NOVEMBER 9, 2006 - Department of Labor & Economic Growth Director Robert W. Swanson announced today that employers can now request assistance from a Michigan Works! business liaison to fill job openings after entering a job listing on the self-serve Michigan Talent Bank. Business liaisons are committed to responding within 2 business days.

Employers now entering job postings into the Talent Bank are offered the following options:

o Yes, in addition to the job matching features of the Michigan Talent Bank, I would like assistance in finding qualified candidates for this job order.
o No, I would like to use the job matching features of the Michigan Talent Bank to find qualified candidates for this job order.

"It's as simple as clicking on a ‘yes' box for employers to get a response in two business days from a Michigan Works! representative offering additional assistance in finding the qualified workers they need as efficiently as possible," said Swanson. "This is an extension of the MI Opportunity Partnership initiative, aimed a matching workers and employers, so it enables us to use our network of local workforce partners to help find the workers they need today."

MI Opportunity Partnership is part of Granholm's five-point plan to create jobs, restructure and diversify Michigan's economy, change the state's business tax structure, and ensure that the state has a well-trained workforce. The partnership includes Employers from business and industry, health care and the skilled trades, organized labor, community colleges and universities, associations, Michigan's Regional Skills Alliances, and the Michigan Works! system all working together.

"Any employer or business owner knows when you need to fill a job opening - you need to find the right candidate fast. As a partner in the MI Opportunity Partnership, we are committed to helping employers find the skilled workers they need today and to help job seekers advance their knowledge and skills to achieve economic self-sufficiency," said Linda Kinney, Michigan Works! Association Executive Director.

Employers and job seekers can visit the Michigan Talent Bank at www.michworks.org. Currently the Talent Bank has more than 46,000 job openings posted and averages 15,000 new job postings a month. The Michigan Talent Bank has won numerous national and state technology awards since its launch in 1998. DLEG staff is also available for extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday to answer questions about the use of Talent Bank by calling toll-free at 1-888-253-6855 or via email at mtbhelp@michigan.gov.

To reach your local Michigan Works Agency, call 1-800-285-WORK (9675) Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.