Reverse Job Fair Gets Statewide Attention
The Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation is hosting a “Partners in Employment” Summit at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in the Saratoga Spa State Park. This Summit has attracted 150+ attendees from around New York State in order to identify ways to build a talented diverse workforce in order to create economic success. One of the sessions today is entitled “Reverse Job Fair - How to Organize It." The session features a panel with Todd Shimkus, from our Chamber; Cathy Kukan from Saratoga Bridges; and Katie Page from AIM Services.
The promotion of this specific session reads:
“Tired of the same old job search techniques? Looking for a better way to engage the businesses in your community seeking qualified employees? This session offers an unique way to match businesses with qualified job seekers. Learn about how the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce worked with Saratoga Bridges, AIM Services and Unlimited Potential in developing a “Reverse Job Fair” and how it is changing the way the workforce development challenges are met in Saratoga.”
We tested this "reverse job fair" idea in January. The three agencies brought approximately 15 of their clients for interviews with area employers. We had more than a dozen employers representing small and larger firms in a range of sectors. Three people were hired as a direct result of the interviews conducted during the program.
The attendees loved that fact that neither the employers nor the agencies had to pay to participate. The event took less than 90 minutes so it was an effective and efficient use of everyone's time. Based on this experience, the Chamber and the agencies all noted that we intend to do this again. The reverse job fair was a win for participating employers, the agencies and their clients. We hope other agencies and chambers across the state will consider replicating this idea in their communities.
