5 Ways to Maximise Results From Your Employer Engagement Call

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As the end of the year approaches, I’d like to share 5 Key Focus Areas that can make a big impact during this final stretch. Whether you’re helping job seekers or promoting work-based learning and apprenticeships, these last weeks of the year bring valuable opportunities to reconnect, follow up, and lay the groundwork for success in the new year.

Here are five ways to maximise results from your employer engagement calls in the coming weeks.

1. Follow Up

Now is the time to revisit every call you’ve made over the last few months and ensure you’ve followed up. Following up is essential to keeping conversations alive, particularly if employers weren’t ready to make a decision initially.

By reconnecting, you can remind them of previous discussions, share updates, and offer new opportunities. This persistence demonstrates your commitment and can often lead to renewed interest, especially as companies begin planning for the new year.

A well-timed follow-up could be exactly what an employer needs to commit to hiring or training before year-end.

2. Personalise Your Approach

With the year-end rush, it’s more important than ever to stand out. Tailor each call by referencing industry-specific insights or relevant updates about the employer’s field.

Demonstrating this level of research and personalisation shows the employer you’re not only knowledgeable but also invested in helping them succeed.

This is especially effective in getting employers to consider the value your candidates can bring, particularly for year-end projects or seasonal demands.

"I know this time of year tends to be extremely busy due to (what knowledge have you gained here)..."

3. Focus on Quick Wins Where Applicable

Look for opportunities that might not require a long recruitment process, such as seasonal or temporary roles. Certain sectors, like retail, logistics, and hospitality, often need extra staff around the holidays, making them more receptive to quick placements.

These short-term roles can benefit job seekers by providing income, experience, and a potential stepping stone into longer-term employment. By identifying and suggesting candidates for these roles, you’re addressing immediate needs while creating quick wins for both the employer and the candidate.

4. Gather Relevant Case Studies and Testimonials

Case studies and testimonials are powerful tools, particularly when promoting employability programmes, work-based learning, or apprenticeship programmes. Real-world success stories provide credibility and help employers visualise how similar initiatives have benefited others in their industry.

Before your calls, gather a few compelling stories that highlight measurable outcomes—like improved performance, enhanced skills, or career progression of past apprentices.

Sharing these stories during your call builds trust, offers evidence of success, and can make it easier for employers to see the value in your offering.

"We recently worked with [name a similar company], and they shared how having an apprentice helped boost productivity and brought fresh ideas to their team. They saw such a positive impact that they’ve continued to come back to us for help with more recruitment."

"We recently worked with [name a similar company] to fill a similar role. They were focused on attracting a diverse workforce and have continued to rely on us to help them reach that goal."

5. Identify Companies Recruiting on Platforms Like Indeed or Other Paid Job Boards

If you're working on an employability programme where employers don’t need to pay recruitment fees or it’s funded, now is the time to identify companies using paid job platforms.

Look back over the past six months and take note of the types of roles they’re advertising. Then, consider reaching out to these companies by phone using the following approach:

"I had noticed that you regularly advertise your vacancies on Indeed. In fact, over the last three months I’ve seen vacancies for (list 2–3 vacancies). I’m aware that some local employers aren’t aware that there is a free/funded recruitment service that they can have access to, which not only helps them find the right person but helps them retain them too.?

So I’m interested in knowing: Have you ever partnered with an organisation like ours before that doesn’t charge a fee for finding the right person?"

This approach highlights how your service stands out and opens the door to building a long-term relationship.

Start this week working on these areas and you’ll steadily make a difference, especially if you do this consistently.

Hope you find the above useful. Have a great week. If we aren’t connected on LinkedIn, feel free to connect!

Audrey Bodman Trainer and Coach in Employer Engagement, Sales and Customer Service

For nearly 30 years, I’ve been helping people build strong follow-up strategies and turn 'one call' into real opportunities.

I’m excited to be launching an online training course soon – specifically for those working within the employability and skills sector, who make employer engagement calls! Join the waiting list to be the first to hear about it here.

https://outshinegroup.co.uk/effortless-employer-engagement/

Client Recommendations

Tanina Sheath - IPSPC Service Manager

My team of Employment Specialists and myself attended a 1 day face to face telephone-based employer engagement last month with the master of all things EE Audrey Bodman.?

This is the second session of Audrey's I've attended and I hope it's not the last. Audrey has a very engaging presence, she is direct and presents her ideas in a concise and simple manner, her training is inclusive for all.?

The team were blown away with this session, with one of my employment specialists saying 'cold calling has never been so fun'?

The level of interaction with the team was perfect, I loved the high tech phone equipment where the team could practise calls on each other and listen back and give advice. Audrey worked at each of their own pace, and equipped them with the tools and confidence needed to make more successful EE calls.?

Thank you Audrey I would ALWAYS recommend you.

Kyriacos Colocassis – Award Winning Service Manager – Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Audrey came to us as a recommendation from IPS Grow and several members of the team were already following her on LinkedIn.?

Audrey delivered specialists bespoke phone based contact / sales training to our large team of Employment Specialists and provided excellent follow along support and feedback.?

Audrey is highly professional and the follow up and feedback is the best I have seen! Highly recommended.

Rachel Heyes – Associate Director – Employer Engagement and Placements – Nottingham Trent University.

Audrey delivered a fantastic tailored telephone training programme for the business engagement team in Employability at Nottingham Trent University (NTU).?

Audrey's enthusiasm and engaging approach ensured that key new behaviours have been embraced by the team and our sales performance has significantly improved!?

I would highly recommend Audrey.