10 Tips for Recruiting Entry-Level Technical Talent

One of the headlines on today’s CareerNews talks about how might employers look for people like us. Here’s an excerpt:

1. Get to know the colleges and universities in your area.
2. Host key individuals from select schools.
3. Serve on advisory boards of colleges and/or key programs within the college.
4. Provide internships to outstanding students.
5. Provide real-world projects for senior classes.
6. Invite students on a field trip to your company.
7. Be a guest lecturer.
8. Host a regional competition.
9. Participate in college career fairs.
10. Engage with alumni.

Excerpt from CareerNews:

There are 10 simple ways to nurture, develop and recruit entry-level IT talent. Each of these steps, however, requires that companies adopt a long-term view of talent acquisition. Forward-looking companies understand that talent acquisition requires participating in the development of that talent and taking the time to understand the needs of recent graduates. A small investment of time and resources, such as offering internship programs or re-establishing ties with alumni, can result in a significantly enhanced ability to attract young graduates.

Many of the tips outlined in the article are based on the assumption that hiring managers are willing to get to know the colleges and universities in their area. As a first step, they should review the academic program offerings of these institutions and take the time to understand the skill sets of graduates from these programs. They can also host faculty members and deans, provide internships to outstanding students and develop challenging projects for their interns.

Other steps include providing real-world projects for senior classes and inviting students on a field trip to your company. Many students may have never been in an IT company or even in a business environment and will greatly enjoy the experience of a field trip to your company. You can also sign up as a guest lecturer at a local educational institution, host a regional academic competition, participate in college job fairs, and engage with alumni groups.

More info here: link.