Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Staffing Solutions in Monterey, CA
Universal Staffing has been the longest operating independently owned employment agency in Monterey County since 1993. Our team combines high-tech solutions with personalized service to connect employers with qualified candidates, offering temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire options. With over 50 years of combined experience in staffing, our placement counselors prioritize in-person interviews to ensure accurate matches. We provide payroll services, cost reduction programs, and outplacement support while maintaining a strong commitment to community involvement. Our owner, Carolyn Sames, actively participates in placements and values direct client communication.We serve diverse industries including administrative, technical, and executive roles. Our accounting department ensures prompt resolution of payroll concerns, and we market resumes proactively to employers. Recognized for our high first-time placement success rate, we guarantee direct hire placements. Our clients include local businesses like Germains Seed Technology and Coldwell Banker Realty, who praise our understanding of corporate culture and specific hiring needs. We maintain a large database of applicants across various fields, from IT professionals to legal staff, while offering job seekers free services and resume marketing support.
Services
Temporary Staffing
Direct Hire Placement
Payroll Services
Outplacement Services
Cost Reduction Programs
Resume Marketing
Temporary to Hire
Accounting Support
Referral Bonuses
Career Counseling
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- Locally owned since 1993 with deep community connections
- Personalized service with in-person candidate interviews
- 50+ years combined experience in staffing industry
- Custom tailored cost reduction programs available
- Active community involvement and local market expertise
What people say
Excellent placements
Qualified candidates
Understands corporate culture
Reliable HR support
Proactive resume marketing
Services
Temporary Staffing
We provide skilled temporary workers for short-term needs, handling payroll taxes and workers compensation. Clients pay only for hours worked, with billing rates established based on required skills. Our temporary employees maintain workflow continuity during peak periods or staff shortages.
Direct Hire Placement
We facilitate direct placements with a guarantee, charging a percentage of the candidate's annual salary. Our thorough screening process ensures candidates match your company culture and specific job requirements. This service includes post-placement follow-up to ensure satisfaction.
Payroll Services
Our payroll service manages employee payments, tax withholdings, and compliance for temporary workers. Businesses benefit from reduced administrative burdens while maintaining flexibility to transition workers to direct employment when ready. On-site accounting support resolves issues promptly.
Cost Reduction Programs
We offer customized programs to lower personnel costs through volume discounts and exclusive client agreements. Our solutions include flexible staffing options and strategic workforce planning to optimize your HR budget while maintaining service quality.
Outplacement Services
We support displaced workers with resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies. Our services help maintain positive employer-employee relationships during workforce reductions while connecting professionals with new opportunities in our extensive network.
People
Carolyn Sames
Owner
Carolyn Sames actively oversees all placements and client relationships at Universal Staffing. With decades of staffing industry experience, she maintains direct involvement in matching candidates with employers while guiding strategic business decisions.
Laura Hamill
Office Manager
Laura Hamill represents client companies like Germains Seed Technology in staffing partnerships. She collaborates with Universal Staffing to identify qualified candidates that align with specific organizational needs and workplace cultures.
Melissa Mears
VP
Melissa Mears leads Tri-County Business Systems' successful partnership with Universal Staffing. She relies on their understanding of local business needs to consistently deliver qualified candidates that meet her company's evolving requirements.
Nirmala Dayalan
CFO
Nirmala Dayalan has utilized Universal Staffing's services for over a decade to fill administrative and accounting roles at The Cannery Row Co. She values their consistent delivery of culturally aligned, qualified candidates for her organization.
Dawn Fisher
Representative
Dawn Fisher represents AITS, Inc.'s long-standing relationship with Universal Staffing. She praises their deep understanding of client needs and ability to consistently provide staffing solutions that exceed expectations.
Questions
What staffing solutions do you offer?
We provide temporary staffing, temp-to-hire arrangements, direct hire placements, payroll services, and outplacement support tailored to your business needs.
How do you ensure quality placements?
Our experienced recruiters conduct in-person interviews and maintain a large database of pre-screened candidates to match your specific requirements.
Is there a fee for job seekers?
No fees are charged to applicants - all costs are employer-paid, including resume marketing and career counseling services.
What industries do you specialize in?
We serve diverse sectors including administrative, technical, executive, accounting, legal, and green energy positions across Monterey County.
Do you offer payroll management services?
Yes, our on-site accounting department handles payroll processing, invoicing, and tax compliance for temporary employees.
