TORRINGTON – What is it business managers, human resources people and others in charge of filling open jobs look for in prospective employees?

That question topped the list Wednesday during open panel discussions, part of the annual Eastern Wyoming College Job Expo in Torrington.

Traditionally held later in the year, college administration this year opted to move the job fair to mid-February. The move was due, in part, to the pending closure of the Western Sugar factory in Torrington and the subsequent increase in the number of people in Goshen County who will find themselves looking for jobs, said Jo Ellen Keigley, coordinator of the Center for Testing and Career Services at EWC.

The panel included representatives from the Army and Air Force, along with the Wheatland Rural Electric Association, Panhandle Coop, Goshen County Health Care and private business. The group addressed a series of questions ranging from the ideal characteristics of employees to company culture and more.

The characteristics looked for include reliability, integrity and a good work ethic, pretty basic stuff, the panel agreed. The reality sometimes, however – particularly when dealing with prospective employees from the millennial generation – there may be some give and take.

“They want to be part of a team,” said cosmetologist Dawn Marie Baker from Cheyenne. “But they still want to be part of that ‘it’s-all-about-me’ bubble.”

Army recruiter, Sgt. First Class Kerry Wyatt, agreed many younger individuals had that attitude. He didn’t agree, however, they had to be coddled.

“If you want to join a professional organization, you need to buy into that,” Wyatt said. “Sometimes we don’t need to offer them the moon.”

Many of the traits sought out by employers – as well as by military organizations – can be taught, Wyatt said. But all the teaching in the world won’t replace drive.

“You can teach discipline, but that can go right out the door if they don’t have the character to be reliable,” he said. “A lot of good kids come in with dreams, with drive, with goals – you just have to show them the path to success.”

Another thing employers need to watch out for, particularly in Goshen County and other small communities of eastern Wyoming, is finding prospective employees who can fit in with the culture and lifestyle of the communities. One reason for high rates of employee turnover in smaller communities, regardless of where they are, is individuals who can’t cope the lack of amenities which can be found in larger communities.

Some people “have a hard time living in rural areas,” said Rhonda Apodaca from the Wheatland REA. “It’s difficult if you’re not used to that.”

And company culture is an important aspect for employers to consider, said Air Force Recruiter, Staff Sgt. Mark Brinkman. Whether in the military or the private sector, employees want to feel their employers have their back.

“Employees want to feel taken care of,” Brinkman said. “You can’t put someone off (who’s looking for guidance on the job), then yell at them on the back end because you didn’t take the time to work with them. What does that say about your company?”

But the real bottom line is employers are looking for good workers, the panelists agreed.

“Hard work wins, every time,” said Jason Barton from GreatClips. “You work hard and the opportunities will come.”