GSG Talent Solutions, one of the leading staffing agencies in the Austin area, is dedicated to matching the right people with the right opportunities.

Established in 1995 as a division of Goodwill Industries of Central Texas, GSG Talent Solutions operates as a nonprofit professional staffing organization, connecting qualified individuals to meaningful work while providing workforce solutions to enhance businesses.

Comprehensive Career Support

GSG Talent Solutions offers a wide range of partnership options to meet the staffing requirements of various local businesses, said Keith Sommer, Vice President of GSG Talent Solutions.

"We are a social enterprise, nonprofit staffing agency," Sommer said. "We operate just like any other for-profit staffing agency. The big difference is that at the end of the day the money we generate goes to help fund the free services and programs that we offer to members in the community who come in during their time of need.”

GSG Talent Solutions regularly encounters individuals at different points in their life journey, including those who have experienced long-term unemployment, persons with disabilities, encountered difficulties in job searches or have prior incarceration records.

“The way Goodwill is structured is that we have these business lines or social enterprises like retail, GSG Talent Solutions and commercial services that generate revenue to fund these programs,” Sommer said. “This enables people in our community to get the support for job coaching, job placement, resume writing and the soft skills training they need to advance their careers and change the trajectory of their professional lives for both themselves and their families."

GSG Talent Solutions has a diverse staffing history, ranging from entry-level to executive positions. Its origin can be traced back to a commitment to fulfilling state contracts by employing individuals facing employment barriers due to medical conditions or having a disability, ultimately leading to the expansion into the private sector staffing services in 2012.

Empowering Employees

Sommer emphasized a key difference between the organization and for-profit agencies: the extensive support provided to temporary workers in the field. This support, Sommer said, serves two crucial purposes.

“One, it's the right thing to do and two, it benefits both the candidate and the customer, the business and the employee," he said. "What we have found is that when you place someone in a job who has faced some challenges in their life, unexpected financial emergencies ... can arise out of nowhere. These are the kinds of things that can derail someone from building a career instead of just having a job. We find that when such situations occur, people tend to quit their work rather than stay committed to it."

With a dedicated employee support specialist as part of the team, GSG Talent Solutions provides employee support services. The ultimate goal is to facilitate ongoing employment for individuals working with their customers. Sommer emphasized that by accomplishing this goal and mitigating attrition and turnover, the result is a mutually beneficial outcome for candidates, employees and customers.

“We allocate tens of thousands of dollars annually for this purpose," Sommer said. "It's a deliberate effort, and we highly value how we communicate this to our customers. There have been times when we've provided bus passes, covered rent or utilities, arranged for grocery deliveries, or took care of someone's cell phone bill. In today's tech-driven world, having a cell phone is essential for job opportunities and communication with employers. By assisting individuals in overcoming these obstacles, we offer a helping hand when it’s needed most.”

GSG Talent Solutions also closely monitors circumstances. When an individual grapples with recurring challenges, the organization takes initiative to connect them with community partners who possess the resources for more comprehensive assistance.

“We also offer virtual and in-person classes within Goodwill Central Texas, covering topics like digital literacy, soft skills training and financial literacy,” Sommer said. “When we identify these obstacles, we step in to support individuals, enabling them to stay engaged at work, enhance their professional skills and hopefully address these obstacles so they don't persist."

Tailored Solutions for Business Success

The sales team at GSG Talent Solutions collaborates with business owners to understand their workforce demands, to get them to achieve optimal staffing solutions tailored to their specific needs and goals.

“We carefully listen to their business needs, the nature of the work and the safety of the worksite," Sommer said. "Equally important to us is understanding the company's culture and its commitment to valuing employees. We are selective in working with businesses that align with our values and culture, prioritizing quality partnerships.”

Within GSG Talent Solutions, recruitment activities involve attending hiring events, publishing job postings across multiple online job boards and prominently displaying them on their official website, GSGTalentSolutions.com.

"We regularly receive applications from external candidates, alongside managing an internal talent pool of individuals who have engaged with Goodwill Central Texas for assistance,” Sommer said. “These individuals have undergone comprehensive case management, training, coaching, resume writing, and interview preparation, rendering them prepared for employment. These candidates are initially prioritized for roles with GSG Talent Solutions. In cases where an internal candidate match isn't found, we extend our search to external applicants, consistently aiming to secure the best match for the position. Our ultimate objective remains the alignment of the right individual with the right role, ensuring mutual benefit for both the company and the employee.”

After identifying a suitable candidate, GSG Talent Solutions arranges an interview conducted by their recruiter. Some of our business partners opt to conduct a second interview independently, introducing an additional step in the process. The final stage involves presenting the top candidates to the employer for interviews or immediate hiring, allowing the employer to select the most fitting candidate.

“Additionally, we prioritize customer service and listening to our clients," Sommer said. "We're honest about what we can and cannot do. If we think we can learn to do something, we'll communicate that as well. Transparency is a core value for us. We understand that perfection is elusive, especially when dealing with human beings. However, how we handle such situations makes all the difference.”

In established, long-term client relationships, trust is pivotal. Clients depend on GSG Talent Solutions to comprehend their requirements and provide qualified candidates as needed. The company's processes are known for their flexibility and adaptability to address the unique needs of each business.

“We maintain honesty with our customers," he said. "For instance, if someone didn't show up, we inform them and work on backfilling the position immediately, even if it may take up to 72 hours, we let them know. This open communication helps us find solutions together.”

At GSG Talent Solutions, a commitment to customer service and pursuit of excellence are core principles guiding their team's approach. Demonstrating a strong commitment to detail, the team works with each business partner to ensure a safe workplace before deploying personnel to new and existing customers.

“When you partner with GSG Talent Solutions, you are contributing to the enrichment of our growing Central Texas community,” Sommer said. “One person, one business at a time, we are all in this together. The right people. The right fit. We’re on a mission.”

Ready to transform your workforce or find your dream job? Reach out to GSG Talent Solutions today and discover how they can help you achieve your goals.