Creative Conversations as a Job Development Tool:
Networks that Work!Candidate’s networks: how to discover and
capitalize
Leverage existing employer relationships
Community Conversations
Candidate’s Network
It’s important to know that job development is an art--not a science!
Be sure to look at every job seeker as an individual and determine how it would be best to utilize their networks!
If candidates do not have a strong network: help them build one!
Discovering your Candidate’s Network
Need to build trust with candidate and their familyMeet them in their home or at a place in the
community where they feel comfortableExplain why and how you will use their
networks and contacts and keep them informed and updated
It might be appropriate for candidate and/or family to make the initial contact: coach them on how to do so
Discovering your Candidate’s Network
Networking WorksheetThis is a helpful visual for some people. It’s a
good idea to review this when you first start working with someone and again periodically as you foster a relationship.
Worksheet should include: Friends, relatives, friends of parents/relatives,
neighbors, former employer and/or co-workers, (former) teachers, individuals from social /interest groups (library, church, volunteer, etc) businesses the client patronizes.
Discovering your Candidate’s Network
Ask the candidate to bring you with them into their community!
Advantages of Approach:Businesses already know the individualModelingBusiness EducationDemonstrates progress and activityLearn more about candidates skills and
abilities
Discovering your Candidates NetworkPerson-Centered PlanEmploys methods already discussed
In-home and community meetings to identify stakeholders and networks
Meeting to identify goals and action steps Literally person centered Exploratory (biographical) Action-oriented (future planning) Pragmatic and Creative
Discovering your Candidate’s Network
Example: StuartNetworking sheetDevelopment with Stuart in his community:
one business reminded him of moreLed to local movie theater and introduced to
manager by employee/friend of Stuart’sStuart interned for a few months and was hired
on Jan 1 2012 and increased duties/hours
Leveraging Employer Relationships
Both your relationships and those of your candidate
Employers that you have already established a successful partnership with can be your most successful networkers!
Maintain contact with employers who you have assisted with hiring or supporting individuals with disabilities
Providing an award or acknowledgement (ex: certificate) to an employer can make you and your organization stand out
Leveraging Employer Relationships
Presenting at all-staff meetingsRequesting introductions at other locationsDiscussing employers network of fellow
employers/managersShowcase existing relationships with
competitors
Leveraging Candidate’sEmployer Relationships
Stuart’s CinemaContacted through natural network, Stuart
patronizes the businessAgreed to internshipPress releaseOffered permanent positionContinued expansion of role
Leveraging yourEmployer Relationships
TJX Established a positive relationship by providing
excellent support to initial hire. Acknowledged through employer appreciation
luncheonApproached when business needed candidatesFilled needs at several storesParticipation in corporate initiativeExpansion to sister companies
Leveraging Employer relationships
Your network
Candidate’s network
Successful placement
Exploration
BusinessMatch
Maintain relationship
Community ConversationsOften referred to as “World Café”
conversationsGathering groups together to discuss specific
and pointed questions that lead to action by participants
Good networking opportunities
Community ConversationsConnect community stakeholders
• Educational• Business• Family• Clients• Government
Community ConversationsUnique and under utilized job development toolInviting employers who you have a successful
partnership/relationship with and those employers who you would like to connect with
In between questions/discussion: employees with disabilities and their manager present
Focus conversations on employers Allows for more natural flow of ideas, i.e.,
business to business
Community ConversationsWalgreensInvited as they had already hired a person
with a disabilityManager of separate location heard employee
speak and hiredPresentation to district managers meetingLed to several district hiresSelected for pilot program of inclusion
Conclusion:Increase your candidate’s visibility in their
communityTeach and model communication with local
businessesDo not let a relationship that you’ve worked
hard to establish with a business falterCommunity Conversations: while they can be
time consuming to plan and execute: outcome is worth it!