such a great company to work with. Amanda Hanson is amazing and made the process of transitioning to my new job so smooth and easy. She made sure I was prepared for all my interviews and gave me an abundant amount of tips and tricks to make sure I nailed the hiring process every step of the way.”
Kalah Banks
First-Time Job Seeker
Amanda LaGamba
Amanda’s Story
In February 2020, Amanda was asked to make a big move. She was relocating from Florida to one of her employer’s locations in Illinois. Things were going great until she was furloughed (and subsequentially laid off) due to COVID-19.
Amanda now found herself living in a new city with limited professional resources. In September, Amanda was contacted by Client Manager, Amanda Hanson, regarding an opportunity that meshed her previous experience in the hospitality industry with her passion for customer service.
“My experience with Bridge has been amazing. Amanda was very helpful and supportive throughout the entire process.”
Within less than two weeks, after speaking with Bridge, Amanda was starting her new position. In December of 2020, Amanda was offered full-time permanent employment.
“ I was very fortunate to come across this opportunity while in the middle of a pandemic. Extremely thankful for Bridge!”
Amanda LaGamba
Moving to a New City
Lisette Orea
Lisette’s Story
Lisette had relocated and started a new position prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but once COVID started in full force, she saw her hours dwindling and decided to start looking for work with more stability and growth – ideally in the same industry.
Bridge Client Manager, Amanda, reached out at the end of July 2020 and a week later, Lisette was offered a position and she accepted!
“I had no clue how much success and growth that would come out of [this experience]! I am now fortunate to be employed at a wonderfully diverse and expanding company that ends each of my days with a large sense of accomplishment!”
After working as a Bridge employee, Lisette was offered a full-time permanent position after 3 months of employment!
“[I] just want to thank the staff at Bridge.”
Lisette Orea
Job Hunting in the Pandemic
Wilmarie Marrero
Wilmarie’s Story
In the middle of 2019, Wilmarie found herself in the middle of a very lackluster job search. She had recently left an organization that she had outgrown. In July 2019, Wilmarie was contacted by Bridge Senior Client Manager, Mary. Mary’s communication and support helped Wilmarie obtain an employment offer with a high-profile auto finance company.
“Mary was supportive, easy to work with. She communicates with you throughout your job search and after you are working with Bridge. She always replied and was supportive when I needed anything.”
This October, Wilmarie was offered a permanent position of Credit Analyst from her contingent placement.
“I have to thank Mary! She has been always there since Day One. Trust [Bridge] and they will take you where you need to be.”
Wilmarie Marrero
Switching Career Tracks
Heather Bartlett
Heather’s Story
Heather graduated with her Bachelor’s in Finance in December 2011 and experienced initial success in her first two jobs out of college. Then, due to family reasons, she moved home to Illinois. Heather’s top priority became her family, but she didn’t let these changes affect her professional aspirations.
In late July, Heather was ready to rejoin the workforce and began her job search. In August, she was able to connect with Bridge Client Manager, Scott Browning.
“I was really nervous about getting back out in the workforce, but Scott made the process of finding and starting a new job easy”.
While working with Scott, she was able to tighten up her resume and connect to employment opportunities that best matched her previous experiences. Only two weeks after working with Scott, Heather received a job offer as a Customer Service Representative with a mortgage servicing company.
“All the staff at Bridge have made my employment success a priority to them. They have helped and guided me every step of the way.”
Heather Bartlett
Moving to a New City
Kathryn Gollogly
Kathryn’s Story
Finding a dream job when the employment market is up can be challenging, so Kathryn knew when she found herself looking for a job in the spring of 2020, her goal would become that much harder.
Kathryn had been looking for an opportunity where she could apply her previous work experience as well as grow professionally and learn new skills. It was early 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic had caused the hiring world to come to a grinding halt. Kathryn thought that by working with several agencies, she could help her odds, but, instead, she was finding 0 luck and a lot of frustration –until she connected with Bridge Client Manager, Amanda Hanson.
“Before I connected [with Amanda], there were [staffing agencies] that I would get in touch with, then fast forward, and someone else would be taking over for them and we had to start all over again, so [working with Bridge] was refreshing. [She] changed my mind on recruiters.”
Weeks went by without hearing a peep from target employers, and Kathryn needed to make the tough decision to find work because of the pandemic. She found a temporary position that wasn’t exactly what she was looking for, but it got her back to work, and she was very excited about that!
Unlike the other staffing agencies Kathryn was working with, Amanda stayed in contact with Kathryn, and would proactively reach out to her about opportunities that matched her ultimate career goals to see if she was interested in them, and sure enough, in September 2020 the opportunity Kathryn was looking for presented itself, and she accepted this offer!
“I’ve told friends to reach out to [Bridge]; they will help you find something!”
Kathryn Gollogly
Job Hunting in the Pandemic
McNemon Vincent
McNemon’s Story
2020 and COVID-19 took McNemon’s professional plans on a detour. Like millions of other Americans, McNemon suddenly found himself without a job at the beginning of the year. It was March 2020, and this meant he was beginning his job search right before thousands of employers would be beginning mass layoffs and furloughs, but McNemon was not deterred.
Through a colleague, in April, McNemon was referred to Bridge and was immediately connected with Bridge Senior Client Manager, Mary. His past experiences working with other staffing agencies made McNemon a bit apprehensive, but his concerns were immediately allayed.
“I had worked with several agencies in the past, with abysmal results. Working with Mary, in particular, has been the most delightful and productive experience I have had….Diligent and proactive don’t even begin to describe the type of attention and detail she gave to me [and my job search].”
Over the spring and summer, Mary worked with McNemon to find a job that matched his skill set, career goals, and also gave him the ability to grow professionally. “[Working with] Bridge was a fluent and effective [process]. I appreciate the care and time taken to match me in a position I will thrive in.”
In August, Mary’s diligent work to find a company that McNemon could grow with led him to receive a job offer for a Clerical Support Specialist position at a well-established mortgage firm. “Even though I am not in the same line of work [I was in prior], I am in a field I enjoy very much. I enjoy the environment and I know I will thrive and be effective [in my role]. It was fate.”
When given the opportunity to refer Bridge, McNemon does not mince words, “If a stranger asked me which staffing agency to use to help them achieve their career goals, I would respond, ‘I can’t believe you’ve wasted so much time already, buddy. Call Bridge!’”
Congratulations on your new role, McNemon! We can’t wait to see what professional heights your new role helps you achieve!
McNemon Vincent
Company Downsizing (COVID-19)
Mack Chudzik
Mack’s Story
Mack was interviewed with Bridge Client Manager, Amanda Hanson, in January 2020. They were hired and started 11 days after their initial interview.
Mack’s professional experience in food service and passion for customer service landed them in a position where they can help people with a company that they love!
“I absolutely love [my placement]. The job itself is very interesting and makes the day fly by. The atmosphere is relaxed but still professional and business-like. Also, the people are SO friendly and their training process is amazing. 10/10 – would recommend!”
Congratulations on your new position, Mack! We wish you the best of luck in your new role!
Mack Chudzik
Looking for New Professional Challenges
Madeline Joy
Madeline’s Story
Madeline graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Roosevelt University in May 2020. She had been looking for the right opportunity to get out of retail and start her career.
“I did not know where to start or what to look for since I only had experience in one field, but that is when Amanda reached out with a great opportunity.”
Amanda interviewed Madeline and, within days, Madeline received an interview request for a Drivers’ Service Agent position with a fleet management company.
“Amanda helped me with my resume and gave me tips for how I can succeed in the interview. She let me know what to expect… she made sure I was prepared and would check in with me to see how I was feeling about the job.”
After interviewing, Madeline received an offer and ultimately accepted the offer!
“Bridge [Personnel Services] wants everyone to succeed and they will work with you to do so–just like they did with me.”
Madeline Joy
Moving to the Corporate World
MaryRose Swanson
MaryRose’s Story
At the beginning of 2019, MaryRose found herself in the middle of a very stressful job search. She had wanted to ring in the New Year with a new job but wasn’t having much luck. In February 2019, MaryRose was contacted by Bridge Senior Client Manager, Mary. Mary’s supportive and calming personality helped MaryRose feel less stressed about her search.
“I was very stressed about looking for work. Mary was supportive, easy to work with, and efficient in finding me a job.”
With Mary’s help, MaryRose was offered a position as a Rep I Customer Service Representative for a Fortune 7 Pharmaceutical Company. “Mary is a great communicator. There was not a single time where I felt I was left in the dark.”
This June, MaryRose was brought on permanently to the team and was offered the position of Customer Service Representative.
“Mary and Bridge are amazing to work with…Mary is a thoughtful and supportive recruiter. [The Bridge team] truly cares about you and your career. In my book, Bridge gets a 5/5!”
MaryRose Swanson
Job Searching Anixeties
Tom M
Tom’s Story
When Tom decided to make a career change in 2016, it was into completely uncharted territory.
Tom was fortunate enough to connect with Bridge Talent Acquisition Manager, Megan Johnson, early on in his job search. “Almost immediately after I applied to the [Bridge job post] I was contacted by Megan. From the moment I spoke with her, I knew that Bridge Personnel Services Corp was the recruiting firm for me.”
Megan spent the time to get to know Tom’s career goals and professional experience to see if they were a match. “Throughout the interview process, Megan was there for me. After each interview with [my now employer], Megan would touch base to see how things were going and provide pointers for the next steps.”
In June 2016, Tom was offered the position of Regional Sales Manager. “To this day, I have a great professional relationship with Megan…I know she will be there for me and support my professional goals however she can.”
If anyone is looking for a new job opportunity, I, without hesitation, recommend Bridge!
Tom M
Changing Industries
Taylor C
Taylor’s Story
Taylor has never been one to shy away from a challenge! Taylor had been looking for a job in the Mortgage Industry for 3 months before her search led her to Bridge.
Taylor was connected with Talent Acquisition Manager, Megan Johnson. “During the months [I worked] with Megan, she was amazing throughout the whole process! She always prepped me before interviews and told me what to expect!”
Upon interviewing, Taylor was not offered the job, but that didn’t deter her nor Megan. When other positions became available, Megan reached out to Taylor immediately. “What amazed me the most is that, between the first interview and until I landed the job, [Megan] never forgot about me or what I wanted.”
This time around, Taylor was offered a position as Post Closing Assistant with her target company. She has taken on more responsibility and is now an Application Coordinator.
“[Megan] not only found me a job, but a career….I have nothing but good things to say about Bridge! They are always willing to help and make sure you know what to expect out of the job and interview process.” – Taylor C.
Taylor C
Looking for Better Growth Opportunities
Michael Gonzalez
Michael’s Story
As a recent college grad, Michael was not going to leave any stone unturned searching for his first corporate job. “I had heard about LinkedIn but was not 100% sold on it being worth the time and effort (this was all very new to me), but I made my profile and started connecting.”
During his job search, Michael connected with Talent Acquisition Manager, Megan Johnson, and she proved to be a great resource for him. “[Megan] helped me find my current [position]. She supplied information, helped prep me, and eventually got me that first interview and, well, the rest is history!”
“I especially loved how she followed up with me after I got the job and checked in on me. She really opened my eyes to the value of connecting and maximizing your network.”
With Megan’s guidance, Michael was able to find his first job out of college within less than a month after connecting with Bridge. On top of that, he learned networking skills he will undoubtedly take with him throughout his career.
Michael Gonzalez
First-Time Job Seeker
Katie Tankersley
Katie’s Story
When Katie connected with Bridge, she was looking to transition out of her current job into a new role due to her previous company closing; she had worked with a staffing agency previously but she was a little apprehensive to work with one again because of her previous experiences.
“My experience working with [Bridge] was very pleasant and easy…. I was very skeptical [to work] with an agency because in the past I worked with one that never got back to me.”
Katie interviewed with Bridge Personnel in February 2018. After her first client match did not pan out as expected, Katie began to feel discouraged, but her Client Manager, Amanda Hanson, reminded her Bridge’s goal is to find her a career — not a job.
A short three days later, Amanda reached out to Katie with another opportunity that ended up being the one! In April 2018, Katie started her new position, and she will be celebrating her two-year anniversary in a few months.
Katie’s eagerness and enthusiasm to learn has taken her far over the past two years. In her current position, Katie has gained new responsibilities and is seen as a valuable resource and mentor by the newer team members.
Katie Tankersley
Overcoming a Recruiter Skepticism
Angel Quirin
Angel’s Story
Angel was hired through Bridge Personnel in October 2017 as a Collections Specialist. This was newly developed position and she was hired to be the first person in the department! Due to her hard work and dedication, she was hired as a full-time permanent in employee in January 2018 and promoted to a Hotel Relations Coordinator in April 2018.
Before connecting with Bridge, Angel had never worked with a staffing agency. When Bridge Client Manager, Amanda Hanson reached out to her, she was a bit apprehensive due to the “horror stories” she had heard about working with staffing agencies.
“My initial interview with Amanda was so professional and I felt welcomed. Amanda was able to review my resume and offer very helpful advice for adjustments prior to submitting to my future employers. Once an interview was scheduled, Amanda coached me through it. I got the job and Amanda continued to stay in contact with me – making sure I felt welcome – and [she] was there if I ever had questions. I thank Amanda so much for helping me feel confident in the journey I [took].
I still refer to Bridge when I have friends or colleagues looking for new work.” — Angel Quirin
