Best Practices for on-campus recruiting

Consider a number of best practices for on-campus recruiting in order to increase your inpact. Increase your visibility on-campus.  It will create a steady pipeline of talent for the organization.  I like to think of different opportunities like a menu where you can take some options and not others.  Selecting options brings satisfaction.

Career Fairs

There is a lot of debate surrounding on-campus recruiting.  In some schools, the numbers of students attending may be dwindling. However, the majority of Universities still see this as being their most successful and well attended event of the semester.  Many students attend the recruiting event, so take advantage of that.  Students can speak to multiple employers in a short time frame without having to travel anywhere. While some companies won’t spend a large chunk of their budget on these events, it is a great way to show community involvement.  It can generate interest that far outweighs the expense.

Student Organization Involvement

These days, student organizations aren’t looking for an employer to hold an information session in their meetings. They would rather hold a resume review or have you speak to a topic related to their organization’s interest. Talk about career options for their majors or the importance of networking. Also, pick a representative who is open, friendly, approachable and charismatic.

Help Out

Watch out for Higher education budgets that are constantly being cut. While you and I realize the importance of funding for career services events, the powers that be may not. So, if your company is interested in having access to students at a particular event (ie. networking breakfasts, site visits, etiquette dinners, speaker panels, etc.) consider sponsoring the event.

On-Campus Recruiting

Many Career Services Offices have interview suites for employers to use free of charge. It is surprising how few companies take advantage of this convenient service. Instead of trying to interview students off-site, you can spend a day on-campus and have students interview between classes.  This makes it easier for students to fit interviews into their schedule. It is usually a more effective way of interviewing for the recruiter as well.

Give Feedback

Career Services offices love to hear new ideas that you think would work for your organization and their students. Share events that have been successful at other campuses.  Make suggestions that would work on their campus.

Be Consistent

Be sure to have a consistent presence at campus events to build brand recognition.  This adds to your company’s reputation. Even if you don’t have immediate openings, it can be worthwhile. There may be a  position that  comes available down the road.  Your regular on-campus contacts may help fill that position.   There is a  direct correlation between employer consistency and student interest. Show up every year to get your name recognized. This can  ultimately cut down on recruiting efforts due to name recognition.

Keep this in mind as you develop your recruiting  methods. The best  strategy is one where you partner with the university’s Career Services Office to navigate their campus. You want  to hiure those who are well prepared from their campus studies.