Build Trust with Clients

If trust between the service provider and the individual and/or business customer is not established, it is nearly impossible to achieve success. Gaining trust is crucial for progress because business and jobseeker customers must feel they can share their barriers and strengths with the service provider. When trust is built between the service provider and the individual it:

• Creates a safe place for that person to grow when they are making life transitions
• Enhances communication and understanding, so better vocational choices are made
• Helps counselors identify and broker supportive services customers need to obtain and retain employment
• Allows the company to fully benefit from the services offered and to be more fully engaged in the program

Families Forward examples: International Institute, LifeTrack Resources, and HIRED
Both International Institute and LifeTrack Resources establish trust with their immigrant customers by providing:

• A supportive environment
• Counselors / instructors with appropriate cultural and language skills
• Group support
• Comprehensive services that make it possible for an immigrant to achieve the life stability needed to tackle the challenges of working in a new country, often in a new language

HIRED uses a barriers and strengths assessment tool to help guide trust building with clients. In working with young clients, they recognize the importance of clients exercising control their lives - beginning with the job search process. HIRED uses the assessment instrument as a tool to jointly determine pre-employment building blocks and next steps toward success. By guiding the decision-making process together with the jobseeker rather than directing it, HIRED builds trust and helps clients broaden their thinking and clarify their choices. This approach decreases defensiveness and encourages internal motivation.