You’re staring at a screen in a coffee shop on Elmwood Avenue, or maybe you’re sitting in your car in a Cheektowaga parking lot, wondering if clicking "apply" on a Kelly Services Buffalo NY posting actually does anything. We’ve all been there. The job hunt in Western New York feels like a full-time job itself. You see the names: Aerotek, Express, Remington. But Kelly is the one that’s been around since your parents—maybe even your grandparents—were looking for work.
Honestly, the "Kelly Girl" era is long gone. Today, the Buffalo office at 500 Corporate Pkwy Ste 116 is a hub for everything from $23-an-hour government clerk roles to high-end engineering contracts. But does it work? Is it just a black hole for resumes?
Let’s get into the weeds of how they actually operate in the 716 right now.
The Reality of Kelly Services Buffalo NY
If you walk into their Amherst office expecting a red carpet, you're gonna be disappointed. Staffing in 2026 is digital-first. Most people never see the inside of that Corporate Parkway suite until they’re signing I-9 paperwork.
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Kelly basically acts as a filter for some of Buffalo’s biggest employers. Think about the local landscape. You've got major players in healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing. These companies don’t want to sort through 5,000 resumes for an administrative assistant role. They pay Kelly to do it.
Here’s the kicker: When you apply for a job through Kelly Services Buffalo NY, you aren't just applying for one job. You’re entering a database. If you miss out on that Passport Associate role, a recruiter might call you two weeks later for a warehouse supervisor gig in North Tonawanda because your resume flagged a specific skill.
What Jobs are Actually Hitting the Market?
In Buffalo, the mix is pretty weird but consistent. You’ll see:
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- Government & Admin: Lots of clerical work for local agencies or passport offices. Pay usually hovers around $20–$24 per hour.
- Education: Kelly Education is huge here. If you want to sub in the Buffalo Public Schools or surrounding districts like Williamsville or West Seneca, you're likely going through Kelly.
- Professional & Tech: They’ve been leaning harder into IT and "white-collar" contracting. It’s not just temp work; it’s six-month "temp-to-perm" deals that actually lead to a career.
Why Some People Hate It (and How to Avoid the Trap)
If you check Reddit or Glassdoor, you’ll see the complaints. "They never called me back." "The recruiter was a ghost." "The pay is lower than direct hire."
There is some truth there. Kelly is a massive machine. In Buffalo, their recruiters are often juggling dozens of open roles. If you don't fit the exact "spec" the client wants, they move on. Fast. It feels cold, but it's just the business model.
To win, you have to be the squeaky wheel. If you apply online and hear nothing for 48 hours, call the Buffalo office at 716-837-3996. Don't be a jerk, but ask for the recruiter handling the specific role you saw on ZipRecruiter or LinkedIn. It shifts you from a digital ID to a human being with a voice.
The Scam Warning
I’ve seen this personally: scammers love to impersonate Kelly recruiters. They’ll text you from a random number or ask to move to WhatsApp. Kelly Services Buffalo NY will never ask you for money to "process" an application. If someone is asking for a "start-up fee" or your bank info before you’ve even had an interview, block them immediately.
Getting Hired: The 2026 Playbook
The Buffalo labor market is tight, but employers are being picky. They want "immediate role readiness."
- The Resume Scan: Their AI (and yes, they use it) looks for keywords. If the job description says "Microsoft Excel Pivot Tables," and you just put "Microsoft Office," you might get tossed. Be specific.
- The "Kelly Now" App: Seriously, download it. It’s how they push out the quick-turnaround gigs. If you’re looking for immediate cash, that’s where the 24-hour-notice shifts pop up.
- The Interview: For substitute teaching, it’s often a group interview. For professional roles, it’s a one-on-one video call. Dress like you’re going to the actual office, even if you’re in your bedroom.
The Buffalo Advantage
One thing about the Buffalo office specifically? They know the local commute. A recruiter in a national call center might try to stick you in a role in Niagara Falls when you live in Orchard Park. A local Kelly recruiter knows that drive is a nightmare in February. Use that. Tell them exactly where you’re willing to drive—and where you aren't.
Buffalo is a "who you know" town. Even in a global agency like Kelly, having a specific recruiter's name can change your trajectory. Ask around. Find out who handled your friend’s placement at Moog or M&T Bank.
Moving Forward With Your Search
If you're ready to actually get somewhere with Kelly Services Buffalo NY, stop just clicking "Easy Apply."
Go to their actual talent portal. Upload a clean, PDF version of your resume that emphasizes your most recent two years of work. Then, and this is the important part, follow up with a phone call to the 716-837-3996 number on Tuesday or Wednesday morning. That’s usually when the new weekly requirements have settled, and recruiters are actively looking to fill seats.
Don't wait for them to find you in the pile. If you want the $23/hr gig, you have to show them you’re more reliable than the 400 other people who hit the button and went back to scrolling TikTok. Reach out, be professional, and keep your phone ringer on. They move fast once they decide you're the one.