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
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“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. We are still a local, relationship-driven staffing agency, but our reach, reputation, team, technology, and community involvement have all expanded significantly since we first opened in 2006.
“Our client base has also grown across Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts. Over the years, we have helped companies fill roles in administration, accounting and finance, legal, HR, customer service, operations, and other professional fields. We have also supported public sector, nonprofit, quasi-public, and private employers that need help finding qualified candidates in a competitive market.
“We have been named a Top Rated Local Business in Rhode Island, recognized as a Top Workplace, and honored by Providence Business News for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
“One of the biggest areas of growth has been our community involvement. Giving back has become a major part of who we are as a company. Over the years, we have supported organizations such as Foster Forward, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, Amenity Aid, Sojourner House, Goodwill, Women United, Year Up, RIBBA, and others. Whether it is pajama drives, clothing drives, hygiene product drives, workforce events, or community partnerships, we have always believed that being a local business means showing up for the community around us.”
Which industries are in dire need of help?
“We continue to see strong demand in administrative support, accounting and finance, human resources, legal, medical, operations, and professional office roles. Many companies are struggling to find qualified candidates who not only have the right technical skills but also the communication, reliability, and adaptability needed to succeed.”
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How do companies find you? What is the process in which an opening gets filled?
Many companies find City Personnel through referrals, long-standing relationships, online searches, networking, community involvement, and our reputation throughout Rhode Island. Being a local staffing agency for 20 years has allowed us to build strong connections across the business community, and a lot of our growth has come from people who have worked with us, met us at events, or heard about us through someone they trust.
“Our goal is not simply to fill an opening. It is to create a smoother hiring process for the employer while helping ensure the person selected is the right fit for the role, the team, and the long-term needs of the business.”
Besides the event, will you be doing anything else to commemorate the milestone?
“The event was a special way for us to bring clients, partners, friends, family, and community members together to celebrate this milestone. Beyond the event, we plan to continue sharing stories from the last 20 years, highlighting the people who have been part of our journey, and recognizing the relationships that helped City Personnel grow.”
What hiring or employment trends do you see happening in the second part of 2026?
“Companies are still looking for talent, but they are being more intentional about finding candidates who have the right skills, can adapt quickly, and can make a strong impact in the role. AI will also continue reshaping the job market, especially in administrative, entry-level, and task-based positions. Entry-level jobs are not disappearing completely, but many of them are changing as some of the routine work that once helped people get their foot in the door becomes automated.”
Any advice you can give to employers looking for help? For job seekers, what can they do to strengthen their candidacy?
“For employers, my advice is to be clear, responsive, and realistic. Know what you truly need in a candidate, but also understand where you can be flexible. The strongest candidates often move quickly, so communication and timely feedback matter.
“For job seekers, my advice is to be prepared, professional, and honest about what you are looking for. A strong resume is important, but so is communication. Responding quickly, being clear about your goals, showing up prepared for interviews, and following through can make a big difference.”
Anything else the business community should know either about yourself or City Personnel?
“The hiring landscape has changed dramatically since we opened our doors in 2006. Technology has changed how people apply for jobs, how companies recruit, and how quickly employers expect results. Candidate expectations have changed. The way people think about work, flexibility, communication, and career growth has changed. Through all of that, City Personnel has continued to adapt.
“We are a local, woman-owned, and minority-owned business, and we take a lot of pride in being part of the Rhode Island community. We know this market, we know the challenges local employers face, and we understand how important the right hire can be for a business. Over the past 20 years, we have built our reputation by earning trust, showing up for our clients and candidates, and staying connected to the community we serve.”
Further information about City Personnel may be found by calling (401) 331-2311 or visiting their website at www.citypersonnel.net.
