State Launches Job Search Tool

As businesses across New Hampshire continue to reopen, finding workers remains a challenge for companies in some sectors. But a new online workforce recruitment tool, developed by NH Employment Security, seeks to link employers with job applicants. 

The website, www.nhjobs.nh.gov or https://business.nh.gov/nhesjobsearch, debuted last week with more than 1,000 job openings, the majority of which are in long-term care facilities and manufacturing.

“This really started with the Governor’s stipend program for frontline workers in the long term care sector,” said Richard Lavers, deputy commissioner of NHES. “In working with those employers, we quickly realized there was a significant need for additional assistance with recruitment. We started building this new site and are now growing it beyond long-term care to provide opportunities for employers in all sectors."

Historically, NHES hosted large recruitment events in the spring and fall but the pandemic has wreaked havoc on those. 

“These are employers that are really looking for ways to connect with their potential workforce and they want to do that in a way that is respectful of the public health guidance ... Providing an online recruitment tool accessible to people as they come onto the NHES website to file for unemployment benefits, really makes sense,” Lavers said.

The online tool is a critical component of the state’s reopening, said Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs. “Reopening the economy in a responsible way includes helping employers and employees find opportunity.” 

The recruitment portal allows job applicants to submit a form directly to the employer.

“This is not a substitute for the state’s Job Match System,” Lavers said. “This is the right tool for the moment, an easy and effective virtual platform that enables people to connect.”

Lavers said the recruitment portal will grow to include more sectors. Employers with job openings can reach out to NHES at covidrecruit@nhes.nh.gov to get their information posted.