1. 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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. “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”!

8. 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?

9. 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

10. 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

11. Case Studies
“Re-Do”

12. Wrap Up and Questions Liz Hanke Shemika Moore Workforce Coordinator
Liz Hanke
Workforce Coordinator
Genesis Center
Shemika Moore
Employer Relations & Job Retention Developer
Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island