City Personnel Celebrates 20 Years

I had a chance to speak with the Providence-based City Personnel Founder and President Dawn Apajee about her company’s remarkable achievement and where her company goes from here…

What does it mean for you to be in business for two decades?

“Being in business for 20 years is incredibly meaningful. When I started City Personnel in 2006, I knew I wanted to build a staffing agency that felt different. So many staffing agencies can feel transactional, focused only on filling the next open role. I did not want that. I wanted City Personnel to be rooted in relationships, trust, and truly understanding people. To look back now and see that we have been able to serve Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts businesses for two decades is something I am very proud of.”

How has the job landscape changed since you began City Personnel?

“The job landscape has changed dramatically since 2006. When we first opened, hiring was much more traditional. Resumes were often printed, filed physically, and reviewed manually. Interviews were always in person, and the process moved at a much slower pace.

“Today, nearly every part of hiring has become digital. Candidates apply online, resumes are stored in applicant tracking systems, interviews can happen virtually, and employers expect faster communication and quicker hiring decisions. Technology has made the process more efficient, but it has also made hiring more competitive and, in some ways, more complicated.”

How has job matching kept up with demand?

“Job matching has had to become more strategic. It is no longer just about matching a resume to a job description. At City Personnel, we look at skills, experience, personality, goals, salary expectations, commute, flexibility needs, and long-term potential.”

How has the agency grown over the last 20 years?

“City Personnel has grown a lot over the last 20 years, but we have been very intentional about growing in the right way.