Spherion Staffing opens local branch

Spherion Staffing Services may be new to the area, but the business has been successful throughout the country for decades. 

The company’s strong history, along with Kalispell Branch Owner Nikki Demars’ knowledge of the valley are driving the local branch’s success. 

“Knowing the valley the way I do, I know there’s a big need for a company like Spherion,” she said. “There’s a need to help people locally, and a need to help our businesses.” 

Demars opened the branch in south Kalispell in November, drawing on 13 years of experience in the staffing industry. She said she’s confident she’ll be able to anticipate needs in the job market, as well as understand the ebb and flow of the tourist industry. 

Spherion Staffing Services is a national staffing company that assists area residents in their job search for full, part-time or temporary positions. The company was founded in 1946 in Chicago, and has since grown to include offices in more than 30 states. 

The company uses a mix of paper applications, interviews and social media to find job seekers local opportunities as quickly as possible and help businesses fill openings. 

“Really, it's our job to be scouring talent through a creative mix of social media, mobile-optimized and web-based tools to look for the best talent that's out there,” Demars said. 

The staff at Spherion will spend time with job seekers and conduct an in-depth interview to learn about a candidate’s skills and goals. Then they are able to recommend the potential employee to local businesses that trust Spherion’s judgment, saving precious time and money for the business, she said. 

Mobile application and text notifications can alert job seekers to new job prospects as soon as Spherion knows about them. 

“I hate to say it, but sometimes they know about the jobs before I do,” Demars said with a laugh. “But that’s a good thing. It helps to keep us all connected.” 

Spherion uses a specialized page on Career Builder, an online job posting site, to post all open positions, as well as social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Job seekers using the Spherion service are able to customize their notifications, so they receive alerts about job openings directly related to their skill set and desired job type. 

Because of these systems, the company is able to become a one-stop-shop where job seekers can browse for positions, and find their perfect fit. 

The system also saves time for employers. Spherion is able to do all the legwork, and in the end, recommend the right person to fill any holes in the company, without the employer having to take time to read resumes and conduct interviews. 

Demars said this gives her a chance to approach a variety of businesses who may not subscribe to their service and give them the opportunity to consider new, talented people.

“I like being able to approach companies and say, ‘Hey, this is what I’m seeing, can I help grow your business?’” she said. 

Before Thanksgiving, Spherion Staffing donated $1,000 to the North Valley Food Bank as part of the company’s national Community Giveback program. 

“It was right after I opened, and [Spherion headquarters] approached me and told me I had two days to pick an organization to give to,” Demars said. “It was so great that I was able to give back to this community right away.” 

Demars runs the company along with her husband, Carroll, and employee Keaton Koski, who takes care of customer service support.

While her husband worried that opening during the off-season would be a challenge, Demars thinks it is the best thing they could have done. 

“We can start now by building relationships with the local businesses, and kind of get to know their needs and pains,” she said. She hopes that over the next year, Spherion can build a strong foundation in the community, and begin to form positive relationships with local employers. 

“We’re a part of this valley too, and we want to see it grow, and see what’s best for the businesses here.”

For more information search for “Spherion Kalispell” on Facebook, or contact the office, 2452 U.S. 93 S., at 407-7300.

Reporter Brianna Loper may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at bloper@dailyinterlake.com.