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If you’ve ever worked in a customer service position, you know that it can be very rewarding and takes a special personality and skill set to handle the challenges. Those who have the ability to make it look easy are admired for their positive outlook and high tolerance to cope with the demands. Here are […]

In recent discussions with human resources directors, our business development specialist was asked for updates on the four day workweek. They wanted to know what types of applicants are seeking this option and what companies, i.e., their competitors, are offering this. Given Abel’s wide contacts with both applicants and client companies over a wide range […]

Past discussions between the Human Resources Manager and their Abel Personnel representative, Addeline, occasionally focused on the true cost of hiring, and why an outside recruiter may be most cost-effective. Addeline’s reasoning for using a staffing and recruiting firm such as Abel Personnel typically touched on six areas: Cost of Hiring 1 In-house Recruiter Salary […]

The adults at the neighborhood’s annual Memorial Day Cookout reminisced about how, as school children, Memorial Day was the final countdown to the end of the academic year. Whether this meant camp, summer jobs, family vacations, or just free time, it almost always involved many days of being home and sleeping late. Now, as parents, […]

Paula was the first to admit that she might have done a better job preparing to transition to the working world compared to her graduating class. Her college education was solid and her professors had connected her to some great summer internships. However, she never really connected with the university’s placement department. With all the […]

Even in a high-demand profession such as Engineering, the job search for a new position can pose a challenge or be “downright miserable” as one job seeker recently described it. The upside of this industry is that labor demand allows you to take charge of your career path. The downside is that you’re so busy […]

Marion Adams, Director of Recruiting at Abel Personnel, recently announced that Danene Magaro is being promoted to the position of recruiter after two years as a staffing assistant. In her new position, Danene will work closely with both client companies and candidates to achieve the right fit of job requirements and qualifications. Her tenure at […]

In recent years, real wage growth (after considering inflation) has slowed down in the United States. Economists and analysts attribute this to a variety of factors, including low productivity growth, demographic shifts, and global competition. This has also had an impact on the economy and interest rates, which in turn affect hiring as companies struggle […]

Seana Steiner has joined Abel Personnel as a Recruiter. In this role, she will undertake staffing efforts for clients as well as supporting and guiding candidates. She brings a unique skill set to the table with her education in Psychology plus a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Seana’s three years of military experience as a […]

“One of my very best hiring decisions ever” declares Debby Abel, President of Abel Personnel. “Barbara was a candidate with our company seeking employment. We presented her to a client, who did us a great favor and didn’t select her. Our recruiter working with Barbara commented that she might be a good fit for our […]

Although Abel Personnel was not always a woman-owned business, women played key roles in the company from its early days. Different Pay and Fee Scales for Men and Women Abel acquired Hallmark Personnel, founded in 1962, after its establishment in 1969. Since then, there have been significant changes in equality in the workforce. Different pay […]

As a military veteran, you may feel overwhelmed when making the transition to civilian life. You may not be sure how to convey the many valuable skills and qualities you possess that make you an ideal candidate for careers in the information technology (IT) field. This industry requires individuals who are disciplined, adaptable and possess […]

Mitigating Bias in Artificial Intelligence Staffing Software Artificial Intelligence has very recently begun to trend as a great new time saving tool yielding comparable results of mere experienced humans. As interest in AI has grown, Abel Personnel took a deeper dive into what this technology offers the staffing and recruiting process, and how it might […]

Kayt McDonald has joined Abel Personnel as the Executive Assistant to Debby Abel, President of Abel Personnel. In her new role, Kayt will undertake special assignments for Abel’s executive team to assure a high level of service and responsiveness to the needs of the staffing and recruiting firm’s clients. Kayt has recently spearheaded activities to […]

Are you feeling stuck in your current job and looking for a career change? It can be overwhelming to navigate the job market on your own, but have no fear – a staffing agency such as Abel Personnel can make it happen! Here are 10 good reasons to consider using a staffing agency to plan […]

MARION ADAMS: CELEBRATES 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY HER MOTTO: “EVERY INTERACTION MUST BE POSITIVE” Marion Adams occasionally counsels a job applicant to consider a position in an entirely new industry. As she explains how their skills and experience are a great match for this unexpected opportunity, Marion can reflect back on joining Abel Personnel as a […]

The virtual interview between Priscilla and the Abel recruiter reached an awkward silence. Priscilla’s face on screen was troubled and lost in thought. This reaction was to the question, “Do you need or want to work entirely remote, hybrid, or in an office?” The type of accounting position that Priscilla was seeking could be successfully […]

You’ve decided to add new roles to your staff to address a growing workload! Creating and hiring for new positions in a company can be a complex and time-consuming process. Working with a staffing agency can make it easier. Abel Personnel’s recruiters have a plethora of experience that will prove to be invaluable to hiring […]

“Shift-shock” is a common phenomenon that occurs when an employee undertakes a new role that they then perceive as a poor fit. The feeling of disappointment and dissatisfaction can be overwhelming, and it is crucial to take a professional approach and specific steps to deal with this situation to avoid burning any bridges. Many employees […]

The advent of online job recruitment was mistaken as formidable competition to staffing and recruiting firms. The theory was that client companies and organizations would bypass such agencies and find great fits on the web, and candidates would successfully search for new jobs with the same ease they now book cheap airline flights and discounted […]

Effective managers delegate responsibility in order to plan, collaborate, and monitor the work of their employees. As experts in all aspects of the hiring process, staffing agencies can be a valuable external resource for managers, offering a range of services and support – empowering managers to focus on accomplishing the goals of the organisation. Here […]

This month Abel Personnel is pleased to welcome Alonzo Hankerson as Human Resources Director. In addition to his internal roles within Abel, Alonzo will provide insight to Abel’s clients to enhance recruiting and retention. Alonzo joins the Abel Personnel team after serving most recently as Chief Human Resources Director for a Harrisburg area company. He […]

Your first job was perhaps through the school’s placement office. The next jobs maybe came through networking or online. Now it’s time to be serious about finding a career-advancing job; use professional resources rather than do-it-yourself. In order to find the right position, a staffing agency is your professional resource. Six things you need to […]

“You know when you have a great applicant that’s perfect for one of your clients but not for their job opening?” Two recruiters are sitting at a small table on an outside patio. It’s a rare winter day that’s just warm enough, along with a gas heater, to enjoy meeting outside. Although from different staffing […]

Perhaps a generation ago, the Abel recruiter would receive a response of, “we pay depending on experience – DOE.” This typical reply was reminiscent of her first experience with a car salesman who initially wanted to know what she had budgeted to pay for a car even before discussing features and models. Times have changed. […]

The Accounting Department Manager, Maureen, shared with an Abel Personnel recruiter a common predicament in the business world. “We posted the position of staff accountant for four weeks. We need to replace some recent departures plus meet growing demand. Those applicants that were qualified wanted to work from home or flexible hours. Those that were […]

The software customisation company was thrilled with their newest hire. The company COO chose to call their Abel Personnel recruiter to thank her directly for her efforts in making this key addition possible. The COO characterised this hire as “strategic,” a position that needed the right person to assure the company’s ongoing growth in market […]

You feel or have been told you do not have the skills to be in office administrative work, such as office clerk, customer service, receptionist. So, you feel stuck in: Retail, food service or warehouse work. Working odd shifts, resulting in no time for family or a social life. Waiting to start a career with […]

The start of a new year is a natural time for many people to reflect on their careers and consider making a change. Many potential employers also now are looking to fill newly approved openings. Six tips and some questions to answer before starting your job search: Overall, the start of a new year is […]

At the start of the new year, Addeline Alaniz Edwards assumed the position of Business Development Specialist at Abel Personnel. In her new role, Addeline will become a key contact for companies and organizations of all sizes to provide them with temporary, temp-to-hire, or direct hire staffing solutions. Her mission will be to introduce new […]

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Jay asked, “you’re worried that if you tell your supervisor after you start the new job, you’ll probably get the same reaction as your acquaintance did?” “I hadn’t thought about it,” Steve replied, “but I have a few long weekends scheduled. There is my usual spring fishing trip with my old frat brothers and a […]

The search for the software customization specialist proceeded for several weeks without a single candidate proposed as interview-worthy. The Abel Personnel recruiter suggested that the IT Firm’s HR Manager and the recruiter have a virtual huddle to review their approach before continuing. “I’m not surprised you weren’t immediately successful,” the HR Manager began. “We weren’t […]

In every employment interview, there comes a time when the hiring firm asks, “So, what questions do you have for us?” Aside from questions about job responsibilities, career opportunities, compensation and benefits, the workplace responses to the shifts of the last few years suggest there are 5 other questions you might also want to consider […]

Caroline, the head of her company’s staffing function, had met with her Abel Personnel recruiter for lunch in early December every year for the past seven years (at outdoor locations before Covid vaccinations were available). This tradition dates back to Caroline’s predecessor when company policy allowed vendors to take their clients out to lunch. Now […]

After a very brief phone call with Daniel, the Abel Personnel recruiter was surprised and pleased to receive his resume a short time later via email. The well-constructed accounting of his background was much more detailed than Daniel’s short answers to the recruiter’s prompts over the phone. His presentation of himself as a computer operator […]

A CHANGE FOR 2023 Just got the announcement for our company’s yearend Holiday Party. First time in person since 2019! Feels like the end-of-year cycle is back again. Agreed! The work environment here is more festive and we’re back to the annual planning cycle, preparing for 2023. Which reminds me: Three years ago, you were […]

Robert and Amy are siblings, born only about a year apart. They also proudly admit that they are best friends. This surprises many, given that Robert is such a pessimist and Amy is the quintessential optimist. It is perhaps these characteristics that add the balance to their relationship, reminding Robert that the cup is (at […]

You thought the Interview went well. They told you that they’d be in touch “real soon” Still, you didn’t get the job when they eventually got back to you… or you were ghosted. While the causes for this result may vary, here are the top ten reasons you may have been passed over: An Abel […]

Veterans Day offers an opportunity to recognize and thank our country’s past and present members of our military. Recognition includes parades, retail discounts, and restaurant freebies (for a list of these, see the link at the bottom of this article), plus “thank you for your service” responses, all to show appreciation for the heroes of […]

GEN Z IN THE WORKPLACE Born after 1996, Gen Z grew up with technology, the internet, and social media By 2030, Gen Z will make up 30% of the total global workforce. 76% of Gen Z believe that learning is the key to a successful career. The top 3 reasons GenZ quits a job: Unsatisfactory […]

One thing Marion always loved about Halloween (since her children had become too old to trick-or-treat) was trying to guess who was the person behind that mask in responding to the doorbell. Also baffling were some of the choices that the children made for costumes. It was easy to imagine why the girl who lived […]

DONT BE A GHOST! In considering your costume for this Halloween, you may not be planning to be a ghost. Unsurprisingly, the ghost was not in the top ten Halloween costumes for 2022 (Witch was #1). This advice also pertains to your business practices, and particularly your efforts to secure new employment. Abel Personnel suggests […]

“Most of our new clients are referred to us after being frustrated with trying to recruit staff on their own,” the Abel Personnel recruiter assured her caller. Kathy was the managing partner of an IT consulting firm, with a sad tale of the successful hiring and surprising resignations of three systems analysts in less than […]

THAT DREADED INTERVIEW QUESTION Whether you are interviewing for a job at a new company, interviewing for a promotion with your current employer, or having an exit interview, inevitably you will be asked, “Why are you leaving your job?” As much as you’d be tempted to rant about your terrible boss, the lack of opportunity […]

The Accounting Department Manager, Maureen, was sharing with an Abel Personnel recruiter what has become a common predicament in the business world. “We posted the position of staff accountant for four weeks to replace some recent departures plus meet growing demand. Those qualified wanted to work from home or have flexible hours; those willing to […]

WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT PANDEMIC? Maya: How long have you been back in the office? About a month?Abel: Just about. Since Labor Day. How about you? Maya: Yeah, we had to be back Labor Day Week. I’m feeling pretty comfortable. Still not sure who’s vaccinated or boosted, so doing a lot of first bumps rather […]

Abel Personnel is open Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are welcome! If you decide to visit an Abel Personnel location, we ask that you please bring along a copy of your resume to be shared with a recruiter as soon as possible. There is always a recruiter on-site, so they are available to speak with you […]

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A (POSSIBLE) RECESSION? It’s hard to find an economic forecaster that does not predict a recession soon, although many disagree on when, how severe, and for how long. And while it may be dizzying to go from a tight labor market to significant layoffs, you want to be prepared in case […]

The start of the pandemic initiated many changes to our culture, our economy, and especially our job market. You have been aware of the Great Resignation or the Big Quit that’s been sweeping the nation since early 2021, but soon you will hear about (and experience) the Great Sign-On. Have your onboarding queues ready to […]

3 TYPES OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TO LOOK FOR IN A NEW JOB According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, employee take-home pay makes up 69%of total compensation costs. There are opportunities to increase your overall direct compensation (and indirectly your work/life balance) by focusing on that order 31% of the benefits packages. Working […]

Brenda had been conditionally promoted from her position as Compensation & Benefits Supervisor to Human Resources Manager for her 180-person IT company. After introducing herself to the Abel recruiter, Brenda explained that her success in having the position become finalized would rely heavily on how well she managed the recruiting side of human resources. Her […]

TEMP-TO-HIRE: THE BIG PICTURE James: Last time we talked, you were looking for a new job that would be a longer-term career step, right? Job Seeker: Good memory! I was tired of jumping to a new firm every year or two to advance and earn better pay. James: So, how’s the search? Job Seeker: Good […]

The unusual nature of this request warranted a snap meeting among the recruiters at Abel Personnel. The recruiter who had received the job order for a multitude of customer service representatives (CSRs), a veteran of over 12 years at Abel, presented the opportunity that was both promising and tricky: 50 CSRs Needed: The total need […]

5 TIPS FOR FINDING QUALITY JOBS IN HARRISBURG In preparing your resume, consider the resume as your brochure. It is a marketing tool to present you to a potential employer, and you always want to make a great first impression. Act as if your career depends on it (it does!). Need feedback on your resume? […]

It is always great to hear from a client after two years of “no job orders anticipated for a while.” The pandemic had hit Marla’s company especially hard. The decision was made in March 2020 for all staff to move to entirely from-home operations and may have required some layoffs had it not been for […]

“Now that we’re hopefully passed ‘The Great Resignation,’ what is this ‘Quietly Quitting’ phenomenon I now need to worry about?” The client on the phone with her Abel Personnel recruiter wasn’t a big fan of small talk, and would typically start a phone call posing such a question without even a “hello, is this a […]

5 TIPS FOR FINDING QUALITY JOBS IN HARRISBURG Do Your Homework Find out as much as possible about the company before you apply, or certainly before your interview. Besides looking at their website and Facebook page, check out sites like Glassdoor. You knowledge about them will impress the company and you can be better prepared […]

Elyse was 12 years into her IT career when she received a promotion to her first supervisory position. This professional journey led her through the doors of several firms as she advanced. Sometimes she was promoted within a company, and other times Elyse left a company for a better position elsewhere. Once, she got laid […]

WOULD YOU HIRE YOU? Through your resume, interview, and follow-up, you need to tell a consistent story about yourself that results in a job offer. How can you help the prospective employer reach the right answer to the following questions? How can this person’s work history increase my company’s capabilities and potential? How does your […]

When the Abel recruiter arrived at her desk that spring morning, she saw there was one unheard message on her office phone handset. Years of experience suggested that anyone leaving a voicemail before 8:00 AM usually was sharing bad news that they’d prefer not to deliver directly. The recruiter decided bad news could wait while […]

4 REASONS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN TALENT SHORTAGES TALENT SHORTAGES EMPLOYEE TURNOVER Employee leave their jobs for career development, to improve their work-life balance, because of poor management, for better compensation, and more. INDUSTRIAL GROWTH Growth in top industrial fields has increased competition for employees and the shortage of supply chain talent. INSUFFICIENT TALENT TO MEET […]

Gabi and Alexa met early in their careers as staffing recruiters, starting around the same time at a national franchised recruiting firm in Harrisburg. Since then, they had both moved on to a series of different companies but still stayed in touch. Gabi developed an expertise in IT recruiting and Alexa became her firm’s go-to […]

Meriam, a business owner, just had the most unusual conversation with her Abel Personnel recruiter, who was recommending that Meriam not release a job order for the recruiter to fill. As she was preparing for her next meeting, Meriam “played back the tape” of her conversation in her head: Meriam: I’d love to give you […]

PLANNING YOUR ZOOM INTERVIEW WITH ABEL PERSONNEL Dress For Success Dress professionally as you would for an in-person interview. Wear clothes that are appropriate for your industry and make you feel confident. Turn Off Distractions Turn off notifications and silence your phone to eliminate distractions from social media, email, text, or calls. Use A Computer […]

Vera and Paul were both on the videoconference with the Abel Personnel recruiter. An initial meeting with two candidates was most unusual. They both appeared to be much younger than the early 60s which could be calculated from the year of their same college graduation date on their resumes. Perhaps a bit of hair coloring […]

5 SKILLS OF AN EFFECTIVE LEADER COMMUNICATION : They express their instructions clearly. ACTIVE LISTENING : Lets their team express themselves. Make an effort to understand their point of view. ORGANIZATION : Creates schedule and informational resources for their team. CRITICAL THINKING : Understand their business and team and make rational adjustments based on current […]

The company website announcement, an abridged version that appeared in the local weekly business journal, congratulated Brandy on her promotion to Accounting Supervisor. Many who saw either of those press releases likely thought it was just good company policy to trumpet a new arrival to management when a promotion occurred within. Upon finishing the journal […]

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The first time a current or potential client agrees to meet for a meal is often memorable. The person has planned to transition from interacting on a transactional to a personal level. The meeting is the start of growing a business relationship. The first such meal following over two years of teleconferences has gained similar […]

Super Recruiter To The Rescue to fill an IT job in Harrisburg Are you Stressed?, Do you need a superhero to fill an IT job? Don’t worry. Melissa Davis is an IT recruiter at Abel Personnel. Feel free to contact her about any IT-related jobs. MELISSA@ABELPERSONNEL.COM 717-761-8111 IT recruitment in Maryland IT Recruitment agency in […]

I may be sending you my resume. These were the opening words of my call from Julie earlier this week. In the nearly three years that she had been a recruiting specialist at my client, a fast-growing regional CPA firm, Julie’s contacts usually began with a request for resumes, preferably within a few hours. While […]

The Recruitment Process Steps for selecting a new employee :- Preparing: Post the job and develop an ideal candidate profile for Job recruitment. Sourcing : Focus on the Candidate’s experience and make selections for interviewing process. Interviewing : Present a candidate to a client for an interview and collect feedback. Offer : Present the job […]

717-561-2222 info@abelpersonnel.com Harrisburg/East Shore Scottsdale Plaza, 3356 Paxton St. Harrisburg, PA 17111 I’m not sure you can do this one, but would you give it a try? To Abel Personnel’s top IT Recruitment Agency in Harrisburg, Melissa, that was a challenge she’d never decline. The opening was for an IT Business Analyst, requiring a background […]

THE RESUME BLACKHOLE Alex : How goes the new job search? Job Seeker : Submitted my resume on 43 jobs posting so far and nothing more than an automated, “thanks but no thanks.” Job Seeker : You keep hearing how desperate companies are for new talent; well, you couldn’t prove it by me ! Alex […]

Hi, my name is Gabriel I want to share how I achieved my goal to work in Information Technology and maybe help others that are in a similar slump. I always wanted to take my passion and love for IT to a level where I could have a job I enjoyed and also be able […]

4 Reasons Your Resume Was Rejected Too may apps : Your resume was missed because there are too many applicants. Get Your Resume into the hands of the hiring manager. Not Customized : Missing essential keywords can cause problems with applicant tracking system. Highlights Duties : The resume only mentions task and not measurable achievements. […]

STAR METHOD TO ANSWER INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Situation – Task – Action – Result What was a challenge you faced at work in the past? What were the circumstances? In my previous role, an important member of the team quit suddenly in the middle of a major project. We knew we wouldn’t be able to hire […]

Wouldn’t we all want to receive an unexpected email like this one in our inbox? “We have been working with Marion to fill a variety of positions at Dasher. It has been a pleasure working with her as she is responsive and has a great understanding of what Dasher needs. During an interview with a […]

  One of Chinesa’s duties at Abel Personnel is to handle phone calls and voicemail messages from those notifying Abel that they will not be in attendance at their assigned company that day. Some of those calling off are short-term temps, while others have long-term assignments, some lasting several years. As Abel Personnel employees, they […]

  FOUR-DAY WORKWEEK SURVEY 100 employees were surveyed to find out how they feel about a four-day workweek. Popular choice: The four-day workweek was wildly popular with workers, with 92% wanting their employees to make the shift. Mental Health: 79% of employees surveyed thought a 4-day workweek would improve their mental health. Productivity: 3/4 of […]

A staffing recruiter with nearly 20 years of experience and based on the West Coast was recently in town for a family event. She took time away from this first family gathering in over two years for lunch with a colleague who is a recruiter at Abel Personnel. The two women had met at an […]

JOB SEARCHING? ABEL YOU CAN HELP! I attended Abel You because my resume wasn’t getting me any interviews! Melissa suggested I change a few key things. I ended up getting an interview shortly after I submitted my new resume to the hiring manager! Wow! that is great. I could use some help with my job […]

In reviewing position requirements for an administrative manager opening with the Abel Personnel recruiter, Meredith unexpectedly hesitated when asked, “Assuming this is a five day a week position?” Her response finally came, “Funny you should ask that.” Meredith then explained that her 100+ person company was reconsidering its entire workplace structure as a lessons-learned deep […]

I loved my job every day. Looking back on a 34 year career working at Three Mile Island, Cyndee adds, “Maybe every now and then I didn’t like it much. And I have Abel Personnel to thank for changing my life!” Cyndee’s life after high school was somewhat typical of that era of the 1970s. […]

Danielle, Jessica, Alice, and Trudy had met in an evening MBA program in the early 2000’s. While representing a ten-year spread in their ages, they were all at about the same stage of their careers, and immediately clicked at program orientation. This led to forming a study group, cheerleading each other through the program, and […]

5 BENEFITS OF CREATIVITY IN THE WORKPLACE Creative Workplace Attract And Retain Employees Fostering creativity and innovation in the workplace increase employee happiness, loyalty, and positive word of mouth about the company. Creativity Allows For Better Problem Solving A creative workplace can give employees the ability to come up with a unique solution to challenges. […]

The staffing recruiter watched as her audience entered the lecture hall and found seats. She was assured by the college placement director that she would have a full house, as attendance was mandatory. The recruiter was reminded a bit about her own college experience, as she watched each student enter and guessed which students would […]

My name is Sherry, and I wanted to share my story of working with Abel Personnel. This is not at all to brag about my success but to possibly help other middle-aged job seekers and professionals overcome career obstacles that are very real for us. Last year I was at a stagnant place in my […]

ABEL PERSONNEL DOES TECH Alex : How’d it go when you called about that Tech Support Analyst position you saw posted? Job Seeker : Pretty great! I’m waiting to hear about a time for my virtual interview. Alex : I’m sure you will be terrific. What kind of company posted the ad? Job Seeker : […]

The conversations at the gatherings I’ve attended lately inevitably turn to how business is faring for each of us. Many of the questions I receive about the staffing business are about supply (available qualified candidates who aren’t satisfied to be on unemployment) and demand (job orders with reasonable compensation expectations). Some inquiries are focused on […]

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The recruiter receiving the call on Friday afternoon was immediately pleased that there was a potential new client on the line. This response quickly reached elation when she asked, “How did you hear about Abel Personnel?” and was told that this professional associations’ human resources manager, Beverly, had checked with a few of her colleagues […]

Staffing Agency in Harrisburg Permanent Staffing in Harrisburg, PA Job Seekers in Harrisburg PA Teacher Staffing Agency Finding a job in Harrisburg PA Job Vacancies in Harrisburg

Among the many inquiries that Ruth received on a posting for an administrative assistant was the resume with an upbeat cover letter from an applicant named Nina. Nina interviewed well with Ruth, although her score on the typing assessment was subpar. Keyboarding skills were among the requirements for the position, but it had been unclear […]

5 REASONS TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER THROUGH ABEL PERSONNEL MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES If the position you applied for is not a good fit, Abel likely has several other openings that better match. CAREER ADVOCACY Abel recruiters offer career counseling, advice on resumes and interviewing, and act as your agent with the hiring managers for the position […]

“We have a methodical method for hiring to be sure we only onboard the right people.” This was how my new client, Chloe, introduced her company’s approach to recruiting. I listened intently as she went on to review a list of about a dozen attributes they were seeking for the supervisory opening for which they […]

The job order was for a website application developer with Angular 10 experience. When Brittany, the IT position recruiting specialist at Abel Personnel, accepted the assignment from a three-years-in local company, she knew this would not be easy. For Edward, her HR contact at the company, this was just another position for which past experience […]

Irene Partenheimer Celebrates 10 Years at Abel Personnel Please join us in celebrating Irene Partenheimer’s 10year Abelversary! Irene has been Abel Personnel’s Business Manager since she joined the team in 2012 after 20 years as an assistant controller. She enjoys accounting and is known for her meticulous record-keeping. She has a central role within the […]

5 STEPS TO A NEW JOB THROUGH ABEL PERSONNEL SUBMIT YOUR RESUME Upload your resume to our website or directly to madams@abelpersonnel.com. Be sure to include your phone number and what type of positions you are seeking. VIDEO INTRODUCTION Speak candidly with your assigned recruiter about your experience, skills, and ambitions. You may be asked […]

With no clear career direction, Alaina was fortunate that she had family support that would allow her to try on different jobs and travel internationally after graduating college. Multiyear assignments in customer service best supported this lifestyle, ultimately leading to supervisory positions. When Ashley was ready for more than an evenings-and-weekends-free lifestyle, she began to […]

Hannah had done almost everything right for a successful transition from college to the workforce. Months before earning her business degree, she began applying for entry-level positions in HR. This effort provided two surprises about the “real world:” Many of the “entry-level” positions required 3 – 5 years of experience, and several companies and their […]

I make a point of visiting with my largest clients at least once a quarter. Before the pandemic, these were face-to-face meetings typically over coffee, sometimes an appointment scheduled a few weeks in advance, sometimes an unscheduled drop-by, depending on the preference and availability of my counterpart. For the past two years, these have been […]

Over the years that I’ve worked with our company’s recruiter at Abel Personnel, there were a handful of times that she reminded me, “Some people have unexciting resumés and are great potential employees; others have amazing resumés without the performance to back it up.” Perhaps a version of “don’t judge a book by its cover,” […]

A reach out last month from Samantha was a jolting reminder that I had not connected with her since the pandemic began. “Sam” was one of my first applicants when I became a staff recruiter at Abel Personnel, both of us about five years since college graduation. I’ve placed her three times over the years […]

While some local businesses had record revenues in 2021 despite (or due to) the pandemic, others had to shed staff owing to the drop in demand or patronage for goods or services. The client whose human resource manager, Kathy, contacted us just after the New Year reported that they were able to break even and […]

One of our client companies recently approached Abel Personnel for input on the subject of Paid Time Off (PTO). This topic just came up at a senior staff meeting when the discussion turned to how to revise their benefits package to retain existing employees, as well as attract high talent. Some managers had noted that […]

    Staffing Agency in Harrisburg Permanent Staffing in Harrisburg, PA Job Seekers in Harrisburg PA Teacher Staffing Agency Finding a job in Harrisburg PA Job Vacancies in Harrisburg

Judith has been an ally for over a decade, ever since I placed her at the company where she’s since risen to the position of human resources manager. While I am pretty sure mine is the only company she contacts when she has an opening to fill, just as often she will be in touch to […]

Marianne appeared visibly unsure of herself at the start of our Zoom call. A mutual friend had connected us, as so often happens in my long time in the staffing business. From her LinkedIn page, I knew she had excellent educational credentials as well as broad and challenging work experience, hard-charging, and now mid-career and […]

Both Abel Personnel’s clients and applicants confide to us that the job interview can be one of the most stressful parts of the job placement process. Hiring supervisors need to quickly confirm facts, gain an overall impression, give an even better impression, and try not to run afoul of any discrimination laws. The applicants want […]

Working from home during the pandemic, or being unemployed at home, offers individuals more time to reflect on their life during moments of less activity during the day and evenings. Usually, downtimes offer opportunities for unscheduled socializing or errands. These unusual pauses now can result in a chance for deeper thought on how their work-life […]

A recent survey indicated that 48% of American workers said that the pandemic has made them rethink the type of job and career they want in the future, and 53% of American workers said they would retrain for a career in a different field or industry if they had the opportunity. When asked to list […]

Deborah Robinson (left) and Joyce Simms (right) of Abel Personnel DEBORAH ROBINSON Deborah Robinson submitted an application with Abel Personnel in the summer of 2011. She had recently relocated to the Harrisburg area after holding key positions at Indiana University and at the New York City Health Department, which included Interim Director of Recruitment and […]

In September, Abel Personnel commented on the scope as well as the opportunities of the Great Resignation, the unprecedented drop in the US workforce from April to August 2021.  Updated numbers for the phenomenon indicate: 20 million U.S. workers left their jobs between April and August this year, according to the latest federal BLS data. That’s […]

Since Pennsylvania’s legalization in 2016, over 633,000 patients and caregivers have signed up for purchase of medical marijuana through a doctor’s prescription. Some significant percentage of those patients are part of the active workforce right now. There may be some program participants at your workplace or among the applicants for open positions. How you maneuver […]

In an early September article, Abel Personnel asked Will Job Seekers Return in Droves Soon? This question was of course referring to the federal payments of an additional $300/week of unemployment compensation that were set to expire the week of September 6. Many pundits had posited that these federal subsidies had the effect of making […]

Through our Abel Personnel blogs, we’ve recommended how to construct your resume and explained how your resume leads to your interview; however, it’s the interview that results in the job offer. We also provided some initial insights on how to prepare for the interview. Digging deeper, let’s address behavioral interview questions and how you can […]

Perhaps you’ve had this experience:  you had an interview, you felt it went great, and then you were completely mystified when you weren’t selected for the position.  What you might have missed is an understanding of what hiring managers are looking for in the selection process.  There are several steps involved in the preparation process, […]

ALWAYS REMEMBER: The primary purpose of a successful resume is to win an interview. Melissa Davis is the Information Technology Recruiter at Abel Personnel, as well as a successful Certified Professional Resume Writer. From her experience, it is important that you know exactly what a company is looking for. Put yourself in the employers’ shoes […]

You areconsidering applying for a job through one of the online job sites, and realize the posting is from Abel Personnel, a staffing firm. You hesitate, unsure of how Abel Personnel (and other staffing firms) can support your job search, and perhaps whether to consider a temp job. Below are the answers to many of […]

At Abel Personnel, we’re accustomed to the unhappy tales of valued employees suddenly submitting a letter of resignation without any prior indication of dissatisfaction or interest in moving on. Replacing such employees can be an arduous, time consuming and costly task, beyond the process of posting the job, receiving resumes, arranging interviews, checking references and […]

Your applicant (of course placed through Abel Personnel) has accepted your offer. You are both pleased and relieved. Your applicant hopefully is as ecstatic as those football players when their names are announced at the NFL Draft on TV. After all that effort, you want to make sure that your new hire first shows up […]

In 2019, Texas A&M’s Anthony Klotz foresaw a “Great Resignation,” a significant number of US workers voluntarily quitting their jobs. A recent article in Inc. Magazine by Phillip Kane asserts that this prediction has come to pass in 2021, by presenting the following statistics: Some of the elements that our client has included that may […]

“Can I ask the candidate about vaccination status, or does that violate HIPAA?” Many of Abel Personnel’s clients are expressing considerable confusion and frustration over what they can ask job candidates (as well as their employees) about their COVID-19 vaccination status. Those applicants who are questioned (whether “pro-” and “anti-vax”) may respond, “you can’t ask […]

Federal Unemployment payments of an additional $300/week of unemployment compensation are set to expire the week of September 6. Currently there is no expectation that this federally-funded benefit will be extended. There is speculation that this benefit resulted in a significant number of potential job applicants choosing to stay on unemployment as a more financially […]

Recently private and public employers announced they are requiring that all onsite employees be vaccinated.  Well-known companies such as Disney, Walmart, Google, Facebook and Tyson Foods have mandated that all or some of their employees adhere to this requirement (the largest exceptions being retail locations or conditions of union agreements).  In the public sphere, certain […]

Abel Personnel is pleased to announce the expansion of our recruiting services with the addition of Melissa Davis, an experienced IT Recruiter. Melissa has over 20 years of experience, including 15 years in management and 5 years in placement in the IT field. This background benefits our clients in two ways: First, you will be […]

It’s hard to believe it is August, and schools will be opening in a matter of weeks (if not days). With children returning to classrooms, the COVID virus and its Delta variant have new opportunities to spread. Each of us can help slow the spread of COVID and the hospitalizations and deaths it brings. If […]

I’ve known Debbie and Josh for a long time probably like 40 years but I was connected with Abel since 2005. I had retired from a 20-year career job. I was off for the summer and I got a phone call from Abel by Barbara isaacman. I thought I was literally doing a favor and […]

I used Abel a long time ago like 2004 at the 9-month temp assignment. I stayed like nine months for a job and I’ve got something else to move out of state and came back and then I applied to 2012 for Abel. I got placed at a position to where I’m at now. I […]

I had a medical practice and we use Abel for getting help for us. They were very efficient. They paid attention to details. They had a stable of good people and we hired a lot of them we worked with Frank cable and Dottie Abel and then Debbie and Barbara isaacman and then Barbara car. […]

I’ve met able personnel through pH FA. There is our staffing provider for our agency. I currently have been working a lot with larb car for the last couple of years and she’s fantastic. She knows our culture. They all do and the staff very well for us there are the ones that I can […]

It all started in 1959 when I came to Harrisburg and frank gable happened to be working at Harrisburg. Rosary company and I were working for an actuarial firm and I stopped in to talk to the bosses there and I saw some nice young fellow there and I talked to him and that happened […]

I worked with Barbara Isaacman and also Barbara Karr. My mother-in-law was a wonderful person. She just passed away last year. She placed me in Continental Cooperative Services and I was there for five years until my department was disbanded and moved to Illinois. Then she found a position for me with Hersha in hospitality […]

I needed a job and I was just praying that something would happen soon. On the way back from an interview I saw the sign for able personnel so I asked my friend. I didn’t have a car at that time. Let’s you know go over there and we went in there everybody was very […]

We’re meeting virtually every day to discuss how we can help our employees and clients during this difficult time. We are answering telephones, emails, and text messages to help ensure customer satisfaction. Abel Personnel is here for you!

When the company I was working for closed their doors, Abel opened theirs to us. Ruth and Ravin were very nice and professional when they came to our company to explain the changes. The best changes were the pay increase and paid holidays. I am now working on a long term assignment for Abel. The […]

I was working on assignment with Assurance Staffing Agency and when they closed their employees were transferred over to Abel Personnel. Abel was welcoming and the transition was very smooth! Ruth and Ravin were awesome, so helpful and kind! During my first Christmas with Abel, they gave me a gift card! That made me feel […]

I was working with Assurance Staffing when they went out of business and transferred their employees to Abel Personnel. Abel treated me with respect and I felt I had joined a new family. Ruth was very pleasant, polite and helpful. She made a huge difference for me. At Christmas I was pleasantly surprised to receive […]

I first made contact with Abel by phone from California! I was moving to PA and needed to line up new employment. I first spoke to Ruth and scheduled an interview for the day I arrived in town. Ruth was supportive and helpful from day one. I was able to get all the paperwork done […]

On my first day of substitute teaching, two students sat beside me to explain how the classroom worked. They made coffee for me. When they said it was time for the class to visit another teacher’s room, I led the kids there. I was thrilled. My fate was in the hands of two fifth-graders, and […]

I have had nothing but a good experience working with Abel. I should have gone to Abel a long time ago. I appreciate that they gave me a chance. Looking forward to growing with them! Thank you for the opportunity. Staffing Agency in Pennsylvania Permanent Staffing in Harrisburg, PA Job Seekers in Harrisburg PA Employment […]

I am a central Pennsylvania native who first approached a local staffing firm for help job hunting, but they weren’t getting me in anything that really stuck or anything that fit. Because nothing seemed right, I thought I would give Abel Personnel a try. There, I worked with Barb and noticed the difference immediately. Barb […]

After being a stay at home Mom for many years, I was interested in getting back into the job market. I was referred to Abel for my job search. I met with Pat Davis, and was placed with a client who offered me a full-time position. I have been with them for over 6 years […]

I didn’t go through the interview process as Deb Abel knew me personally and my previous work. I was grateful that she thought of me to forward my name to her client. After speaking to Deb about the process and then going to the interview with the current president, and the upcoming president, of the […]

I was a full-time mom of 5 who had, “done the books,” for my husband’s construction business for 15 years. I was looking for a job for the first time in a long time and responded to an ad in the paper for an Administrative Assistant. This took me to Abel Personnel. I did not […]

I started working with Abel in 2016. I remember Pat calling me about a possible job assignment. She was very thorough, and her up-beat personality was what made me wait to do a one-on-one interview. Best decision I made! I’ve been with Abel for 3 years now. The Christmas Parties are great! Good food and […]

My story involves FANTASTIC recruiter, Marion. This beautiful woman made me feel confident after my years of truly feeling, and living as a “displaced worker”. This recruiter needs to be acknowledged. I never believed in temporary employment agencies before. However, I have already referred several of my friends and they are receiving the same wonderful […]

In 2012 I was working in a temporary post for a behavioral health agency. The work was fine, but I wanted a job with stability, which would give me the confidence and the space to grow. I had submitted a resume to Abel Personnel, in case anything turned up that would suit my background in […]

Before my employment began with ABEL, I worked with numerous large companies that offered great pay and benefits, but that was never enough to sustain me, nor make me a happy employee. I knew what I wanted from a company but was unsure that it was possible or even within reason of ever happening, until […]

My Story is one of Gratitude. I was out of work a few months due to the company downsizing. I took a customer service job that I didn’t like, only because the bills needed to be paid. The pay wasn’t good, so I also had to get a job in the evenings. About four months […]

In 2001 Barbara I. helped place me in a position where I progressed from front desk receptionist to executive assistant for one of the VPs. There I was lucky to have the best boss I’ve ever had! Unfortunately, he moved away and our department folded. Abel to the rescue! Barbara I. had retired, but she […]

I have had a great experience from the very beginning working with Abel. In 2017 I was looking for immediate work as a prior assignment was coming to an end. A friend of mine told me where she was working, and that they were looking to hire some representatives. I put in my application at […]

I applied to Abel Personnel not knowing what I wanted to do with the next step in my life. I was called to come in and meet with Ruth. I had taken a series of tests & then went over the results with her. She said she had the perfect job for me and she […]

My Abel story began in October of 2018 with an interview, which initially proved easier said than done! My crazy schedule at the time complicated things immensely. Despite that, Chinesa Rahman and Stephen McDaniel went out of their way to accommodate me for an interview. For that, I was extremely grateful! When I arrived for […]

Just a little bit about me, I am a mother and a wife, and I came from abroad to the United States to have the American dream. It was hard for me, dealing with some health problems and a special needs son. I quit school and work to stay home to help my son and […]

I began working for Abel in 1996, and I was placed at PHEAA. I previously worked for Abel from 1996-2001. I was rehired for another placement at Magellan in 2015 in which I am still currently employed by Abel. I love where I am placed and the team that I work for and with. Through […]

My journey with Abel began in early March of 2017. The interviewing processing was a good and interesting one as I also had to go through the assessment for job placement. I was treated very fairly. Hakim and Pat really went to bat for me. They both made a lasting impression in my mind; they […]

It all began in my old high school library several years ago. I work for A+ Teachers and I met many of the staff including Debby Abel who is the president of the company. I thought that it was fantastic to meet her and the others from the top down. The entire staff were very […]

I loved working with Abel to find the perfect fit for me. As a transplant from New Jersey, Barb and her team were amazing at ensuring I knew the process, and were fantastic at placing me with my current organization! I remember Barb telling me I would be perfect for a role and she was […]

My story with Abel began while taking my daily routine walk on the school track.  I was joined by a few classes of students along with their teachers, some of whom I taught in my younger years. They questioned my presence there, so I explained my desire to stay young, plus the fact that I […]

It all started in the summer of 2016. I walked in to do testing and everyone was very friendly and down to earth. I remember being nervous, but Pat was so nice and forthcoming; it was like talking to an aunt. She knew right away were I would fit in. I’ve been at my assignment […]

I started in March 2013. Pat was the person who interviewed me. She was really nice and easygoing in explaining the qualifications of the job. She gave a brief description of all of the job duties, making it much easier for me to prepare for my new job. I had multiple medical challenges that I […]

My journey with ABEL began at a Job Fair that was being held at the Colonial Park Mall.  I had recently become unemployed due to my previous employer closing the site where I worked.  At the job fair I stopped to speak with Hakim, who was very personable, took the time to listen and was […]

During a difficult period in my life I found myself unemployed (December 2017).  After receiving a suggestion from a friend, I was told to see Barb Karr at Abel in Lemoyne.  I had never been to Abel before, and wasn’t from the Harrisburg area, so I had no idea what type of staffing company they […]

Where do I begin?  I remember,  I went to the high school and was told to contact Abel Personnel A+ Teachers. I called Abel Personnel to see about working for the Annville Cleona School District as a substitute aide.  Taking me back 34 years,  when I started working as a sub then became full time […]

In 2010, I experienced one of the most difficult obstacles of my life and Abel gave me a chance. I was 23, pregnant and living in a homeless shelter for women and children. I was attending a day program at EDSI; a place where you can do simple tasks to gain experience, learn how to […]

After completing 20 years in my profession, I took the summer off.  I received a call from Barbara Isaacman, Abel Personnel, asking me to interview for a “temporary 6 week job” that was mostly to handle accounts payable.  After being the controller at my previous employment, I immediately said no.  A month later Barbara called […]

In the spring of 2002, I interviewed with Abel Personnel for a job in the Loan Asset Management call center at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.  At that time, there were three employment agencies that staffed the call center, but staff there told me to apply through Abel, because it provided more paid holidays […]

I was in need of employment because the company I worked for nine years downsized.  At the time it was pretty tough because the entire country was going through the same thing.  Many businesses were shutting their doors for good!  This made it more of a challenge because so many others were in my shoes. […]

The road not taken, or in this case taken.   I was a college student and was bartending in my home town on weekends.   I walked into an Abel office and asked if they could find me a local part time job.  They treated me with respect and said yes. Unusual for an employer treating a […]

Ten years ago, I moved to Central Pennsylvania. Being new to the area I needed a job and choosing Abel Personnel was the first step.  The staff was very friendly and helpful and quick in finding the right position for me. I am still enjoying the same position Abel found for me.   Abel has helped me find a secure […]

I’ve been with Abel Personnel since 2009. I have an established new family with Abel Personnel. The staff is professional and understanding. Mrs. Davis is an awesome person. She has been here for the entire length of my time with Abel, and I hope to continue with her as my recruiter. I am extremely thankful […]

I applied for a position through Abel. When I was contacted to come in for an interview, Barbara Karr recommended that I consider a different position. She said it would be a better fit and offered more compensation than the position I applied for. I met Megan when I entered the office and interviewed with […]

Although I’m technically retired, I found after moving to Camp Hill last year from NYC, I needed more income. I went to Abel, told them what I was looking for, (something that helps people) and here I am at PACE, helping elderly people with limited incomes to get their prescriptions. Just exactly what I was […]

I was born and raised in a small town in Connecticut. My entire family lives there. They have always lived there. However, there came a point in my life when I realized that I didn’t want to always live there too. That’s when I decided to set out on a journey to find a new […]

Abel Personnel celebrates 50 years of innovation in staffing Central Pennsylvania businesses and schools in March 2019. A successful second-generation family business, Abel Personnel keeps pace with one of the tightest job markets in memory by providing the top talent clients need. While statistics show that only 30 percent of family businesses survive the transition […]

To the students in the schools where I substitute teach, I am “Sarge.” They call me that because I retired in 2011 as a sergeant first class, after 32 years of military service. One of my learners is a special-needs student who always gives me a salute, which feels great. He asks if I’ll wait […]

Studies show that, when forming an impression on someone new, a person can make their judgment in as little 7 seconds. Sometimes that’s before you can even get a word out. This means that it’s how you look, the energy you give off, even the way you smell that makes your impression for you. In […]

Have you recently graduated from college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education? Are you searching for a position that will offer you a variety of opportunities and allow you to grow as an educator? It’s easy to become overwhelmed when searching for a job in the field of education. Finding a permanent position after graduation […]

Giving back to the community! Giving back to the community can be a very rewarding experience. Helping others gives one a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. While it is important to consider volunteering no matter where you are in your career, what better time to do so than when you are unemployed. Not only will […]

Staffing Companies are the “Happy Mediums” Between Employers and Job Seekers Because “traditional” jobs are becoming very limited in the workforce, more employers are utilizing staffing companies to recruit, pre-screen and refer qualified candidates to their companies. “Solopreneurs”, one who usually operates his/her business single-handedly, and do not require office assistants on a daily basis, […]

US Payroll rises by 280,000 jobs! Unemployment nationally remains unchanged at 5.5%. Wages begin to rise. www.bls.gov/home.htm Staffing Agency in Harrisburg, PA Employers in Harrisburg, PA Permanent Staffing in Harrisburg, PA Temporary Staffing in Lemoyne, PA Job Seeker in Harrisburg, PA New Job in Lemoyne, PA

Did you know that job seekers actually make a first impression before they schedule a face-to-face interview? To make a good first impression, read these helpful tips. During the job hunt, your resume and cover letter are really your first impression. If you’re applying for a lot of jobs at once, or even just one […]

The first impression a potential employer gets of you is your resume. A resume should contain accurate and complete information about education, work experience, and pertinent skill sets. Gaps in work history should be explained on the resume or in a cover letter. To get your resume onto the “yes” pile, read this article by […]

There is a growing initiative to consider whether to continue to offshore a portion or all of a product or product line or bring it back home to the US – Reshoring. So it seems many manufacturers are coming to understand there are other expenses involved and increasing labor costs in countries previously thought to […]

According to the Tennessee Technology Center at Hartsville, attendance is among the 10 employee work ethics most valued by employers. Employees who show up for work on time, more often than not and give proper notice of absences or tardiness are practicing good attendance. Attendance as a work ethic includes sticking to work schedules, being […]