How Employers Work With Goodwill to Hire Job Seekers

QUESTION:

“As an employer, how I can work with Goodwill to hire someone who needs a job?” from Don in Tacoma, WA

ANSWER:

Thanks for your question, Don. In 2010, Goodwill agencies served more than 2.4 million people through employment and training programs.  With 13.9 million people currently unemployed and many companies starting to add back jobs lost in the recession, Goodwill is increasingly becoming the answer for both job seekers and local employers.

But why would you as an employer want to connect to Goodwill?  Well, if Goodwill is working with people that WANT to go to work, and you need people that WANT to go to work – this is a match made in heaven!

Here are my top three tips for getting the most out of your relationship with Goodwill:

1. Reach out to the Goodwill staff and learn about the services they offer. That’s the best way to start.  You’ll find Goodwills that provide rehabilitation services, industry-specific job skill training, career services including assessments and résumé development, and even tax preparation.  You’ll find Goodwills that serve youth, people with disabilities, seniors, immigrants, people with criminal backgrounds and veterans – in other words, ALL PEOPLE!  To connect with the Goodwill headquarters in your area, go to http://locator.www.goodwill.org.
2. Be upfront and honest with the Goodwill staff about the job expectations. In my experience, Goodwill employees are extremely passionate and dedicated to the work they do.  They want to do everything possible to see those they serve achieve positive outcomes.  The more information they have from employers, the better they can prepare job seekers.  If the work is hard and tedious, if it requires long hours of standing, if it takes a person with exceptional customer service skills  – whatever the requirement, let the Goodwill staff know.
3. Communicate – clearly and often – with the Goodwill staff. It goes without saying that the key to a healthy, thriving relationship is communication.  Don’t be afraid to communicate with your Goodwill contacts – they need to hear what’s working as well as what’s not.

What are you waiting for? Join Goodwill in helping people achieve their fullest potential through the power of work!