How to apply for a job with Kelly Services

Kelly Services—often simply called Kelly—is a job placement and staffing agency that helps job seekers find work in fulfilling careers. Kelly hires and assigns employees to jobs in fields like finance and accounting, education, information technology, healthcare, maintenance, and more. Applying for work through Kelly Services can increase your odds of finding a job and getting hired faster.

Applicant requirements with Kelly Services

As an employment agency, the requirements vary depending on the job they are looking to fill, but all applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Consent to a full background check. (The background check will be dependent on the role for which you’re applying)

• Must have a resume showcasing your skills and employment history

• Must be able to pass an online-screening assessment test

Applicant requirements for remote work with Kelly Services

Jobs with Kelly At-Home Services allows employees to work remotely. The most common remote jobs in customer service generally require the following:

• Skills for customer service roles

• 2+ years of customer service experience is typically required, both in person and on the phone with callers

• Computer experience, including Microsoft Word and Excel

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Motivation, discipline, and determination

• High school diploma or GED

• Equipment and remote workspace requirements

• A dedicated workspace and workstation (a room free from household distractions is preferred)

• Reliable high-speed internet connection

• Access to a telephone (landline or mobile)

Does Kelly Services conduct background checks?

As a staffing agency, Kelly Services is committed to providing clients with the best possible candidates for their open positions. Part of this commitment includes a Kelly services background check on all applicants.

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What do background checks include?

Background checks can include checking an applicant's criminal history and verifying their employment history. In some cases, Kelly Services will also conduct drug tests and credit checks.

Depending on the position an applicant is applying for, different types of background checks will be required. For example, applicants for positions that require handling money may undergo a credit check.

Why are background checks necessary?

Background checks help to ensure that the people hired for a position are qualified and have no history of violence. Kelly Services can help create a safe and secure workplace for everyone involved by conducting these checks.

The Kelly services background check allows employers to verify that an applicant doesn't have a criminal history that would make them unsuitable for the job. Employers may also use background checks to verify an applicant's employment history and education.

If you are an applicant being considered for a position with Kelly Services, you can expect a background check to be conducted as part of the hiring process. How far back background checks go depends on the state and the employer’s hiring policy.

For example, in California, employers can only conduct background checks going back to seven years. The same applies to most other states too.

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Therefore, it is essential to be honest about your history and qualifications so that the background check can be accurately completed.

Does Kelly Services hire felons?

Kelly Services initiated Kelly 33, a program designed to help people with criminal backgrounds get jobs. Those participating in the program can interview for positions at Kelly Services.

While not all positions are available to those with a criminal background, Kelly 33 allows felons to get their foot in the door with a major staffing agency.

The program connects jobseekers with non-violent criminal backgrounds to employers who need their skills. A survey by Kelly Services showed that 71% of Americans believe employers should lower or eliminate the blanket ban on rejecting applicants with non-violent or minor criminal offenses.

Kelly’s online application

To apply for a position, go to the Kelly Careers site.

• Create an account with a username and password, which will allow you to

• See the open jobs in your area

• Set up and save job alerts

• Upload and submit your resume to individual job listings

• Manage, add, and track your resume submissions

• Edit your personal information - manage and update your profile, and more

• Kelly’s job search The “SEARCH JOBS” and “SEARCH MAP” buttons direct you to open jobs based on the criteria you specify

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• Complete a job search by entering details for the type of job you are interested in.

• Select the job(s) you’re interested in and submit your resume(s).

• This will flag to Kelly recruiters that you are interested in the role.

• To submit/upload your resume to a job posting, click on a ‘Job Post Title’ and select ‘Apply Now.’

• For some positions, you may be required to complete a screening questionnaire in order to submit your resume.

• There is no limit to the number of jobs you can submit your resume to. However, applicants should only submit resumes to jobs for which they are qualified to fill.

• Only one resume is permitted per position (i.e., you cannot submit multiple versions of your resume for the same job).

• After submitting your resume, you will receive a pop-up and email confirmation message. Resume submissions are saved in the ‘My Jobs’ section of your dashboard as 'Applied Jobs’

• After submission, a Kelly recruiter will receive and review your application. If they think you’ll be a good fit, they’ll reach out to you directly for next steps

In some cases, you’ll be invited to a telephone interview with a Kelly recruiter. During the call, the recruiter will verify that your qualifications meet the minimum requirements and ensure you will be placed on an assignment that best suits your skills, abilities, and desires. This is the time to communicate your skills and interests openly and honestly.

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Frequently Asked Questions about looking for work with Kelly

Why Should I Work With A Job Placement Agency like Kelly Services?

“We help people get back to work, and companies get back to business.” - Kelly Services

Kelly Services focuses on placing jobseekers in jobs that are hiring right now. They connect applicants to a variety of work opportunities: temporary, temp-to-hire, direct hire, part- and full-time work.

How much does it cost to work with Kelly Services?

Nothing, the service is free to job seekers. There are no fees or service charges whatsoever for applicants (even after being hired).

Why should you choose Kelly Services?

Kelly Services claims they can find their clients' best talent through an "unrivaled" global network. The company:

• Supports the employment journeys of nearly 440,000 workers annually

• Connects job seekers with more than 70,000 hiring managers

• Seeks the perfect fit rather than just matching the jobseeker's skills with the employer's requirements

How does working with Kelly differ from job searching on your own?

When you work with Kelly services, you don’t have to deal with the stress that comes with finding a job on your own. Kelly is always there to guide you at every step. Plus, over 1,000 recruiters have access to your resume, increasing your chances of getting a job.

What if I don’t like the job I was placed in?

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A recent Microsoft survey showed that 41% of the workers plan to leave their jobs soon. When you work with Kelly, you will be assigned a recruiter at Kelly, who will check in regularly to ensure a positive placement. If it isn’t quite the position you were hoping for, as part of the Kelly network, they can help you find a new job right away.

Are all jobs at Kelly short-term or temporary?

There’s a common misconception that all temporary work is short-term. While Kelly does offer great opportunities for temp work, they also specialize in temporary-to-hire and direct-hire jobs and high-paying jobs for college degree holders.

Types of job opportunities that Kelly offers

• Temporary: an assignment with a set start and end date

• Temporary-to-hire: an assignment or placement that is initially temporary but is also used to help both an employer and employee determine if the temporary placement is a good, long-term fit. If all goes well, the employer may extend an opportunity to potentially become a full-time employee with the company. As a reputable job placement/employment staffing agency, Kelly has exclusive connections with companies that are looking to make long-term hires

• Temporary-to-hire is an excellent way to initially get your foot in the door and test the waters in a new industry or career before committing long-term

• Direct-hire: a permanent position where Kelly acts as a recruiter and liaison between you and the employer. Kelly assists applicants by guiding them through the recruiting and hiring process

Get the most out of your Kelly Services recruiter

When you work with a staffing agency like Kelly Services, developing a good relationship with your recruiter is imperative. Your recruiter is your connection to job opportunities, so it's in your best interest to keep them in the loop regarding your career goals and preferences.

Moreover, your recruiter can be a valuable resource regarding advice and information about the industry, so don't be afraid to pick their brain from time to time.

Looking for more help with your job search? Check out the Jobcase Getting Hired Resource Center.