West MichiganWorks! - WKTV Journal

West Michigan Works! is hosting a virtual hiring event that will include pre-scheduled phone calls for employers to discuss job opportunities with interested job seekers. The registration for this virtual hiring event is live and closes this Friday, April 10, at noon.

In order to best meet employers’ hiring needs during the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive, West Michigan Works! will be hosting a “virtual” job fair on April 21 and 23.

Employers may register to participate in a morning or afternoon session on each day the job fair is held (register for as many sessions as you like). Each session will include a series of 15-minute time slots in which you will have the opportunity to discuss job opportunities with pre-scheduled candidates (see example below). Prior to the event, you will receive a final schedule with a list of candidates and their contact information. You will then call candidates at the scheduled times to discuss job opportunities.

Hiring Event Sessions:
April 21: 9 a.m. to noon, includes up to twelve scheduled time slots (15 minutes each)
April 21: 1 to 4 p.m., includes up to twelve scheduled time slots (15 minutes each)
April 23: 9 a.m. to noon, includes up to twelve scheduled time slots (15 minutes each)
April 23: 1 to 4 p.m., includes up to twelve scheduled time slots (15 minutes each)

To register, please visit: https://employers.westmiworks.org/virtual-hiring-event-registration/. Employers will be asked to provide the job titles for which they are hiring for and the PMTC posting URL for each.

Please note that registration will close on Friday, April 10 at noon.

By West MichiganWorks!

There’s a common belief that no hiring happens in December. Many recruiters and hiring managers would disagree. In fact, some may need to fill positions by the end of the year. During this time, competition is lower. If everyone else believes no one is hiring around the holidays, they won’t be applying for the jobs you want. Take advantage of this; you will be more likely to stand out in a smaller pool of applicants.

Don’t take a break from your job hunt during the holidays. Instead, make the most of it! Here are some ways you can use the holiday season to your advantage.

Network at holiday gatherings. Attend as many events as possible and mention your job search to friends and family. Be prepared with a strong elevator speech to describe your goals and what you are looking for. Ask for recommendations and introductions to people that could help in your search.
Ask for an Informational Interview. An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone who is working in an area or at a company you are interested in. If someone in your network is taking vacation time over the holidays, request a meeting or phone call. Ask if they would be willing to offer advice.
Follow up. While hiring managers are still looking to fill positions over the holidays, they may not make job offers until after the New Year. Stay in touch to let them know you are interested. Send a holiday card and stay on their radar until the position is filled.
Make sure you can be reached. Check your voicemail and email regularly and respond in a timely manner. Be available to take calls and schedule interviews, even if it’s the day before Christmas.

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.