Speed dating for a job: it works!
How do you bring employers and job seekers together in times of labor shortage? The municipality organized an afternoon of speed dating for that purpose. A handful of companies from the region met a series of candidates and vice versa in short talks. Fun, accessible and effective.
Guiding welfare recipients to work is not the easiest task for a municipality. When employers have to take personal factors into account, placement usually immediately becomes a lot more difficult. The Work Income and Health team therefore organized for the third time an event for candidates closest to the labor market. Account manager Kelly Ros-Schroen: "Via speed dates we bring employers and candidates into contact with each other. In this way the meetings are low-threshold, and do not have the heaviness of a formal job interview, which removes the tension. People sometimes lack the courage and initiative to approach employers themselves. We take that away with this."
A helping hand
For many people on welfare, it is difficult to find their way back into the labor market. Also, employers are not always willing to compromise. Each route is actually customized, and that is what the city's counselors are working hard on. Consultant Rob Kessen: "People need a helping hand, and the municipality helps them with that. They cannot do it alone, which is why we are looking for a way to find out together with employers and candidates what they can offer each other. Because of the tight labor market, employers are willing to invest more. However, finding work is only one aspect, it's about keeping the work."
Hidden gems
Account Manager Asiya Duran of WSP Parkstad concurs. "There are hidden gems among them that you have to discover. Guidance is most important in this. This applies to both employers and the candidate. We want to prevent the revolving door effect, which is why we also invest well in aftercare. It can sometimes be in very small things that cause an employee to quit quickly. Ultimately, the goal is to help people flourish. If you give people a chance, don't give up, there really is a good chance of success."
Broad support
In addition to the speed dates, candidates are supported by the municipality in many other ways. From information meetings to tours of companies, from workshops to vitality classes.