Simplifying How Organizations Recru(IT) Talent: Forge Institute and Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Partner to Build Relationships between Recent Graduates & Hiring Employers

You have the skills. You know what you want to do. Now you just have to find that perfect job. When you have everything figured out, why is finding a job the hardest part? Forge Institute and Conway Area Chamber of Commerce partnered in efforts to overcome this challenge by connecting graduates of Forge Institute’s IT/Cyber Fundamentals program with companies that have open entry level positions through an event structured similar to a speed dating event. 

The event took place on  Thursday, August 25th at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce connecting 11 graduates to 31 employers and workforce partners. Each interview lasted about  three minutes and was a one-on-one session where the candidate was able to introduce themselves, give their professional background and share career objectives. 

This diverse group of employers gave candidates a multitude of options. Job seekers were able to speak with and ask questions to many high-level employers for which most entry-level candidates would have had  limited access. This event also allowed employers to broaden their search to find employees who they might have overlooked if they were just a resume on their screen. 

As the job market becomes more competitive in this digital age, it becomes increasingly harder to find employment and employees. It helps to have innovative ways that go back to the traditional manner of putting names to faces. Hopefully we will start to see more initiatives like this from other employers as Forge Institute and Conway Area Chamber of Converse pave the way for the future by taking a step back from the screen.