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Frequently Asked Questions about the National Rapid Reemployment Initiative

There is no doubt our economy has been hit hard in recent times.  Numerous plant closures and layoffs in a variety of industries have forced many workers out of a job through no fault of their own.  As displaced employees seek new employment, the Rapid Reemployment Initiative (RRI Graph) provides unique and innovative online services that can be used by job seekers, employers, state workforce agencies, college career placement centers, outplacement and recruitment process outsourcing firms, recruiting and staffing agencies, military transition centers, and similar job placement service providers. 

By participating in and using the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, we can all work together as partners to reconnect with the new available workforce and give displaced employees a chance to regain employment in more secure jobs and still make use of their current skills. 

This FAQ Resource is provided to help answer questions about the Rapid Reemployment Initiative.  If you have additional questions, comments or feedback, please contact us

1) What is the mission of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
2) Who can use the online services of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
3) How does the Rapid Reemployment Initiative work?
4) Can you tell me more about the JobCentral Employer Outplacement Exchange?
5) Can you tell me more about the JobCentral Career Event database?
6) Can the Rapid Reemployment Initiative be used in conjunction with events such as job fairs?
7) Can you describe the features of the JobCentral resume builder and integrated job search tools and how they can help displaced employees find work more rapidly?
8) Does the RRI utilize any vetting, verification or quality assurance process to ensure the information in the system--such as outplacement data, career events, and job openings--is not false or the result of a scam?
9) How is the Rapid Reemployment Initiative different from traditional job boards?
10) What does it cost to access the online services of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, and where and how do I gain access to it?
11) What are the benefits to displaced employees and job seekers, and how can we get involved in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
12) What does it cost for displaced employees or job seekers to participate in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, and how do we access the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
13) Is the Rapid Reemployment Initiative only for those job seekers who have been laid off through no fault of their own?  If I lost my job for other reasons, can the Rapid Reemployment Initiative still help me find a new job?
14) How can the RRI help me find a new job?
15) What are the benefits to employers and how can we get involved in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
16) What does it cost for employers to access the online services of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, and where do we gain access to it?
17) If my company is not a member of DirectEmployers Association, can we use the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, and if so, what will it cost?
18) Why should downsizing employers use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
19) Exactly how does the hiring employer get matched to the downsizing company?
20) As a downsizing employer, what type of information will I need in order to enter a downsizing event into the employer outplacement exchange of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
21) As a downsizing employer, who will be able to access and view the downsizing information about my company?  Options?
22) Our company’s downsizing event is not yet public.  May I pre-register without making this event visible to the public and/or media?
23) My company’s downsizing event has not been revealed to our employees.  Can we be assured our company’s downsizing information will not be visible to our employees until we announce the layoff or reduction in force?
24) Why should employers looking for top talent use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
25) How will using this service help hiring employers save time in the hiring process?
26) As a hiring employer, if I search the resume database for recruiting purposes, will there be reporting available for compliance showing my search string and my search results?
27) Does the Rapid Reemployment Initiative comply with OFCCP and EEOC regulations?
28) What are the benefits to state workforce agencies and how can we get involved in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, and what does it cost?
29) How do states access the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
30) What are the benefits to outplacement and recruitment process outsourcing firms, recruiting and staffing agencies, military transition centers, and similar job placement agencies, and how can we get involved in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
31) What does it cost for outplacement and recruitment process outsourcing firms, recruiting and staffing agencies, military transition centers, and similar job placement agencies to participate in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?  How do we access it?
32) What are the benefits to college career placement centers, and how can we get involved in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
33) What does it cost for college career placement centers to participate in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative and how do we access the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
34) What are the benefits to industry, trade, business or professional associations, and how can we get involved in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
35) What does it cost for industry, trade, business and professional associations to participate in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?  How do we access it?


General Questions

What is the mission of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?

The mission of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative is to (RRI Graph):

  • Connect downsizing employers with hiring employers,
  • Inform employers and job seekers about career events around the nation, and
  • Connect displaced employees to employers who are currently hiring.
Who can use the online services of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?

As displaced employees seek new employment, the Rapid Reemployment Initiative  (RRI Graph) provides unique and innovative online services that can be used by job seekers, employers, state workforce agencies, college career placement centers, outplacement and recruitment process outsourcing firms, recruiting and staffing agencies, military transition centers, and similar job placement service providers. 

By participating in and using the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, we can all work together as partners to reconnect with the new available workforce and give displaced employees a chance to regain employment in more secure jobs and still make use of their current skills.

How does the Rapid Reemployment Initiative work?

The Rapid Reemployment Initiative has been created by DirectEmployers Association in alliance with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA).  To see an illustration of how the Rapid Reemployment Initiative works, click here. Check it out!!

This national initiative includes:

  • An employer outplacement exchange
  • A career event database
  • A resume builder
  • Integrated job search tools
  • And other valuable features to assist in the rapid reemployment of displaced employees. 

Together they connect downsizing employers with hiring employers, inform employers and job seekers about career events around the nation, and connect displaced employees to employers who are currently hiring. 

Can you tell me more about the JobCentral Employer Outplacement Exchange?

The JobCentral Employer Outplacement Exchange is a service offered as part of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative. Essentially, the employer outplacement exchange is a search engine of downsizing events used to connect downsizing employers with hiring employers for the benefit of those displaced employees affected by any type of job loss.

Downsizing employers can use the employer outplacement exchange to:

  • Enter downsizing activities and information for hiring employers
  • Upload multiple locations for similar downsizing activities
  • Enter job title information to prepare automated searches and agents for their affected employees
  • Upload downsizing job title information in bulk, from a list of affected job titles, or a list of affected employees
  • Can create a resume database, open to all hiring employers, or available only to specific hiring employers
  • Allow hiring employers to see their contact information, or make the information available only to specific employers
  • Post job fairs and other career events for their affected employees
  • Suggest job fairs and other career events for affected employees

Hiring employers can use the employer outplacement exchange to:

  • Search downsizing activities of other companies by occupation, location, company, industry, skills
  • View and request contact information from downsizing employers
  • Invite job seekers to apply to your company’s jobs
  • Search the JobCentral resume database
  • Search private layoff-specific resume databases of downsizing companies
  • Post job fairs and other career events
  • Invite affected employees from specific companies to career events
  • Post jobs
Can you tell me more about the JobCentral Career Event database?

The JobCentral Career Event database is a service offered as part of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative that allows displaced employees (job seekers) and hiring employers to connect through a career event.  Essentially, the career event database is a search engine of career events.

The various types of Career Events include: 

  • Career Fair / Job Fair / Career Expo
  • Hiring Fair
  • Open House
  • Employer Day / Applicant Information Session
  • Military Transition Assistance Planning (TAP) Class
  • Military-Related Career Fair
  • College or University Recruiting Event
  • Community College or Technical School Recruiting Event
  • High School Recruiting Event
  • Target Career Exploration Session
  • Online or Virtual Career Fair

The Career Events are sponsored and/or hosted by:

  • Employers
  • One-Stop Career Centers
  • Government Agencies (State or Federal)
  • Military Transition Centers or Related Government Programs
  • Universities and 4-Year Colleges
  • Community Colleges and Technical Schools
  • High Schools
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Career Fair or Job Fair Companies
  • Staffing, Employment or Recruiting Search Firms or Agencies
  • Outplacement Firms or Agencies
  • Industry Associations
  • Professional Military Associations
  • Veterans Service Organizations
  • Community-Based Organizations
  • Labor Unions
  • Other Career Event Sponsors

Career Events can be posted by career event sponsors and then searched by job seekers for job opportunities, and by employers for exhibitor and recruitment opportunities.  When the search resullts are displayed, the user can click on the career event of interest and is then redirected to the career sponsor’s website where the career event was originally posted.

Both job seekers and employers can sign up for automated email alerts for certain types of career events based on their preferences (e.g., career event type, industry focus, career field focus, or location). 

Can the Rapid Reemployment Initiative be used in conjunction with events such as job fairs?

Absolutely.  Many downsizing employers will frequently host a job fair or career event for those employees affected by a mass layoff.  The Rapid Reemployment Initiative includes the JobCentral Career Event database—a service that allows displaced employees (job seekers) and hiring employers to connect through a career event.  Essentially, the career event database is a search engine of career events.

Career Events can be posted by career event sponsors and then searched by job seekers for job opportunities and by employers for exhibitor and recruitment opportunities. 

Both job seekers and employers can sign up for automated email alerts for certain types of career events based on their preferences (e.g., career event type, industry focus, career field focus, or location). 

Can you describe the features of the JobCentral resume builder and integrated job search tools and how they can help displaced employees find work more rapidly?

The JobCentral resume builder allows jobseekers who do not have a resume to create one online.  The JobCentral job search is one of the most advanced employment search tools on the Internet.  With one click, jobseekers can use their same search criteria to obtain search results from leading Internet search engines, such as Google, Indeed and SimplyHired.  It helps jobseekers find work more rapidly by providing them the most comprehensive job search results on the Internet.

Does the RRI utilize any vetting, verification or quality assurance process to ensure the information in the system--such as outplacement data, career events, and job openings--is not false or the result of a scam?

DirectEmployers Association utilizes a rigorous verification process to ensure that the outplacement data, career event, and job openings are real and factual. 

Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system. This $25.00 annual fee is charged to cover the administrative expenses and the cost to complete our verification process.

How is the Rapid Reemployment Initiative different from traditional job boards?

Approximately 70% of the jobs on the Rapid Reemployment Initiative are not on traditional job boards. The Rapid Reemployment Initiative is a result of a partnership with NASWA and State Workforce Agencies, therefore providing access to jobs and resources not available on traditional job boards.

What does it cost to access the online services of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, and where and how do I gain access to it?
  • Job Seekers
    • No cost
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org
  • Downsizing Employers
    • No cost – any employer, regardless of whether or not your company is a member of DirectEmployers Association, can use the RRI for FREE
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org
  • Hiring Employers
    • FREE to employers who are members of DirectEmployers Association  (http://www.jobcentral.com/aboutde.asp)
    • FREE to employers who are registered with their State Workforce Agency and utilize the state’s employment and Rapid Response services
    • FREE to all employers based in Connecticut or Mississippi
    • $25 annual fee for employers who do not meet one of the three criteria listed above (for registration and verification)
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org
  • State Workforce Agencies
    • No cost to states who choose to participate in the RRI—Participating states currently include:  NJ, CT, and NY
    • Many more states are very interested and extremely anxious to get RRI started in their state as soon as possible
    • Process for states to participate is very simple—contact the National Association of State Workforce Agencies at 202.434.8020 or email pgerassimides@naswa.org
    • States can create relevant pages on their systems to provide information and entry points to the RRI system
    • States can integrate the RRI tools into their Rapid Response strategy
  • College Career Placement Centers
    • No cost* for colleges and universities who are members of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
    • No cost* for colleges who are members of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org

*  Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system.

  • Outplacement & RPO Firms, Recruiting & Staffing Agencies, and Other Job Placement Agencies or Programs (e.g., including military transition centers, similar community and job placement agencies, and special reemployment or career placement initiatives)
    • If using the RRI for entering downsizing or outplacement on behalf of your employer clients, there is no cost*
    • If using the RRI for recruiting and hiring purposes on behalf of your employer clients, there is no cost*
    • If using the RRI to help displaced employees find new work, there is no cost*
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org

 

*  Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system.

  • Industry, Trade, Business and Professional Associations
    • If using the RRI for entering downsizing or outplacement on behalf of your employer clients, there is no cost*
    • If using the RRI for recruiting and hiring purposes on behalf of your employer clients, there is no cost*
    • If using the RRI to help displaced employees find new work, there is no cost*
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org

 

*  Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system.


Questions Asked by Job Seekers

What are the benefits to displaced employees and job seekers, and how can we get involved in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?

The mission of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative is to (RRI Graph):

  • Connect downsizing employers with hiring employers,
  • Inform employers and job seekers about career events around the nation, and
  • Connect displaced employees to employers who are currently hiring.

The Rapid Reemployment Initiative provides unique and innovative online services that can be used by job seekers, employers, state workforce agencies, college career placement centers, outplacement and recruitment process outsourcing firms, recruiting and staffing agencies, military transition centers, and similar job placement service providers. 

By participating in and using the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, we can all work together as partners to reconnect with the new available workforce and give displaced employees a chance to regain employment in more secure jobs and still make use of their current skills.

  •    Job Seekers
    • No cost
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org
What does it cost for displaced employees or job seekers to participate in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, and how do we access the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
  • Job Seekers
    • No cost
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org
Is the Rapid Reemployment Initiative only for those job seekers who have been laid off through no fault of their own?  If I lost my job for other reasons, can the Rapid Reemployment Initiative still help me find a new job?

Anyone searching for a job is encouraged to use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative.  Job seekers can utilize the powerful job search engine and resume builder that JobCentral  offers. Approximately 70% of the jobs on the Rapid Reemployment Initiative are not on traditional job boards. The Rapid Reemployment Initiative is the result of a partnership with NASWA and State Workforce Agencies, therefore providing access to jobs and resources not available on traditional job boards.

The Rapid Reemployment Initiative also includes a Career Event database.  Search for career events and connect to hiring employers!

How can the RRI help me find a new job? 

Anyone searching for a job is encouraged to use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative.  Job seekers can utilize the powerful job search engine and resume builder that JobCentral  offers. Approximately 70% of the jobs on the Rapid Reemployment Initiative are not on traditional job boards. The Rapid Reemployment Initiative is the result of a partnership with NASWA and State Workforce Agencies, therefore providing access to jobs and resources not available on traditional job boards.

The Rapid Reemployment Initiative also includes a Career Event database.  Search for career events and connect to hiring employers!

As you search for new work, consider how might be re-trained for compatible industries and occupations.  Also, consider what other industry sectors would best complement your existing knowledge, skills, abilities and work experience.

Questions Asked by Employers

What are the benefits to employers and how can we get involved in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?

Whether your company is downsizing or hiring, or both, you can utilize the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative. Employers, job seekers, state workforce agencies, staffing and outplacement firms, and all types of career service agencies can all gain access to this new service at NO COST*! This unique initiative will not only help you recruit quality employees if you are hiring, but if you are downsizing, it can also assist with your outplacement program as you help your displaced employees find new work.

This national initiative includes:

  • An employer outplacement exchange
  • A career event database
  • A resume builder
  • Integrated job search tools
  • And other valuable features to assist in the rapid reemployment of displaced employees. 

Together they connect downsizing employers with hiring employers, inform employers and job seekers about career events around the nation, and connect displaced employees to employers who are currently hiring.

Downsizing employers can use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative to:

  • Enter downsizing activities and information for hiring employers
  • Upload multiple locations for similar downsizing activities
  • Enter job title information to prepare automated searches and agents for their affected employees
  • Upload downsizing job title information in bulk, from a list of affected job titles, or a list of affected employees
  • Can create a resume database, open to all hiring employers, or available only to specific hiring employers
  • Allow hiring employers to see their contact information, or make the information available only to specific employers
  • Post job fairs and other career events for their affected employees
  • Suggest job fairs and other career events for affected employees

Hiring employers can use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative to:

  • Search downsizing activities of other companies by occupation, location, company, industry, skills
  • View and request contact information from downsizing employers
  • Invite job seekers to apply to your company’s jobs
  • Search the JobCentral resume database
  • Search private layoff-specific resume databases of downsizing companies
  • Post job fairs and other career events
  • Invite affected employees from specific companies to career events
  • Post jobs

*  Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system.

What does it cost for employers to access the online services of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, and where do we gain access to it?
  • Downsizing Employers
    • No cost – any employer, regardless of whether or not your company is a member of DirectEmployers Association, can use the RRI for FREE
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org
  • Hiring Employers
    • FREE to employers who are members of DirectEmployers Association  (http://www.jobcentral.com/aboutde.asp)
    • FREE to employers who are registered with their State Workforce Agency and utilize the state’s employment and Rapid Response services
    • FREE to all employers based in Connecticut or Mississippi
    • $25 annual fee for employers who do not meet one of the three criteria listed above (for registration and verification)
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org
If my company is not a member of DirectEmployers Association, can we use the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, and if so, what will it cost? 

All employers, regardless whether or not your company is a member of DirectEmployers Association, have access to and can use the online services offered as part of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative.  Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system.

Why should downsizing employers use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?

The Rapid Reemployment Initiative is specifically designed to connect downsizing employers and displaced employees with employers who are hiring.  Employees from companies that are downsizing are typically displaced through no fault of their own and have transferrable skills that are extremely valuable to employers in other occupations and other industries. 

If your company is downsizing and your HR department is working with Rapid Response, share the benefits of using RRI with the Rapid Response Coordinator in your state.  Likewise, if your company is working with an outplacement firm or similar job placement firm, let them also know about the RRI and how it can help your displaced employees connect to hiring employers.

Downsizing employers can use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative to:

  • Enter downsizing activities and information for hiring employers
  • Upload multiple locations for similar downsizing activities
  • Enter job title information to prepare automated searches and agents for their affected employees
  • Upload downsizing job title information in bulk, from a list of affected job titles, or a list of affected employees
  • Can create a resume database, open to all hiring employers, or available only to specific hiring employers
  • Allow hiring employers to see their contact information, or make the information available only to specific employers
  • Post job fairs and other career events for their affected employees
  • Suggest job fairs and other career events for affected employees

*  Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system.

Exactly how does the hiring employer get matched to the downsizing company?

Whether your company is downsizing or hiring, or both, the Rapid Reemployment Initiative will not only help you recruit quality employees if you are hiring, but if you are downsizing, it can also assist with your outplacement program as you help your displaced employees find new work. This initiative was designed to connect downsizing employers with hiring employers for the benefit of those displaced employees affected by any type of job loss.

Hiring employers can search the downsizing activities of other companies by occupation, location, company, industry, or skills.  Employees from companies that are downsizing are typically displaced through no fault of their own and have transferrable skills that are extremely valuable to employers in other occupations and other industries.

As a downsizing employer, what type of information will I need in order to enter a downsizing event into the employer outplacement exchange of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?

When a downsizing event occurs in your company, you can enter a downsizing action into the Rapid Reemployment system.  You’ll be asked to enter in basic information about your downsizing action, including the location of the layoff, company contact person, the number of employees affected, and the period the layoff action occurs.  To enable functionality for your displaced employees and hiring employers, you can also enter one or more affected general job titles and related information, such as the general skills and occupations of the displaced employees who had occupied these positions.  You can also determine when and how your downsizing action will be visible within the Rapid Reemployment system. 

Job seekers can search jobs based on your downsizing action entries, receive invitations from hiring employers, and identify themselves as your former employees within the JobCentral resume database.  Hiring employers may search your downsizing activities, invite your displaced employees to apply for job openings with the hiring employer, search your displaced employees’ resumes, and view the contact information of the downsizing employer.             

As a downsizing employer, who will be able to access and view the downsizing information about my company?  Options?

As a downsizing employer, you can determine when, how and to whom your downsizing action will be visible within the Rapid Reemployment system.  Job seekers can search jobs based on your downsizing action entries, receive invitations from hiring employers, and identify themselves as your former employees within the JobCentral resume database.  If authorized by you, hiring employers may search your downsizing activities, invite your displaced employees to apply for job openings with the hiring employer, search your displaced employees’ resumes, and view the contact information of the downsizing employer.            

Our company’s downsizing event is not yet public.  May I pre-register without making this event visible to the public and/or media?

Yes, as a downsizing employer, you can determine when, how and to whom your downsizing action will be visible within the Rapid Reemployment system. 

My company’s downsizing event has not been revealed to our employees.  Can we be assured our company’s downsizing information will not be visible to our employees until we announce the layoff or reduction in force?

Yes, as a downsizing employer, you can determine when, how and to whom your downsizing action will be visible within the Rapid Reemployment system. 

Why should employers looking for top talent use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?

The Rapid Reemployment Initiative is specifically designed to connect hiring employers with displaced employees and employers who are downsizing.  Employees from companies that are downsizing are typically displaced through no fault of their own and have transferrable skills that are extremely valuable to employers in other occupations and other industries.

Hiring employers can use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative to:

  • Search downsizing activities of other companies by occupation, location, company, industry, skills
  • View and request contact information from downsizing employers
  • Invite job seekers to apply to your company’s jobs
  • Search the JobCentral resume database
  • Search private layoff-specific resume databases of downsizing companies
  • Post job fairs and other career events
  • Invite affected employees from specific companies to career events
  • Post jobs

*  Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system.

How will using this service help hiring employers save time in the hiring process?

Numerous plant closures and layoffs in a variety of industries have forced many workers out of a job through no fault of their own.  These employees typically have been well-trained, conscientious and dependable.  They possess skills and knowledge that are easily transferrable to other occupations and industries.  The Rapid Reemployment Initiative can be a gold-mine for hiring employers. 

As a hiring employer, if I search the resume database for recruiting purposes, will there be reporting available for compliance showing my search string and my search results?

This feature will be available for OFCCP and EEOC compliance.

Does the Rapid Reemployment Initiative comply with OFCCP and EEOC regulations?

Yes, the Rapid Reemployment Initiative provides a new place where labor supply meets demand.  This unique initiative will not only help you recruit quality employees if you are hiring, but if you are downsizing, it can also assist with your outplacement program as you help your displaced employees find new work. The Rapid Reemployment Initiative is specifically designed to connect hiring employers with displaced employees and employers who are downsizing.  Employees from companies that are downsizing are typically displaced through no fault of their own and have transferrable skills that are extremely valuable to employers in other occupations and other industries.  As such, the Rapid Reemployment Initiative serves as an extremely useful source of qualified labor supply. 

As displaced employees seek new employment, the new Rapid Reemployment Initiative provides innovative online services that can be used by job seekers, employers, state workforce agencies, college career placement centers, outplacement and recruitment process outsourcing firms, recruiting and staffing agencies, military transition centers, and similar job placement service providers. 

As with all good hiring practices, it is recommended that employers utilize a variety of applicant sources, rather than just one, as part of your overall recruiting, hiring and affirmative action programs.  By doing so, your hiring practices can meet compliance regulations.

Questions Asked by State Workforce Agencies

What are the benefits to state workforce agencies and how can we get involved in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, and what does it cost?

State workforce agencies, including rapid response coordinators and those who oversee related employment service programs, can use the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative to help employers in a number of ways, whether an employer is downsizing or hiring, or both. 

This national initiative includes:

  • An employer outplacement exchange
  • A career event database
  • A resume builder
  • Integrated job search tools
  • And other valuable features to assist in the rapid reemployment of displaced employees. 

Together they connect downsizing employers with hiring employers, inform employers and job seekers about career events around the nation, and connect displaced employees to employers who are currently hiring.  To illustrate how the Rapid Reemployment Initiative (RRI) works, click here.

State workforce agencies can implement and use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative at NO COST*! Participating states currently include New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.  Many more states are very interested and extremely anxious to get RRI started in their state as soon as possible.  If your state workforce agency is interested in participating and implementing the Rapid Reemployment Initiative in your state, contact the National Association of State Workforce Agencies at 202.434.8020 or email pgerassimides@naswa.org.  States can create relevant pages on their systems to provide information and entry points to the RRI system.  Interested states will also need to discuss and plan how they wish to integrate the RRI tools into their state’s Rapid Response strategy.

*  Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system.

How do states access the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?

If your state workforce agency is interested in participating and implementing the Rapid Reemployment Initiative in your state, contact the National Association of State Workforce Agencies at 202.434.8020 or email pgerassimides@naswa.org.  Participating states currently include New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.  Many more states are very interested and extremely anxious to get RRI started in their state as soon as possible. States can create relevant pages on their systems to provide information and entry points to the RRI system.  Interested states will also need to discuss and plan how they wish to integrate the RRI tools into their state’s Rapid Response strategy.

If your state is not yet prepared to implement the Rapid Reemployment Initiative, but plan to in the future, you can still gain direct access to the Rapid Reemployment system (effective on March 15, 2009) directly at ww.jobcentral.com.

Questions Asked by Outplacement Agencies and Similar Job Placement Service Organizations

What are the benefits to outplacement and recruitment process outsourcing firms, recruiting and staffing agencies, military transition centers, and similar job placement agencies, and how can we get involved in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?

Outplacement firms, recruiting agencies, similar job placement service organizations, and those who oversee related employment service programs can use the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative to help employers in a number of ways, whether an employer is downsizing or hiring, or both. 

This national initiative includes:

  • An employer outplacement exchange
  • A career event database
  • A resume builder
  • Integrated job search tools
  • And other valuable features to assist in the rapid reemployment of displaced employees. 

Together they connect downsizing employers with hiring employers, inform employers and job seekers about career events around the nation, and connect displaced employees to employers who are currently hiring.  To illustrate how the Rapid Reemployment Initiative (RRI) works, click here.

Outplacement firms, recruiting agencies, similar job placement service organizations, and those who oversee related employment service programs  can implement and use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative at NO COST*!

*  Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system.

What does it cost for outplacement and recruitment process outsourcing firms, recruiting and staffing agencies, military transition centers, and similar job placement agencies to participate in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?  How do we access it?
  • Outplacement & RPO Firms, Recruiting & Staffing Agencies, and Other Job Placement Agencies or Programs (e.g., including military transition centers, similar community and job placement agencies, and special reemployment or career placement initiatives)
    • If using the RRI for entering downsizing or outplacement on behalf of your employer clients, there is no cost*
    • If using the RRI for recruiting and hiring purposes on behalf of your employer clients, there is no cost*
    • If using the RRI to help displaced employees find new work, there is no cost*
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org

*  Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system.

Questions Asked by College Career Placement Centers

What are the benefits to college career placement centers, and how can we get involved in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?

College career centers can make their students available to employers accessing the Rapid Reemployment Initiative.  These careers centers should participate in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative by encouraging their students to enter their resume in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative resume database.

Anyone searching for a job is encouraged to use the Rapid Reemployment Initiative.  Job seekers can utilize the powerful job search engine and resume builder that JobCentral  offers. Approximately 70% of the jobs on the Rapid Reemployment Initiative are not on traditional job boards. The Rapid Reemployment Initiative is the result of a partnership with NASWA and State Workforce Agencies, therefore providing access to jobs and resources not available on traditional job boards.

The Rapid Reemployment Initiative also includes a Career Event database.  Search for career events and connect to hiring employers!

What does it cost for college career placement centers to participate in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative and how do we access the online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?
  • College Career Placement Centers
    • No cost for colleges and universities who are members of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
    • No cost for colleges who are members of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org

Questions Asked by Industry, Trade, Business and Professional Associations

What are the benefits to industry, trade, business or professional associations, and how can we get involved in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?

The mission of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative is to (RRI Graph):

  • Connect downsizing employers with hiring employers,
  • Inform employers and job seekers about career events around the nation, and
  • Connect displaced employees to employers who are currently hiring.

Industry, trade, business and professional associations can participate in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative by encouraging their employer clients to enter their appropriate information in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative.  The online tools of the Rapid Reemployment Initiative can be accessed and utilized by employers at NO COST*!

*  Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system.

What does it cost for industry, trade, business and professional associations to participate in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative?  How do we access it?
  • Industry, Trade, Business and Professional Associations
    • If using the RRI for entering downsizing or outplacement on behalf of your employer clients, there is no cost*
    • If using the RRI for recruiting and hiring purposes on behalf of your employer clients, there is no cost*
    • If using the RRI to help displaced employees find new work, there is no cost*
    • Gain access through your participating State Workforce Agency’s job bank
    • Gain access directly at www.JobCentral.org

*  Downsizing Employers and Job Seekers can access and use the tools of Rapid Reemployment Initiative at no cost.  For Hiring Employers, there is a $25.00 annual registration and verification fee for  those who do not meet one of these criteria:  (1) member of DirectEmployers Association, (2) based in Connecticut or Mississippi, or (3) verified by a participating state workforce agency in the Rapid Reemployment Initiative system.