Bridging Employment Gaps: A Community-Focused Job Agency Model for Workforce Alignment

Ifedolapo Salawu

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Business and Public Management

Major: BS.MANAGEMNT-GENBUS

Faculty Research Mentor: Kocoglu, Ipek  

Abstract:

Unemployment and underemployment persist as major socioeconomic concerns, especially among newly graduated individuals, entry-level employees, minorities, and those without access to professional networks. Conversely, small- to medium-sized businesses face challenges in finding qualified, trustworthy employees in a timely and cost-effective manner. This shows the inefficiencies within the recruitment system. The proposed business idea is to create a community-based employment agency. This agency will provide employment placement services to individuals. It will be beneficial to both parties because it will provide employment opportunities to individuals while creating a pool of skilled employees for businesses.The agency’s main goal is to provide effective matching services to qualified individuals and businesses that need to hire employees. The agency will provide services such as recruiting candidates, providing resume writing services to candidates, conducting interviews, assessing candidates' skills, and providing job readiness services. Additionally, the agency will provide pre-screening services to businesses, background checks, and shortlisting candidates. The agency’s services are expected to improve the quality of employment placements. It will provide personalized services to candidates. It will provide services to unemployed individuals, newly graduated college students, and entry- to mid-level employees who are seeking stable employment opportunities. The agency’s target market on the employment side consists of small to medium-sized businesses that lack the resources to hire qualified employees. The proposed business operates within a competitive environment. It competes with other employment agencies, staffing agencies, and online recruitment agencies such as Indeed and LinkedIn. The proposed agency differentiates itself through personalized services to candidates. It focuses on providing employment services to individuals within the community. The proposed agency bridges gaps within the employment system. It promotes employment development within the community. It ensures sustainability within the employment system. It is a vital intermediary within the employment system.