- A key challenge in initiating new employer partnerships is overcoming the perception that free or inexpensive workforce services are not worthwhile. Many employers view workforce organizations as charities rather than as valuable business partners.
- To overcome these misalignments, Skills for Chicago takes a proactive, data-driven approach. The team uses platforms like Lightcast to research an employer’s open roles before an initial meeting. This allows representatives to present a business-focused pitch that includes data on the employer’s own job openings and relevant metrics from similar companies. By reframing the conversation from one of social good to one of finding valuable solutions for their talent needs, Skills for Chicago builds a strong, mutually beneficial partnership.
- A challenge that employers have with the workforce ecosystem is receiving a steady supply of candidates who are ready for specific, open jobs. Many employers have interacted with providers that send candidates who are not well aligned with a role or outside of the hiring timeframe. From the employer’s perspective, this doesn’t meet the needs of a business that has an immediate requisition to fill. At Skills for Chicago, the organization works to overcome this common issue by responding to open positions, demonstrating that it can meet employers’ timing needs.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Bridget Altenburg in 2025. This content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
