CareerScope
Interest and Aptitude
Assessment Software

CareerScope FAQ's
Troubleshooting and
Installation Guide

WorkPlace Mentor
Community-based
assessment and employment planning software

WPM User's Page
Resources for the
WorkPlace Mentor
Community

WinAt-Work
Technology-Based Learning For Career and Personal Growth

ES-TIP
Multimedia Employability Skills Curriculum

CSII
CareerScope Interest Inventory Software

VRII
Vocational Research Interest Inventory

Contact your local Rotary Club.

Go to www.rotary.org to find a local Rotary Club chapter. Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders working to address community needs and promote peace and understanding.

Use personal contacts.

Do you know someone who owns or runs a business in town? Do you know someone who knows someone? Having a personal connection may not be a guarantee, but it certainly will help you get your foot in the door.

Try the “mom-and-pop” businesses in your area.

Smaller “mom-and-pop” businesses are often more flexible because the person working behind the counter may very well be the owner or person in charge. There are fewer levels of management to deal with, and therefore they may be more willing to try something new.

Some professional organizations you belong to may have advertisements from businesses or donor/supporter lists included in their periodical publications. If these businesses talk-the-talk by advertising or supporting this organization, they are probably more likely to walk-the-walk as well.

Your approach:

Know something about the business.

Having some knowledge about the business before you walk in the door will result in greater credibility. This knowledge should include knowing the type of business (retail women's clothing; food service; telephone sales) as well as how they operate. For example, knowing that a restaurant is extremely busy at lunch time can be very important in your efforts - because you know not to try to talk to the manager at that time.

Make sure you are talking to the person who makes the decisions.

Talking to employees who seem genuinely interested in what you do may be easy, but if you are not talking to the person who is able to make decisions for the business, you may be wasting your time. Be sure to find out who is in charge and make sure you speak directly to them.

Be sure to tell them what YOU can do FOR them.

Remember what business is all about. Businesses are more likely to be willing to participate if they are getting something out of the deal. Present yourself as a business person offering a service that can improve their business.

Leave behind a flyer or pamphlet that briefly explains who you are and what you do

Your first visit to an employer is not likely to result in an agreement to work with you. Use that first visit to introduce the idea and to make a strong first impression. Then leave the employer with something that gives them all the information. Most employers will either need to think about it or consult with someone else. Giving them something they can refer back to will help them remember who you are.

Find out when is a good time to call back – then DO IT.

At the end of your first visit, make a plan with the employer. Find out how long they think they might need to consult or think about it. Tell them that you will contact them on a certain date or within a specific time frame – don’t just say you will be “in touch” or “I’ll call you soon”. Make a plan – and STICK TO IT. Persistence and professionalism are the keys!