Middlesex County Connects Job Seekers with Employers

Providing support services to individuals returning to the workforce is challenging, especially for the most vulnerable populations who are often difficult to reach. How can workforce development administrators reach this segment and increase overall program engagement? Traditional communication methods like email, physical mail, and phone calls are only so effective. Additionally, government websites can be intimidating and difficult to navigate.  

Workforce development administrators in Middlesex County have solved these challenges by leveraging mobile technology to effectively reach job seekers and connect them with employers and career resources via text message and mobile web apps.

About Middlesex County Workforce Development

Middlesex County, New Jersey is a vibrant and diverse community rich in culture, folklife, and history. Office of Workforce and Career Development Business Consultant Ebony Williams sat down with Engage by Cell to discuss their mobile technology success. Williams speaks on her goals at the organization.

“I thrive on helping businesses find the skilled workforce they need, while also empowering job seekers with the resources to build successful careers. It's incredibly rewarding to connect these two sides and witness the positive impact on Middlesex County.”

About Text Messaging

Recognizing the strong preference for text messaging among their users, Ebony has implemented text alerts.

“Job seekers benefit from a user-friendly platform that provides job alerts and communications regarding recruitment events, webinars, and other workforce development tools.”

When launching text messaging campaigns, organizations often market the service in multiple channels to get program participants subscribed to the new text notification system.

“We leverage social media, targeted email databases, and local events to increase program awareness. After prospective emails are sent, we highly recommend job seekers to text WORKFORCE to our number in order to receive updates.”

About the Mobile Web App

Middlesex County needed an accessible platform to store information on their services that could be easily accessed by job seekers. Engage by Cell’s no-downloads mobile web app offers a user-friendly place to upload content and disperse it through a link in a text, or QR codes that take you directly to the main menu. On this portal, job seekers can complete forms and applications, upload documents, view training videos, and learn more about career opportunities all through their mobile phones.

“Job seekers appreciate the user-friendly platform and the variety of resources available from their smartphones without having to use a computer.” The portal can be saved as an icon on any smartphone providing job seekers with the tools and information on their own time.

About the Data

Government programs often require data to prove programs are effective to get or maintain funding. For workforce development, this includes proof of communications, successful career placement, career longevity, etc. Both the text messaging and mobile web app are complete with a reporting dashboard with all responses, app visits, outreach, and more.

“As administrators, we use our platform to post job opportunities, manage recruitment efforts, and access valuable data.”

All data belongs to our clients and is accessible on the dashboard at any time. We integrate with several platforms to streamline data collection and management processes.

All of these features work in unison to help Middlesex County achieve the ultimate goal of program success and participation.

“Middlesex County is committed to fostering a dynamic workforce ecosystem. We're constantly looking for innovative ways to connect employers and job seekers, and we believe collaboration plays a key role in achieving that goal.” 

Click below to learn how collaborating with Engage by Cell can help your organization today!