How can I best approach and recruit college students and recent graduates for my business?
I'm looking to hire college students (as interns) and recent graduates for my business. What's the best way to approach these students? Should I be approaching universities, or reaching out to specific students or faculty?
Expert Answers
Sort by Date
Sort by Votes
Aug 22, 2014
Most universities and colleges have a policy concerning recruiting on campus. Recommend checking with the University Career Center for assistance in recruiting college students. They normally will have a specific point of contact that works with employers to ensure that all requirements (Federal, State and Local) are being met in job postings and in recruiting students. Going specifically to students or faculty is called "cherry picking" and most colleges frown on this practice, because it does not give everyone an equal opportunity to apply for a position where they meet the qualifications. If you have additional questions or need clarification, I will be more than willing to provide same.
Aug 18, 2014
There are only two reasons to take a new position. One is to gain a new skill and the second is to gain a new level of responsibility. Make sure that your value proposition clearly states what you intern is going to do, what they are going to learn and how they are going to grow.
Aug 11, 2014
In Canada many university and tech colleges offer sandwich student programs that provide mutual value to university students and potential employers. By encouraging involvement in annual work terms at companies of interest in their speciality. Both parties benefit, Upon graduation they both understand the potential application environment and job fit The company approach to employees career objectives and suggested development path is key. Check out mutual chemistry fit in the team that they will be involved with. These need to be addressed during interviews and formerly followed up in the first 3 months.
Aug 11, 2014
Develop relationships with local colleges and universities. Attend career fairs as a vendor. Most schools offer at least 2 large fairs per year. Have an on campus presence. I recommend starting with the career services office. Most colleges and universities have online job boards that would allow you to post your internship opportunity. You can even choose the major and year of the ideal candidate, many for no cost.
Aug 11, 2014
I suggest approaching both the University's Placement Office and any relevant college (Business, Medicine, Sciences, etc.) depending upon the industry or specialty your company is in. Offer internships and jobs through both avenues, and you should get all the visibility they can offer!
If you can, try to meet with the heads of the appropriate colleges or departments to help them understand exactly what you are looking for and what benefits the students or recent graduates will receive, i.e. industry exposure, research opportunities, additional training, etc. This will ensure that you get good matches for the jobs you have available.
Aug 10, 2014
You have been given great advice
May I add to that
Be able to position yourself as a Company of choice
1 Great training
2 Career opportunity
3 Incentive scheme
4 Reward high achievers
Most importantly
Present your information with a clear model of your company and services
This works well when you have your presentation structured with clear points and call to action.
In the first instant look up heads of each department as they are the decision makers do this well and you could have meetings set up quickly
Sheena
Aug 9, 2014
"A placement officer" in all the colleges and university should be able to help you to line up candidates for an internship..
Aug 8, 2014
Look for the faculty member who teaches Entrepreneur or Leadership classes. They generally know their students quite well and can help you connect with the graduates who are a good fit your criteria and company culture, and they are happy to do so!
Aug 8, 2014
Great question. As a Campus Recruiter for six years at one of the largest banks in the world, I had the most success reaching out to both groups of people. The career services dept and the department heads. On each school's website they list the names and contact information for the department heads and professors and they used to respond back to me and even let me speak in their class for a few minutes.
In terms of marketing your position, you need a great and exciting job description to capture their attention and perhaps participating in on campus events to create exposure for your organization
Aug 8, 2014
I recommend that you contact the Director of Career Services at a College/ University that specializes in programs within your industry. Visit http://www.univsource.com/ for a list of Colleges/Universities and what they specialize in. If you are looking for Electrical Engineers you don't want to contact a school that specializes in Nursing. The Career Services office is there to connect recent graduates and experienced alumnus with your open positions. I hope this helps.