Recruitment Best Practices

Introduction

Challenging and meaningful internship experiences are key to building strong career portfolios needed to compete in today's employment market. Our hope is that we can work together to provide a level of experience that meets the needs of our students and the standards of the Smeal College. We look forward to an affiliation with your firm and the contribution that our students can make to your organization. The following information will help you establish an effective on-campus recruiting strategy as well as a successful internship program within your company.

On-Campus Recruiting Strategy Best Practices

Response Time/Accurate Follow-up

Topping the list of what students consider when making employment decisions is the treatment they receive following the interview. Companies interested in building a strong and positive image on campus will:

• respond to students within the time frame specified during the interview
• provide a top-notch follow up process for required paperwork (including reimbursement for second interview expenses, etc.)
• inform students either way of the company's decision
• follow-up a verbal offer with a written offer of employment

Students need to know where they stand at each stage in the process to be able to make the best decisions. Recruiters who fail to provide appropriate follow up to students as promised may damage the company reputation and undermine other on-campus efforts to become the "employer of choice" among Smeal College students.

Sending the Right Person

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Choosing the right person to send, whether it is for the information session, the career fair, or the interviews, can make the difference in the way your company is perceived. It is important to send people who have an understanding of the positions available and knowledge of specific job requirements. Students surveyed list "sending the right person" as the third most important factor when determining a great company to work for.

Keeping in Touch

Once the offer has been extended, stay in touch with the candidate. You may want to set up a "buddy" for the student, someone who is committed to staying linked via phone and e-mail while the offer is being considered. Sending company gifts is nice, but it is more important to return the student's e-mails and phone calls within 24-hours if possible. Either taking too long to respond to the student's questions or calling too much can both send negative messages. Students don't want to feel pressured, but they do want to be reassured of your interest. Arranging for someone to field questions and offer encouragement is helpful. Make sure you give the student enough time to consider your offer. Companies who pressure students into making decisions run the risk of getting students who are not really happy with their decision and may later renege.

Know How to Interview

It is recommended that recruiters be well prepared for the interviews. Sending interviewers who are trained in interviewing, who enjoy the recruiting process, and who feel good about the company themselves will create the most positive impression. Plan the day so that there are breaks and lunch. Students can sense when a recruiter simply is not engaged in the process. Be sure to ask meaningful questions, be respectful enough not to ask who else they are considering and keep the focus of the interview on them and the position.

Presentations/Information Sessions

Communicate with our Recruiting Manager when planning your event to make sure it doesn't conflict with midterms, finals, or large school events that might interfere with attendance. Some recruiters opt to have closed sessions for preselected candidates only, however, it may be helpful for your visibility to open the sessions to any interested business students. Here are some tips for success:

• send recruiters who have exemplary presentation skills
• keep the presentation brief, not more than one hour
• save plenty of time for Q & A and one-on-one interactions after the session
• bring a good mix of company representatives with you, but be sure that some are recent hires as well as Smeal College alums
• spend time on the specifics of the job and talk about anything new and innovative at the company
• provide information about your city or community and what locals do in their spare time
• serving food is "good but not necessary" (i.e., cookies, chips, soda or other snack foods)
• 7 p.m. is a good start time
• bring enough business cards to distribute to candidates

Provide Access to Recent Hires

It's important to bring recent hires to campus for information sessions or interviews. They can address issues like finding housing, making friends, having fun, or speaking to what it's really like to work at your firm.

Culture and Jobs

Be honest when describing the company culture and jobs. When recruiters are candid about the realities of working at the company and living at the location, students can make informed decisions and will be happier when they get there. Being realistic yet positive about the challenges and rewards of working at your firm helps to build a memorable, lasting reputation among Penn State Smeal students.

Use Technology Wisely

Students report that the high touch approach endures. Personal attention conveys the message that the student matters.

Do use technology to:

• improve efficiency, timelines, and accuracy
• provide specific information regarding jobs available, job locations, and new hire testimonials
• send personal rather than mass communications
• leave clear, concise voice mail messages

Do not use technology to:

• replace the personal touch
• create an on-line application that is redundant or creates concerns about what happens to resumes/supporting materials
• replace on-campus recruiting activities (i.e., video conferencing)

Creating More Visibility

The Smeal College of Business offers companies an individualized approach to their on-campus presence through membership in the Corporate Associate Program. This program was established to build partnerships with organizations who wish to increase visibility on-campus and, specifically, within the Smeal College of Business. The Corporate Associate members are offered priority to participate in activities to build company awareness; access to student organizations and classroom participation; prime recruiting dates, interview space, and locations at our annual Career Fair; and research opportunities among other opportunities.

The Manager of the program is available to meet with you, assess your needs, and design a recruiting strategy for you specific to your firm.

Information about the program is available on-line , or by calling (814) 865-0916.