Regional Employer Forums:
Shaping the 21st Century Candidate
Our regional employer forums are informal, discussion-based sessions designed to bridge the gap between workforce development theory and the real-world needs of local businesses. These forums provide a candid platform for employers to share the "nitty-gritty" of what they are looking for in the ideal candidate today—moving beyond lectures to focus on engaging conversations about the current job market.
What the Forums Cover
- Resume Realities: A deep dive into what employers actually want to see on a resume versus common "red flags," such as missing dates/timeframes which cause 55% of local employers to reject an applicant.
- The AI Frontier: Discussing the evolving role of AI in recruitment, including how job seekers use these tools and how employers can use AI as a "co-pilot" to increase efficiency.
- Regional Insights: Reviewing the latest Business Climate Survey (BCS) results to address local challenges like the 82% interview "no-show" rate and the gap in soft skills.
Who Benefits?
- Local Employers: Influence the local talent pool by sharing your specific hiring needs and learning about resources for hiring veterans, justice-involved individuals, and individuals with disabilities.
- Career Planners & Job Seekers: Gain unfiltered insights into employer expectations to better prepare candidates for success in the 2026 job market.
- Workforce Professionals: Align community resources with the authentic, current requirements of North Central Wisconsin's diverse industries.