The following guest post was authored by David Smooke, Director of Social Media at SmartRecruiters – a partner organization and free applicant tracking system aimed at helping simplify the recruiting process and putting Americans back to work. DirectEmployers recognizes their efforts and fully supports their annual program, Give Labor Day. Now in its second year, Smooke discusses the program’s concept of paying-it-forward by offering advice or help to unemployed and under-employed Americans this Labor Day.

SmartRecruiters, the free recruiting software, is proud to give back on Labor Day. We are working with the Direct Employers, Centers for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the United States Department of Labor and the Corporation for National and Community Service to encourage you to add the word, “Give,” to Labor Day. Before enjoying a well-earned day off this September 3, give a minute to helping an unemployed or underemployed person find satisfying employment.

Labor Day has always been a time to remember and celebrate achievements. The United States Department of Labor describes Labor Day’s founding as “a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” However for millions of us, there isn’t labor to celebrate.

SmartRecruiters believes that the elimination of friction in the hiring process can create full employment. Full employment is a lofty goal. Nevertheless, we know that in helping the unemployed and underemployed by: (1) improving their social profiles, (2) facilitating introductions, and (3) providing resume, cover letter, and interview counseling, Give Labor Day will be a day to better America’s labor market.

This is the second annual Give Labor Day. Last year, SmartRecruiters, which was then a team of seven people, led dozens of companies to volunteer on Labor Day, and now we are proud to be working with public organizations as well. Give Labor Day will continue each year, and we hope that job assistance becomes a social responsibility of Labor Day, as community service is a social responsibility of Martin Luther King Day.

Volunteer. Give family or friends a call to offer your help, or simply post a social network status update of, “If you’re looking for a job, I will help. Contact me on Give Labor Day!” And then, help who responds. To all who want to help – keep in mind – Give Labor Day will connect you and your organization to those who are seeking assistance in finding satisfying employment.

Give Labor Day urges everyone to take tangible, specific actions to help the unemployed and underemployed. Pledge your support. To any organization that wants to give back to the labor market, this is an open invitation. We provide best practice material to: (1) improve a candidate’s social profiles, (2) facilitate introductions, and (3) give resume, cover letter, and interview counseling. Learn more by posting or messaging to the brand new Give Labor Day Facebook page.

Give Labor Day supporters include volunteer organizations, recruiting technology companies, and local small businesses, such as laundromats and printing companies, who are committed to helping the unemployed and underemployed overcome the barriers to employment.

Make this Labor Day, Give Labor Day.

You can follow or join the conversation on Twitter via #GiveLabor

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