BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH EMPLOYERS Presentation for the Disability Exchange May 10, 2006 Hotel Albuquerque Christine Fuller, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 505/

WHOS THE CUSTOMER? Client?Employer? Boss?Feds?

DEVELOPING A RELATIONSHIP Honesty Dedication Commitment Professionalism INTEGRITY

CLIENT SERVICES Be Firm with your expectations Appropriate dress Punctuality Completed homework Adult world vs childs world Professionalism Interview skills Job search skills for the future Disability Awareness

Client Services (cont) Research, Research, Research Work Exploration Vocational options Vacancy potential Income potential Educational levels Skills required Companies

CLIENT SERVICES (cont) Job Shadowing Informational Interviews Questions specific to the job Dress for success First time, attend with the youth Tour offered, accept it Youth follows up with a report to you Youth brings you the Thank You note to send

Client Services (cont) Homework Is at each stage of the process Thank you notes/ s/phone calls Reports Research Setting up informational interviews Transportation issues Day Care issues

CLIENT SERVICES (cont) Dress for success Thank You notes Job Fairs Go along with the youth Observe the interaction with the employer Posture, presentation, language, body language, politeness, handshakes Would YOU hire this client? What makes you think you can place them?

LOCATING EMPLOYERS Where?

LOCATING EMPLOYERS Mapping Phone book Newspaper Job Fairs Networking with other clients families Organizations NETPA Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Human resources

Job Fairs & Organizations Ask and Listen Learn about the Labor Market in your area Keeps your face out there Learn the Employers needs Sell Your Services Sell the Client Present Resumes Inform employers about the expectations you have of clients (slide #4)

BENEFITS TO EMPLOYERS OJT ADA accommodation deductions Internship/mentorship opportunities Qualified and trained/trainable applicants Prescreened applicants What do you offer? Drug testing or background checks Job analysis Disability/ADA awareness training ADA accommodation evaluations/Specialized testing Tutors/job coaches/ funding for ongoing training

EMPLOYERS Interview skills is one of the biggest complaints With which questions do youth have a hard time? Explain what you expect from the youth Punctuality, appropriate dress, reliability, homework, etc. Ask what the employers want/need

FOLLOW-UP Gather the information you promised Write thank you notes Employers Biggest Complaint Accept their offers of Tours, etc. Ask for the best way to contact Ask what position has the biggest Turn-over, Why? Request tours

Maintain the Relationship Contact at least 4 times per year Remember them at off times- 4thof July not Christmas Accept offers for tours Accept offers for interview practice (moderation)

Summer Youth Programs Client interest/job specific Supports for the employers/ youth

EMPLOYERS Articles Free publicity for employers Award Ceremonies Recognition Collaboration of funds