what is the best way to talk to introduce your services to an employer
I know that networking is very important for the department, but sometimes is very hard to talk to the doctors or supervisors because they are always busy.
Paola,
Cold calling is always interesting. You see what works and doesn't. What do you do with the employers you know? It sounds like meeting with them regularly will have advantages. Most of all you'll know how work-ready your grads are and what new program needs there may be. Events sound great. We think that having a constant flow of employers and hiring decision-makers meeting and mingling with students is great. Don't forget about your alumni. They need help. They also are great resources in employment skills training and job openings. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Our school is well known and i believe the cold calling can be effective as long as you reach the one in charge of staffing.the goal of the callshould geer towards setting up a good time to come into the business in person. Once that is in place,I arrive to explain the many other ways we can work together, besides sending staffing candidates. To keep active students motivated our schools hold many events such as jobs fairs,fashion shows & skill competitions. I like to invite the employers to share their expertise and join us as judges or if they wish to guest speak directly to classes about the importance of professionalism, interview readiness, continued education and retaining the job. The meeting should be brief and backed up by examples of previous comminuty involved events, careful not take too much time but enough to generate interest in partnering up with the coordinator as a source for multiple Career service beneifts.
jorge,
This is a great overview. Who to contact also might depend on the size of the organization. Some organizations do have many different departments. In other companies one person might wear several hats. In talking to various people you meet more decision makers and learn how each company is run. Ideally you track all this information so that everyone at your school knows who to contact with the next offer. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I think the better way is identifying the correct department and the right person to introduce your services. You can start with the Employer's Human Resources Department. Usually, they manage this kind service or they can orient who is the best person to see in order to establish a good relationship employer-placement department. Some clinical centers use the Educational Department as a filter in order to evaluate the quality of the candidates. Other centers use the Legal Department as a filter of quality. But usually the best orientation will be obtained in the Human Resources Department.
Thomas,
Having key school leaders meet with employers is one of hundreds of ways to develop and maintain relationships with employers. Certainly invite the employer to your school, determine their needs and what an ideal work-ready grad looks like. Update your programs to meet current job requirements. Engage the employers so you will always know about job openings. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Another way maybe to have the President or Director of the school go with the Career Service personnel to the employers office?
Cheryl ,
Really good techniques, Cheryl. It's all about getting the attention of workplace decision makers and keeping the relationships. You are creative. When people see you in your community they probably think of your school immediately. Lots of good vibes developing so everyone views your school as THE place for training and THE source for skilled workers. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I do find being in career services - you must be creative in meeting doctors, office managers, etc.... I have found attending luncheons, seminars and networking functions allows you to meet community businesses. Most times just stopping by to make a brief appearance with your business card and some chocolates will do the trick. With that being said - once you have made that face to face connections - constant reminders of thank you cards, emails and phone calls will assist in those firms remembering your organization exist.
Michael,
Interesting about cold calling. We think if you brand your school as THE place for training and work-ready grads, there will be little need for cold calling. We do believe in a strong community outreach program. This is where one person on staff spends most of their time calling on employers and potential employers. The contact information is provided by happy grads and alumni. This also indicates a benefit of an active Alumni Community. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I believe the best way is in person either cold call on prospective employers or networking with associations. When cold calling you need to make sure that you are speaking to the decision maker. Sometimes it may take a few visits to be able to speak to the right person due to their busy work schedule. It is important to do the "soft sale approach" during those visits.
Jymy,
Yes, we believe that community outreach is a must. And it is true that employers are not always available. That means that career services staff has to work harder to see employers around creative schedules. And reminder that you need to stay in touch with potential employers as well. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
