CAL-JAC
Cal-JAC Recruitment Workshop Goes Virtual, Like Recruitment Itself
The California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC) brought together departments from across the state for a virtual Recruitment Workshop. The event was designed as a space to share best practices for recruitment and allow the exchange of ideas for the hiring process.
The COVID-19 pandemic made recruitment more challenging, but the workshop gave departments ideas to make the most of it. Departments are getting the opportunity to use technology in new ways and connect with candidates through a more creative, virtual lens.
“There are many benefits of having virtual recruitment,” said Yvonne de la Peña, Cal-JAC Executive Director. “Departments are able to meet candidates where they are, and expand and engage the candidate pool. “It also provides more convenience, with flexibility in scheduling and increased cost savings.”
One of the most effective ways to connect with candidates in the virtual space is through social media. Social media can be used to give candidates a better understanding of the department and its workplace culture, while also giving them the chance to interact with the content.
“In the virtual realm, departments have many options to hold online events tailored to their liking and needs,” said de la Peña.
At the Cal-JAC Recruitment Workshop, members of various organizations, such as the Sacramento Regional Diversity Committee, Pleasanton Unified School District and Stentorians of Los Angeles County, also presented their programs and success stories for hiring and recruiting diversity into the fire service.
The Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) is another resource available to hiring departments seeking qualified applicants. FCTC administers the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and FCTC Written Test, used as prequalification testing in the hiring process. To learn more and partner with FCTC, visit FCTConline.org.