5 Effective Ways to Recruit College Students

By Alicia Geigel on November 19, 2017

With the increasing number of college students entering the job market at an alarming rate, employers and recruiters are confronted with the task of reaching college students and creating techniques to appeal to their interests and goals. It is no surprise that millennials are a large and growing sect of society, and post-graduation, there is a definite pressure for students to have a promising job offer that satisfies both their need for fulfillment and financial goals.

According to Karl Moore of Forbes, millennials are more interested in working for purpose rather than for a paycheck, stating, “[Millennials] are constantly seeking purpose in what they do for a living and at the same time want to know how their job is helping them get to the top.”

When it comes to appealing to millennials and recruiting college students for employment, one important factor to keep in mind is their need to search for a greater, more altruistic purpose in their work rather than a monetized incentive. Are you seeking college student/millennial workers in your company but are lost as to how to appeal to this specific group?

My five tips below will help you better gauge your target audience of potential employees!

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1. Be altruistic in your message: As stated earlier, the generation of millennials is way more interested in working toward a greater purpose, rather than toward a greater paycheck.

Referencing a recent poll by the National Journal, author Gillian B. White of The Atlantic stated, “when asked what their primary concern was during their first job, about 64 percent of older Americans talked about making as much money as possible or learning new skills. When asked the same question, younger Americans were much more likely to say that their top priority was doing something that they found enjoyable or making a difference in society, with 57 percent choosing one of these options.”

If you are looking to appeal to college students, the way to appeal to their hearts and minds is through altruism. Include elements of service or giving back to your advertising or your career site, detailing how you prioritize helping others whether it be through specific programs, events, etc. Doing so will appeal to college students and make them want to explore what else your company has to offer!

2. Emphasize benefits: College students and millennials desire and appreciate different elements of working than generations before them. For instance, we like to be able to have valuable input in our work, express our ideas and creativity, incorporate advancing technologies and social media into our work, upward mobility, and an efficient balance between work and social life.

When listed, it seems like a demanding set of standards, but when considered, it is not nearly as complex or bad as it seems and in reality, it’s not too different than what everyone wants! Though these standards may seem universal, unfortunately, they are not, which means that as a recruiter, you have to include these elements in your listings/career site as a means to differentiate your company from the rest.

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3. Use former employees to help build your message: One thing that most college students and millennials love is being social; whether it is face to face or on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter, we love to connect. Connections not only expose us to new ideas, cultures, lifestyles, etc. but they also can help us figure out our path in life!

A helpful recruiting technique is to use former employees as a way for future college student employees to connect and get a feel of what working with your company is like.

According to Recruiting.com, “It’s especially valuable to have brand ambassadors available when you are recruiting on campus. Their testimony to success will convince other great candidates like them to explore your opportunities and perhaps gain future employment.”

4. Take advantage of technology: This may seem like what some may consider an obvious tip, but there is great truth in it! A majority of college students rely on technology for just about everything in their lives, with an equal amount of reliance on social media as well. Social media can serve as a news outlet, job market, or simply a way to connect with family.

Regardless, when recruiting it is imperative that you take advantage of technology and social media. In your listings, include links to social media pages like Facebook and Twitter, where students can see and explore what your company is about as well as see what others have to say about you. Set up a monthly email newsletter that students can sign up for that can relay more information about your company and its mission.

5. Connect with Universities in the area: Another great way to help recruit college students is to make a connection with local universities. Colleges and universities are trusted institutions, and if students see you are affiliated with a college they either attend or are familiar with, you will have a greater student turn out!

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Though college students may seem difficult or like they are asking too much in regards to working, if you consider these five tips, not only will you be successful in recruiting but you will also gain a greater understanding of how college students think and what they want. As always, good luck!

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