Connecting to Employers and Understanding the Labor Market
In this module, we will explore employer expectations and trends in the workplace and NJ labor markets. You will learn how to connect with and network more effectively with employers and how to use labor market information in the career planning and job development process.
At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to:
Discuss the role of labor market information in the career planning and job development process.
Identify sources of labor market information and how to access them.
Identify key workplace and occupational trends that impact the career planning and job development process of their customers.
Identify strategies for connecting with potential employers.
Develop and implement an employer outreach and networking plan.
Finding Job Leads--An archived webinar and resources from the DiscoverAbility project on how to find job leads. Much of the info in this presentation will be helpful to you in the job development process.
Job Development Practices: Are They What Employers Want?--Archived webinar on employer needs in the job development process. The most significant finding is that service providers need to focus on the value that individual applicants bring to a business and how applicants can improve the employer's bottom line. Career advancement and retention services are also recommended.
Pick one of the options below. You may pick more than one if you'd like, but you should do at least one.
Option 1: Use one of the LMI tools we discussed in the first part of class (such as NJCAN, NJ NextStop, etc.) with a jobseeker. Write a journal entry describing:
Some background on the jobseeker, to give context.
The tool you chose to use
How you used it
What happened?
Benefits/Challenges
Would you use the tool again? How would you use it?
What did you learn from using the tool?
Option 2: Research a new employer and develop a plan for creating a relationship with the company. Implement at least one connection strategy. Write a journal entry describing:
The employer you chose to research and why
What you learned about the employer (can attach research worksheet for this)
Strategies you identified to connect with and build a relationship with the employer
The strategy you tried and what happened.
What did you learn from this?
How can you continue to build a relationship with this employer?
How can you apply what you've learned to other employers?
Option 3: Deepen a relationship with an existing employer. This may involve doing more research, learning more about company needs, the individual, etc. Write a journal entry describing:
The employer you're working with and why you wanted to deepen the relationship.
Strategies you identified to deepen the relationship.
Strategy you tried and what happened
What did you learn from the experience?
What will you do in the future with this employer?
How can you apply what you learned to other employers?
Connecting to Employers and Understanding the Labor Market
In this module, we will explore employer expectations and trends in the workplace and NJ labor markets. You will learn how to connect with and network more effectively with employers and how to use labor market information in the career planning and job development process.
At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to:
Understanding the Labor Market
Download the PPT from class below:Below are resources you can use with job seekers, students and for yourselves to get a better understanding of the labor market.
Using Labor Market Information for Career Decision-making and Job Search for People with Disabilities--Archived webinar with the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development
National Resources
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)Career OneStop
Employability Check-Up
My Skills, My Future
My Next Move
New Jersey Resources
NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development LMI ResourcesNJ LWD Regional Focus LMI--Provides basic data on a quarterly basis about labor market trends in North, Central and South Jersey
NJ Next Stop--Career exploration site for NJ. Although geared toward students, the info is applicable to everyone.
NJCAN--Career assessment and exploration for NJ residents.
NJ Small Business Facts--from the SBA. Over 50% of NJ workers are employed by small businesses (under 500 workers)
NJ LMI: What's Hot and What's Not?--Archived webinar from August 2012.
Healthcare Careers in NJ: Archived webinar on NJ healthcare careers
Tools
These are for job seekers and students to use to research and document career information.Worksheet for Researching Occupations
Connecting with Employers
Download the PPT from Class below:Company Research Links and Tips--Great collection of specific ideas on how to research employers using various tools/strategies. Be sure to check out the right sidebar and this post on how to find the hiring manager.
Creating a Target List of Companies--some great tips/resources here.
Finding Job Leads--An archived webinar and resources from the DiscoverAbility project on how to find job leads. Much of the info in this presentation will be helpful to you in the job development process.
Job Development Practices: Are They What Employers Want?--Archived webinar on employer needs in the job development process. The most significant finding is that service providers need to focus on the value that individual applicants bring to a business and how applicants can improve the employer's bottom line. Career advancement and retention services are also recommended.
Microenterprise for People with Disabilities--Archived webinar on supporting self-employment for people with disabilities.
Employer Research
Google Alerts--set up keyword searches on companies and individuals that will automatically be emailed to you when new info is posted on the web.
LinkedIn--Great resource for connecting to employers and learning more about companies and needs.
Using LinkedIn to Follow Potential Employers--The Company Follow feature lets you receive automatic updates on companies through LinkedIn
Using LinkedIn for Research-Good tips here.
Tools
Homework Assignment
Pick one of the options below. You may pick more than one if you'd like, but you should do at least one.Option 1: Use one of the LMI tools we discussed in the first part of class (such as NJCAN, NJ NextStop, etc.) with a jobseeker. Write a journal entry describing:
Option 2: Research a new employer and develop a plan for creating a relationship with the company. Implement at least one connection strategy. Write a journal entry describing:
Option 3: Deepen a relationship with an existing employer. This may involve doing more research, learning more about company needs, the individual, etc. Write a journal entry describing: