Talking the Talk with Employers Part 1 Elizabeth (Liz) Hanke, Workforce Coordinator Genesis Center Shemika Moore, Employer Relations and Job Retention Developer Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island

Agenda Introductions Case Studies The Do’s and Don’t of Approaching Employers “Professional Stalking” Tips What Questions to Ask Maintaining Relationships with Employers Case Studies “Re-Do” Wrap Up and Questions

Introductions Elizabeth (Liz) Hanke, Workforce Coordinator, Genesis Center Shemika Moore, Employer Relations and Job Retention Developer, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island

Case Studies Break out into Teams of 5 persons per Group Review Case Studies Assess the appropriate action in the given situation Identify the Do’s and Don’ts Summarize action plan and what type of industries/employers you would approach

The Do’s and Don’ts of Approaching Employers Do “Talk the Talk”. Do use multiple contact methods. Do know when to move on. Do offer to meet them in person and bring your business card. Do spend the time and effort required to ensure you are talking to the right person.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Approaching Employers Don’t use adult education lingo or focus too much on the barriers/challenges. Don’t be a pest. Don’t take it personally if they never call you back or aren’t interested. Don’t show up unexpectedly. Don’t expect them to come to you or seek you out.

“Professional Stalking” Tips Develop a list of companies you want to target. Visit company websites. Scan job listings. Try searching LinkedIn. Start making phone calls. Extra Tip! Develop an Employer Profile after all your “professional stalking”!

What Questions to Ask How does your company currently find new employees? What are the skills/attributes your company seeks in new employees? Does your company have experience working with adult education employment programs? Do you have existing community partners? What role/interest do you have in the hiring process? Can we meet in-person to discuss partnering together?

Maintaining Relationships with Employers Engage! GO TO THEM! It’s not just about 1 interview or hire, it’s about a partnership! Listen to what your employers are saying and not saying Invite them to classes, graduations, events, all the good stuff that’s happening

Maintaining Relationships with Employers Shield them from the bad stuff! Keep them away from the boring bits Not too many meetings, interviews, etc. Give them the finished product Solve Barriers Before Hire: driver’s licenses, transportation, child care, BCIs, etc. Screen candidates

Case Studies “Re-Do”

Wrap Up and Questions Liz Hanke Shemika Moore Workforce Coordinator   Liz Hanke Workforce Coordinator Genesis Center 401-781-6110 lhanke@gencenter.org Shemika Moore Employer Relations & Job Retention Developer Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island 401-784-8685 smoore@diiri.org