The most effective way to build a list of employers who are likely to hire my graduates is to be an articulate communicator.
Whether reaching out by phone, or in person, articulate communication is a strong selling tool.
Be a great listener. Determine what an employer needs before offering suggestions.
Finally, be a constant presence. Network at business events, Chamber of Commerce functions, and follow up as promised.
Ivania,
Contacting all employers in the community your school serves is very important. This includes both employers and those who could be hiring your grads. We think that every school should have a Community Outreach Director out in the community every day. You are right about working with non profits too. They often know about jobs. Volunteer work is certainly a way to build resumes if it is the right kind of project. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
One of the most effective ways is to gather the data from the employment information the students are supplying you with. Another way I’ve been able to build a list has been by contacting the businesses in our community. I’ve taken the time to draft up an introductory email/letter that I send to them, letting them know who we are, what we do, and what we can offer them through our graduates. They have replied positively to this and even though some may not be hiring at the moment they have our information in their data base for future reference and have provided theirs in turn for our data base as well. I also look at different not for profit organizations that assist in placing our type of demographic and work with them. Our students need to learn the importance of volunteer work; sometimes you may start off that way, but end up being hired in the end. So I never discard these types of employers!
Susan,
We agree that employers and potential employers are vital contacts for the school and placement department. The more you reach out to them then the more you know about their needs. Employers can tell you the skills needed in a work-ready employee. They can tell you about training that will be needed in the future. Ideally they will tell you about the job openings - first! Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
The key is to really get in front of the employer and maybe even have them review your curriculum and possibly offer internships to your students so that they can be provided with first hand knowledge with employee prospects. It would also be good to have some of these employers become a part of the school's advisory board. It would give the employer invested interest and the school could gain valuable information on how to improve their curriculum and instructional methods to meet employer hiring requirements. It is also helpful to have these business leaders come to the school or provide online workshops in which students can ask questions and network.
Janet,
Sounds like organizing employers by state and even city is a great idea. When you decide what works you might also apply that to companies that don't yet hire your grads. We know one school owner who requires their career services staff to locate 10 job placement sites in every state every day. While a lot of work, the school enrolls students from every state so is wise to do this. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I try to do it by state because the jobs in our field are so broad. It makes it easier for our students if we can provide a list of employers that hire within their state.
Shelisa,
That could be an interesting approach. We suggest making two lists: 1. Employers who hire your grads and 2. Employers who do not hire your grads. Then create a list of about 5 - 7 questions or talking points. Ask to visit each or plan a phone meeting. Brainstorm with them. Learn things that you don't know. Figure out how to develop and sustain relationships so you can ask them questions, find out what they want in a work-ready employee, what training they will need in the future, and what jobs will open that you can fill. Then you can see how to categorize the employers. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I am the Career services Director at a Business school. This is my 1st full quarter in this position. I believe it could be helpful to categorize the employer list by the fields of study offered at this campus. Do you feel this is a good idea?
SHIKIRA,
Wow. This is great. Connecting with employers has many benefits. Of course it is about jobs. It can also result in externship sites and feedback from employers about how well your programs prepare students to be work ready. In addition, employers can sit on your Advisory Boards and provide feedback about your equipment and learning materials. They can tell you about new jobs and new training that will be required. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Building an employer short list has always came easy for me. Prior to becoming the director I was a medical assistant for 6 years. I have met many doctors. The doctors introduced me to friends that own medical facilities and urgent cares. The door for seeking hiring employers has always been revolving for MCI Institute of Technology. Obtaining and maintaining good relationships has been my key to success within our company.
We are able to start a list of employers who hire our graduates because our graduate student surveys include a section for them to list their current employer. This isn't the most effective way; it is simply a means to start the employer 'short' list. A more effective method to fathom which employers would hire our graduates is to call the human resources department (or an informed official) to discuss both the qualifications they require for employment and if they are currently seeking competent workers. This is also a prime opportunity to elaborate on the training received at our school and to start building a relationship with that employer.
Linnet,
Yes, records certainly need to be updated on an on-going basis. This process can be made easier if you keep in touch with your grads - your Alumni. Alumni are sooo valuable to a school. You need to know where where grads are working. It's easier if you know where they are by staying in touch and having a reason for grads to tell you each time they change contact information. Happy Alumni can refer students, help with retention, and tell you where the jobs are. Keeping in touch with Alumni is the magic. thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
The best way is keeping all your records updated of where your student have been hired.
Corey ,
We also believe in Community Outreach. Assume one day soon you have some assistance, Then ideally you will spend a lot of your time talking to employers and eventual employers of your graduates. There is sooo much to learn when you are out talking to people. Perhaps your program needs to be updated to meet the needs of the changing workplace. Maybe there is new training needed because of a change in job focus or requirements. You'll get the information first if you are out there all the time. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Build from externships or internship sites. Contact graduated students to keep track of where they are employed and who they are working for and get permission to contact them to build a relationship with the school. Contact local agencies and reach out to the hiring manager or HR personnel. Community outreach!
Andrea,
Sounds great Andrea. What is important is to keep in touch with employers for a variety of reasons. They can tell you what works in your program and areas for improvement. They can tell you about training needed in the future. What is important is to reach companies that don't hire your grads yet! Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We keep a list, and frequently phone or visit the employers who like to hire from our school. We are also planning on adding a section regarding the ability for our students to contact them thru a website link.
Loni,
These are great ways to get employer names and reach out to them. We feel there should be one person assigned Community Outreach. They should be out in the community all day calling on employers, prospective employers, and networking with community organizations. They goal is for everyone to see your school as THE placement for training and staffing. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Ronda,
So true Ronda. Very important to network with community organizations like local Chambers. There are also the professional organizations related to your training. All these are a source for referrals and contacts to get feedback on your training. Good point about employers who allow their staff time to train. These employers might offer tuition benefits so they are great sources for other students. Communication with all employers is so important. You can get feedback about your training and also be the first to learn about new training needs. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
