First Friends recruitment support program
First Friends is a new program from the Shasta EDC to assist Shasta County businesses in recruiting skilled professionals and medical service staff.
Shasta
Our free, “First Friends” pilot program can complement hiring manager’s efforts to secure top talent
The First Friends program connects out-of-town candidates with vetted community members who can show and sell the lifestyle of Shasta County. This program is one way we are working to strengthen the regional workforce and economy while enhancing the area’s reputation as an attractive place to live and work.
How the program works
Step 1: Employers connect us to their promising out-of-town candidates
Connect us with the candidates you’re excited about and ready to make an offer to. We’ll speak with them to gather information about their interests and potential relocation concerns.
Step 2: We'll organize a personalized experience/select a "First Friend"
Based on your candidate’s preferences/concerns, we’ll set up the highest impact experience to surprise and delight. We’ll also select a community member who can show off the best version of Shasta County.
Step 3: Your candidate meets their "first friend"
When your candidate visits we’ll connect them with their “First Friend” who will provide the meaningful, personalized introduction to life in Shasta County.
Step 1: Employers connect us to their promising out-of-town candidates
Connect us with the candidates you’re excited about and ready to make an offer to. We’ll speak with them to gather information about their interests and potential relocation concerns.
Step 2: We'll organize a personalized experience / select a "first friend"
Based on your candidate’s preferences/concerns, we’ll set up the highest impact experience to surprise and delight. We’ll also select a community member who can show off the best version of Shasta County.
Step 3: Your candidate meets their "first friend"
When your candidate visits we’ll connect them with their “First Friend” who will provide a meaningful, personalized introduction to life in Shasta County.
We create tailored experiences to surprise and delight your candidates and their families
Shasta County has so much to offer its residents, but that isn’t always easy for candidates and their families to see during a short visit. Our First Friends program leverages community members who can share our passion for the region with potential newcomers. If your candidate has specific interests or relocation concerns, we’ll match them with a First Friend who can address these while providing a tailored experience that surprises and delights.
Community & Culture
From arts and entertainment to events, dining, and social groups, candidates seek to imagine what life could look like in our region. Our First Friend’s are in a unique position to share the local culture while giving candidates confidence they’ll love living here!
Schools & Education
If your candidate has kids they’re likely interested in our local schools. We can select a First Friend with similar aged kids or an educator who can provide insight into public, private, and charter school opportunities, extracurricular activities, and academic resources.
Outdoor Recreation
Shasta County has an abundance of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. If your candidate enjoys hiking, biking, boating, fishing, or any number of other outdoor sports we’ll connect them with a First Friend that can show them the region’s breathtaking offerings.
Healthcare & Resources
Relocating families may have questions about healthcare. Our First Friends can provide info about resources, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty services. We can also connect candidates with specialists if needed.
Community and Culture
From arts and entertainment to events, dining, and social groups, candidates want to imagine what life might look like in our region. Our First Friend’s are in a unique position to share the local culture while giving candidates confidence they’ll love living here!
Schools and Education
If your candidate has kids they’re likely interested in our schools. We can connect them with a First Friend who has similar aged kids or an educator who can provide insight into public, private, and charter school opportunities, extracurricular activities, and academic resources.
Outdoor Recreation
Shasta County has an abundance of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. If your candidate enjoys hiking, biking, boating, fishing, or any number of other outdoor sports we’ll connect them with a First Friend that can show them the region’s breathtaking offerings.
Healthcare Resources
Relocating families may have questions about healthcare. Our First Friends can provide info about resources, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty services. We can also connect candidates with specialists if desired.
Why the First Friends Program Works
For Employers
This free program complements your recruitment efforts by highlighting the lifestyle and community benefits of living in Shasta County. Community members can answer your candidate’s lifestyle questions from a neutral perspective (a task that’s challenging to do through the traditional job interview process).
For Candidates
Your candidate’s First Friend is a community member that shares their interests and has unique insight into the things that matter most to them. Your candidate gains a local perspective from someone who knows the area and can address any questions about schools, neighborhoods, culture, lifestyle, or anything else.
