Finding talent is still a challenge for most employers these days.  As service providers for SSA’s Ticket to Work Program, it presents us with a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between employers and our talented ticket pools.  Outside of searching for jobs online, how else do you identify opportunities that would assist your beneficiaries, and more importantly, connect with the decision makers?

Partnerships. 

• Reach out to a company’s HR or Recruiting team.  Sometimes it is beneficial to just go straight to the source, let them know who your organization is, and how you want to help provide the employer with a quality talent pool. 
• Join your local Chamber of Commerce.  The local Chamber of Commerce is a network of employers and entrepreneurs and allows you to get insight into your local market.
• Affiliate with American Job Centers.  AJC’s provide direct access to jobs, training, and other employment related resources for your clients.
• Build network connections through LinkedIn.  LinkedIn allows you to learn a lot about other organizations through their profile, social media contributions, and even reviewing and connecting with the profiles of some of the key staff that work there. 
• Connect with talent engagement platforms.  This has developed into our most successful relationships with placing beneficiaries in jobs.  Some platforms will allow you to establish a profile for your organization showcasing your best assets and the clients you serve. Employers then have a directory of organizations they can contact and build private, direct connections with your organization to fulfill their critical hiring needs.  Similarly, some others operate curated job boards that are dedicated to helping employers build diverse workforces and connecting jobseekers with employers. 

We always look forward to the annual NENA Conference, not just for the informative sessions, but because of the excellent networking opportunities available with other organizations.  It’s always a fun and great opportunity to learn and share ideas on how others tackle similar challenges, including developing and maintaining employer partnerships.  Can’t wait to see you in Nashville!