Employment Advertising and College Recruiting
Purpose of Process
To utilize a valuable source of job applicants. College hires are often enthusiastic, flexible, eager to learn, and very skilled in the latest technology and ideas. Combining a new college hire with an experienced employee in a mentor/mentoree relationship can create an effective and synergistic team.
Recommended Steps in the Process
- Determine the colleges/universities in which to conduct
on-campus interviews. Consider the location of the school
(closer to the company has cost and relationship advantages),
and the quality of the educational program. Obtain input from
employees on the quality of educational programs offered by
specific colleges and universities.
- Approximately five to six months prior to the actual day of
interviews, contact the College Placement Office to reserve the
interview date(s) desired.
- Approximately six weeks prior to the scheduled interview date,
collect descriptions of openings and schedule a hiring manager
or a subordinate of a hiring manager to attend the campus
interviews.
- Mail all the required documentation/information to the
college/university (includes job openings and descriptions,
company information, etc.).
- Get written confirmation of interview date(s) and times from
the College Placement Office.
- Two weeks prior to the interview date call the College
Placement Office and once again confirm dates and times of
student interviews. Also, request copies of the student's
resumes to review in advance.
- Complete Interview Evaluation forms (see
sample) after each interview.
- After interviews are completed, compile, sort, and distribute
the resumes and Interview Evaluation forms (see
sample)to the appropriate managers for review.
- Invite the top candidates to the company site for further
interviews (see interviewing
process).
- Send a letter to those applicants who are not selected for further interviews, thanking them for their time.
Process Tips
Establishing a relationship with the college prior to the campus interviews can increase the quality and flow of applicants. Consider donations of cash or equipment. Also, scheduling meetings with students on the evening of the interview can help build interest among the students. Contact the College Placement Office to make these arrangements. Utilize your top employees, who are alumni of the college, to participate in campus recruiting.
A recent survey of 2000 college students and recent graduates conducted by Jobtrak.com included the question: Which of the following do you value most in your career decision? Their answers ranked as follows:
- 42% chose balancing work and personal life.
- 26% answered compensation.
- 23% selected advancement potential.
- 9% listed location.
The results indicate that benefits such as time-off (vacation) and social/recreational programs would be attractive to this group of applicants. As a result, these types of benefits should be emphasized during the interview process.
