17 Jan Employer Series directly connects job-seekers with hiring intelligence
What does Carolinas HealthCare System look for on resumes or applications that signals them to put the candidate at the top of the pile and selected to interview? Does volunteering at the hospital increase a job-seeker’s chance to get noticed?
How does the application process work at Novant Healthcare?
What do the opportunities for advancement look like internally if employed by Duke Energy? What soft-skills mistakes have previous candidates made during interviews that applicants should avoid?
These and other questions are being addressed as clients pack the house for Charlotte Works’ Employer Series.
Rayvon Irby and Maria Taylor, human resources managers at Lowe’s Home Improvement, share the secrets to getting a seasonal job at the retailer to a full house at Charlotte Works on Jan. 6.
This series was created to take a direct approach to providing “employer hiring intelligence” and networking opportunities. We’re always looking for ways to increase our clients’ chances to be the candidate-of-choice for area employers, and the best way to do that is to facilitate a face-to-face meeting with human resources (HR) representatives from those employers.
One common complaint we hear from clients is that when they submit online applications, most expect to hear something back – one way or another – from employers in a reasonable amount of time. With the enormous number of applications many companies receive, some just don’t respond to applicants at all. A primary goal of the series is to help clients unlock the mysteries of the process and set realistic expectations for contact with each employer who presents.
The Employer Series also gives more in-depth information about what companies are looking for in candidates than average job-seekers who are not Charlotte Works’ clients would get.
Carolinas HealthCare System, Novant Health and Duke Energy kicked off the series with sessions in November and December; Lowe’s Home Improvement held sessions earlier this month. More than 240 clients have attended.
The HR representatives from the two healthcare employers were joined by wellness colleagues to explain how critical it is for job-seekers to stay healthy during their job search and what each of these companies does to foster wellness, both for their employees and through community events.
Feedback from job-seekers has been positive, with participants commenting on the usefulness of the employers “talking about the skills they are looking for” and “being informed on how to look for positions on this company’s website,” and noting “I was able to hear about specific criteria if selected for an interview.”
Wanda Goforth, resident services employment specialist with Hope Haven (one of Charlotte Works’ SNAP site partners) attended one of the Duke Energy sessions to gather information to share with her clients. “Some of the things I took away were that they must apply for each and every requisition number. If they do not meet the basic requirements, such as having a GED, they should not waste their time applying,” she says. “And the call center is looking for those people who have a high degree of empathy and a caring component.”
“I truly appreciated the chance to talk about healthcare jobs, Carolinas HealthCare System opportunities and our LiveWell culture,” says Laura Morrow-Fox, AVP workforce planning and strategy at Carolinas HealthCare System. “It’s great to connect with job-seekers and try to figure out ways to match their skills with the business needs of Carolinas HealthCare System. We’re proud to be the area’s largest employers and our partnership with Charlotte Works is invaluable.”
The Employer Series will continue this year, with previous employers returning quarterly and new companies added to the schedule.
Check the events calendar on NCWorks Online and watch your email for notices about upcoming Employer Series information sessions. Seating is limited, so register early!