moon 2006-9-26 11:27 AM
College Recruiting Season is Here -
OK, so I know that the title was probably long enough to be its own blog, but it is a true statement and that makes it ok.
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Many of you are probably scratching your heads and saying - "Sarah, it is still september, how is that key college recruiting time?" Others are probably thinking "Ugh, college recruiting season." While a few (I was with you) are getting their best "I can still pass for a student" outfits ready for the recruiting that goes on outside of the career center. Yes, I said it. As most larger companies know (Anderson Consulting was AMAZING at it) it isn't the job fair or career services center that you often find the best candidates. Think beyond the realm of normal and challenge yourself to go back to college and recruit - where the students really are. g.z'e q5z#B8N
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So, where has this process led me? There is a fun street in Madison called State Street (Steer clear around Halloween), I have a favorite Buffalo Wild Wings that everyone hangs out at in Lansing, and a fun Mexican Eatery/Bar by Notre Dame. Overall, it always seems to center around food and drink. Rp&Z+P;T%]:g A
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I also better suggest not trying this if you meet any of the following circumstances:&i(r5TIPf vV T
1. You think that you will go and wear "business casual" attire :)
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2. You have been mistaken for, or really are a grandparent.
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3. You want to contact the bar ahead of time to see if they would mind. (Yes, I have heard of someone doing this but they were renting out the entire place for their prospects and their friends - a little different circumstance)7cb+W5F,Pj
4. Your idea of how to go about it would be to walk up to the one sober student and give them a business card telling them to call you.
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So now that about half of you have a puzzled look on your face and think to yourself - so what should we do? Let me help. ] T KQ[WU
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1. Bring an alumni that currently works for you. The closer to college age the better. If you are a small company bring someone who is a recent graduate or is still in their 20's. Whoever you bring should be social and able to talk to anyone.
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3. Read a student newspaper. Most of them have one available online now. This will give you an idea of what is going on at their school.X4[i%Zq&cI
2. Go where the students are. Go out to the bars or nightclubs. Are you looking for a salesman? See who seems to be the social butterfly working their way around the room. Make conversation - NOT ABOUT YOUR JOB OR COMPANY, again let me repeat that NOT ABOUT YOUR JOB OR COMPANY. Just talk to them about the game or whatever is going on in town. At the end of the night or conversation, calmly pull out a card and say "Hey, I really liked talking to you, our company could you a guy/gal like you. You should give me a call." and leave it at that. If they have been drinking, they will feel VERY threatened to talk with you if you tell them who you are up front.
moon 2006-9-26 11:27 AM
3. Go out to eat. Dinner is best, and preferable somewhere besides a fast food joint. While it may seem like fun - it really is work. Who you have as a waitress may be great. I know I had 5-6 job interviews or offers from recruiters coming through town that I had waited on. You can see a person's customer service skills and sales skills in a non-interview setting.
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4. If you or a member of your staff is a frat/sorority member - USE IT...Go to the frat parties, the mixers, where ever you can access the students the better. Again, for this one, it is very very important to revert back to my rules. Otherwise, they will think you are a cop and not let you in.
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So, I have either offended, scared, or excited everyone that will read this. In otherwords, I did my job. College recruiting is changing and many of the larger companies understand that. Unfortunately, many of the smaller ones haven't even started college recruiting. Part 2 - The informal "on-campus" recruiting channels (Still no job center or job fairs...be patient)