#33 How job-ready candidates give retailers a head start
Retail Gets Real · with Karin Norington-Reaves · December 18, 2017 · 17 min
Summary
Retailers often struggle with finding qualified candidates. This episode highlights how workforce development programs like the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership and the NRF Foundation's RISE Up program are bridging this gap. By focusing on "job-ready" candidates, these initiatives provide retailers with skilled employees, reduce onboarding time and costs, and ultimately improve customer service and retention.
Key takeaways
Leverage workforce development partnerships (e.g., Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership) to access a pipeline of pre-screened and trained candidates ready for retail roles.
Prioritize candidates with industry-specific certifications like the NRF Foundation’s RISE Up, as they possess foundational knowledge and customer service skills, leading to higher retention.
Implement internal training programs that mirror the "job-ready" approach to reduce onboarding time and improve employee performance for long-term retention.
Collaborate with local workforce agencies and educational institutions to help shape training programs that directly address your specific talent needs and reduce staffing challenges.
The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership helps connect retailers with qualified talent. CEO Karin Norington-Reaves discusses how workforce development initiatives help job-seekers, retailers and the entire retail industry, and chats about the importance of initiatives like the NRF Foundation’s RISE Up program.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Leverage workforce development partnerships (e.g., Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership) to access a pipeline of pre-screened and trained candidates ready for retail roles.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Prioritize candidates with industry-specific certifications like the NRF Foundation’s RISE Up, as they possess foundational knowledge and customer service skills, leading to higher retention.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Implement internal training programs that mirror the "job-ready" approach to reduce onboarding time and improve employee performance for long-term retention.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Collaborate with local workforce agencies and educational institutions to help shape training programs that directly address your specific talent needs and reduce staffing challenges.
