Brownfields Toolbox

Inform graduates of your program that, aside from their personal relationship with potential employers, Brownfields Job Development and Training programs themselves must maintain a cordial and positive relationship with employers for future placement. Students or staff should not "burn any bridges," to use a familiar phrase. Thank you letters for interviews, acceptances, and rejections are expected. For continued good relations with the program or with the graduate, it is necessary that you maintain positive contact with employers.

Whether or not a student accepts a position or is rejected by the company, your staff and students should remain appreciative of the employer's interest. Issues and economic conditions may change over time, necessitating a search for additional employees. Remind your staff and students that organizations with environmental workers always remain a potential source of employment and should be treated as such.

The dark side of job placement relates to jobs that may not be safe, healthy, or otherwise suitable for graduates. All too often, job openings exist for a reason. Poor management, unsafe or difficult working conditions, substandard pay, or unrealistic expectations can lead to positions that are consistently vacated. If the job has been vacated many times before, employer expectations may be too high, or there may be issues with supervision or working conditions. Applicants should pay careful attention to the history of the job opening.

If the position was newly formed, expectations and performance standards may not be established. If an opening is the result of organizational growth, there may be a number of related positions available. Some of the questions you might ask are: Who will be the supervisor? Is there an established human resources policy and a grievance procedure? 

All of the considerations mentioned here are issues that brownfields graduates and your staff must address as part of the placement process. When jobs are offered, your staff should provide graduates with as much guidance as possible in evaluating jobs and following proper etiquette in accepting or rejecting offers.

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