Job hunting is not always easy. In an effort to connect job seekers with hiring employers, Michigan Works! West Central hosted six Hiring Parties this spring to help meet the needs of both sides. These events saw a total of 276 job seekers connect with 148 employers.

The team at Michigan Works! West Central began holding Hiring Parties in summer 2022, and due to their great success, the organization brought them back. The large-scale job fairs were setup like block-party-style events where attendees can stop at each booth to grab a portion of their meal, as well as talk to employers about open positions they had available.

“Last year, our Hiring Parties had an impressive 47 percent hiring rate! We’re hoping this year’s events will be to be in the same range. We are still tracking the number of people hired from each event,” said Michigan Works! West Central Executive Director Shelly Keene. “These events are a great way to bring job seekers and employers together in a casual setting, all while sharing a meal together. Our goal is to connect those looking for work with those who are hiring.”

Michigan Works! West Central held Hiring Parties on May 5, in Baldwin; May 24, in Big Rapids; June 2 in Hart; June 6, in Ludington; June 15, in Newaygo; and June 16, in Reed City. The organization provided hot dogs, and participating employers were encouraged to provide side dishes, snacks, drinks, etc.

According to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, the unemployment rate for both Michigan and the U.S. in May 2023, was 3.7 percent (the most recent data available).

“Employers from all industry sectors still struggle to find enough employees. Our Hiring Parties are a great way for them to help bolster their workforce,” Keene said. “With the variety of employers at this year’s Hiring Parties, anyone looking for work had a lot of great opportunities to find a good-paying local job!”

Pictures from each of the six Hiring Parties are below. Click on each photo to see a enlarged view.