Following Up via Email and/or Phone
Following up with employers after initial contact is a crucial step in workforce engagement. Consistent follow-up helps reinforce relationships, address any questions employers may have, and build confidence in the workforce services offered. This stage ensures that employers feel supported and understand how their needs are being met, increasing the likelihood of continued collaboration. Effective follow-up strategies are tailored to employer preferences, maintaining open lines of communication and a responsive approach.
Key Points of Alignment
Many workforce organizations in Chicago apply structured and responsive methods for following up with employers. Here are shared practices observed among organizations consulted:
Standardized Email Templates and Phone Scripts: To ensure consistency in messaging, many workforce development teams utilize standardized email templates and phone scripts. These materials are designed to reinforce core messages, follow up on initial inquiries, and answer common employer questions, while also personalizing the interaction to show genuine interest in the employer’s needs.
Personalized and Timely Responses: Timely follow-up is a shared priority, with most organizations responding within 1-2 business days after the initial contact. Personalized follow-up emails or phone calls allow workforce professionals to show employers that they are responsive and attentive to specific workforce challenges, fostering a stronger partnership.
Guiding Employers to Relevant Resources: Follow-up conversations often serve as opportunities to direct employers toward relevant workforce programs, funding options, and resources that align with their goals. By revisiting the employer’s initial concerns, workforce teams can recommend customized solutions, such as training programs or tax incentives, to address specific hiring challenges.
Unique Approaches by Organizations
National Able Network: National Able Network uses a structured follow-up protocol that includes both scheduled and as-needed communications. Employers receive regular monthly updates via email, summarizing key metrics and candidate performance. Additionally, National Able’s account managers conduct quarterly phone calls to discuss employer satisfaction, address any questions, and explore further workforce needs. This balanced approach ensures that employers are consistently informed and engaged. Read more here.
E&ES (Employment & Employer Services): E&ES prioritizes face-to-face follow-up interactions, often arranging in-person visits with employers to strengthen the relationship. For remote partners, E&ES uses video calls as an alternative to maintain personal contact. These follow-ups focus on deepening the partnership, discussing long-term goals, and gathering feedback to improve the workforce program. This personal approach enhances trust and demonstrates E&ES’s commitment to understanding each employer’s unique needs. Read more here.
ScaleLIT/Level Up Campaign: ScaleLIT leverages automated follow-up tools through their Level Up Campaign, sending employers regular emails with updates on program outcomes and performance metrics. Employers can also schedule a follow-up call through an online portal, allowing them to connect with a ScaleLIT representative at their convenience. This tech-driven, flexible approach ensures that employers have easy access to support and updates, enhancing transparency and responsiveness. Read more here.
Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS): DFSS focuses on community-centered follow-up, scheduling regular phone calls to discuss not only job performance but also the broader impact of placements on local hiring and economic goals. These follow-up conversations highlight how the employer’s involvement contributes to the community, reinforcing DFSS’s mission of fostering inclusive workforce development. This community-focused approach ensures that employers feel connected to both program goals and local impact. Read more here.
Cook County Bureau of Economic Development: The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development takes a collaborative approach, using follow-up calls and emails to discuss strategic workforce goals and potential partnership opportunities. Follow-up communications are used not only for status updates but also to explore possibilities for additional training programs, internships, or apprenticeships. This strategic focus encourages employers to engage in long-term planning and reinforces the value of sustained collaboration. Read more here.
