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

  1. 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.

  2. Approximately five to six months prior to the actual day of interviews, contact the College Placement Office to reserve the interview date(s) desired.

  3. 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.

  4. Mail all the required documentation/information to the college/university (includes job openings and descriptions, company information, etc.).

  5. Get written confirmation of interview date(s) and times from the College Placement Office.

  6. 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.

  7. Complete Interview Evaluation forms (see sample) after each interview.

  8. After interviews are completed, compile, sort, and distribute the resumes and Interview Evaluation forms (see sample)to the appropriate managers for review.

  9. Invite the top candidates to the company site for further interviews (see interviewing process).

  10. 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.

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