Utilizing Technology to Enhance Campus Recruiting
Nov 28, 2023
Utilizing Technology to Enhance Campus Recruiting

Educational institutions are well-established sources of high-quality talent. Recent graduates can bring creativity, energy and strong digital skills to the workforce. They’re also likely to be loyal to organizations that provide them with learning and growth opportunities, which can improve employee retention rates and boost morale. Employers that successfully engage, recruit and hire individuals from college campuses—a strategy known as campus recruiting—can secure talented young employees with the potential for growth in their careers and create a pipeline of talented individuals. Depending on their unique needs, employers can connect with job candidates from various educational establishments, including trade schools, technical schools, liberal arts schools and community colleges. 


Technology plays a crucial role in the success of a campus recruiting strategy. College students are typically tech-savvy and more likely to rely on social media and online resources for information about an organization. Furthermore, the lead time for campus recruiting is often longer than traditional recruiting, which gives employers the opportunity to leverage technology to build their brand on campus, improving recruiting efforts. This article explains how employers can use technology to attract, engage and recruit individuals from college campuses.


Utilizing Technology for Campus Recruiting

Skilled graduate talent is in high demand. Employers can leverage technology to boost their campus recruiting efforts with the following practices:


  • Use social media. Research by business services company Experian found that 98% of college-aged students are on social media. Employers can capitalize on this trend by ramping up social media efforts, sharing organizational and employee successes on social media and building an online presence that will improve employer brand. Additionally, employers can involve employees in social media campaigns and fully complete company and brand pages on employment websites.


  • Recruit on popular job sites. According to LinkedIn data, 86% of small businesses get a qualified candidate within the first 24 hours of posting a job on LinkedIn’s platform. Posting open roles and opportunities on job sites is crucial for recruiting recent graduates. Many of these individuals rely solely on employment sites, such as Handshake or LinkedIn, for information on job postings.


  • Recruit virtually. Many colleges or universities don’t have a centralized campus. According to Forbes, nearly 2.8 million students enroll at online colleges and universities. This accounts for almost 15% of all U.S. postsecondary learners. Organizations can reach these students by leveraging online platforms, such as social media and virtual information sessions. Video interviews are another way employers can connect with students. Many students prefer virtual interviews and find them less intimidating, helping employers form relationships. Employers can also use online portals, such as Handshake, to connect with students and begin personalized recruiting conversations.


  • Attend virtual recruiting events. Educational institutions may offer virtual recruitment sessions or career fairs to improve access for students who have financial or transportation obstacles and are unable to meet recruiters on campus. These events may include virtual presentations or webinars focused on particular industries, professions or geographic areas. Participating in these events can help employers connect with college students and find candidates with specific skills (e.g., computer science or engineering majors).


  • Use mobile-friendly apps. College students rely heavily on their mobile devices for online activities. This includes searching and applying for jobs. Employers can boost engagement among college students and recent graduates by creating mobile-friendly experiences, including mobile-friendly job postings and a user-friendly application process.



Benefits of Using Technology for Campus Recruiting

In today’s digital age, employers whose campus recruiting efforts are limited to in-person fairs will likely miss out on opportunities to engage and connect with talented individuals online and through social media. The benefits of incorporating technology into campus recruiting efforts include the following:


  • Provide a holistic view. Employers that are recruiting applicants across multiple educational institutions can use technology, such as candidate sourcing and candidate evaluation software, to schedule interviews, track return on investment and store notes, data and other information that will provide clarity during the recruiting and hiring process. This can lead to better acceptance and retention rates.


  • Broaden reach. Employers can’t be everywhere at once. Job sites, such as LinkedIn and Handshake, can help employers reach students in new and remote locations. Furthermore, employers can use technology to connect virtually with job candidates, host webinars and hold virtual interviews.


  • Build employer branding. Online platforms can help employers build brand awareness and share organizational values with a broad range of potential candidates. This is especially important when recruiting younger individuals, who tend to be more value-driven when making career decisions. Therefore, organizations that show candidates their values may have more recruiting success. Employers can leverage technology to promote company culture online via social media or employment websites.


  • Save time. Recruiting technology can help employers quickly scan resumes and filter out candidates who don’t have the necessary qualifications. This allows employers to dedicate more time to evaluating top job candidates.


Conclusion

Employers that utilize technology effectively may experience a competitive advantage when it comes to engaging and recruiting tech-savvy college students. Campus recruiting technology can also help employers spread information quickly, filter out candidates, reach passive candidates, save money and find job candidates who are a good culture fit. This can improve attraction, branding and hiring outcomes.


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11 May, 2024
On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) No. 2024-1 on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. The FAB follows a statement released by the White House announcing key AI-related actions following President Joe Biden’s executive order issued on Oct. 30, 2023, on establishing standards for AI safety and security. Guidance on AI-related Wage and Hour Risks Employers are increasingly using AI tools to generate timecards, set schedules, monitor performance, track employee hours and process payroll. As such, the FAB highlights certain compliance risks under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for employers using these tools. These risks include: Tracking employee work time; Monitoring employee break and waiting time; Using location-based monitoring for individuals performing work at multiple geographic locations; Calculating employees’ regular rate of pay and overtime compensation; and Violating the FLSA’s antiretaliation provisions To aid employers in addressing these compliance risks, the WHD identifies recommended practices, including exercising proper human oversight, to help ensure that AI systems and tools do not violate the FLSA. Additional AI-related Guidance In addition to addressing FLSA compliance risks, the FAB also examines certain AI-related risks that may arise under other laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Providing Urgent Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) and the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA). For example, using AI tools to administer FMLA leave can create potential risks for violating the law’s certification requirements when determining whether an employee’s leave is FMLA-qualifying. Employer Action Items While FABs are not necessarily legally binding, they offer insight into how the DOL interprets laws it enforces and how agency officers will analyze workplace conditions and circumstances to enforce compliance.  Using AI systems for scheduling, timekeeping and calculating rates of pay and overtime may increase an employer’s risk under the FLSA. Therefore, employers should ensure that their AI systems and tools comply with all federal laws and regulations by examining potential legal and business risks associated with AI, implementing AI usage policies and establishing internal best practices.
30 Apr, 2024
As we step into May, we're reminded of the importance of mental health and well-being. May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, offering us an opportunity to renew our commitment to nurturing our minds and fostering supportive environments, both in and out of the workplace. In this blog post, we'll explore practical strategies for enhancing mental health, including small tips that can refresh you mentally during the workday. Embracing Self-Care Amid life's hustle and bustle, it's crucial to carve out time for self-care. Whether it's practicing mindfulness, engaging in hobbies, or simply taking a moment to breathe deeply, prioritizing self-care nurtures mental resilience and fosters a sense of inner peace. Cultivating Work-Life Balance In today's fast-paced world, achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for mental well-being. Set boundaries between work and personal life, establish a routine that includes breaks and leisure activities, and strive to unplug from technology during downtime. Remember, balance is key to sustaining productivity and happiness. Fostering a Supportive Workplace Culture Employers play a pivotal role in promoting mental health in the workplace. Encourage open dialogue about mental health, offer resources such as counseling services or mental health days, and prioritize flexibility to accommodate employees' well-being needs. By fostering a supportive culture, organizations cultivate environments where employees feel valued, understood, and empowered to prioritize their mental health. Supporting Loved Ones If someone you care about is struggling with mental health challenges, your support can make a significant difference. Listen without judgment, offer empathy and reassurance, and encourage them to seek professional help if needed. Remember, your presence and understanding can provide comfort and strength during difficult times. Practicing Gratitude Gratitude is a powerful tool for enhancing mental well-being. Take time each day to reflect on moments of gratitude, whether it's appreciating the beauty of nature, expressing gratitude for supportive relationships, or acknowledging personal achievements. Cultivating a mindset of gratitude fosters resilience and enhances overall happiness. Small Tips to Refresh Your Mind During the Workday  Take short breaks: Step away from your desk for a few minutes to stretch, walk around, or simply gaze out the window. These brief pauses can rejuvenate your mind and boost productivity. Practice deep breathing: Incorporate deep breathing exercises into your day to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors during your lunch break or coffee breaks. Even a brief stroll in a nearby park or green space can invigorate your senses and clear your mind. Listen to music: Create a playlist of soothing music or uplifting tunes to listen to during work breaks. Music has the power to uplift your mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance focus. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and maintain mental alertness. Dehydration can impair cognitive function, so keep a water bottle handy and sip regularly. Practice mindfulness: Take a few moments to practice mindfulness or meditation exercises. Focus on your breath, observe your thoughts without judgment, and cultivate a sense of presence and calm. Declutter your workspace: A clutter-free workspace can promote mental clarity and productivity. Take a few minutes to tidy up your desk, organize files, and create a calming environment conducive to focus. Engage in positive self-talk: Replace negative self-talk with affirming and encouraging statements. Remind yourself of your strengths, accomplishments, and capabilities, and cultivate a mindset of self-compassion and resilience. Connect with colleagues: Build supportive relationships with coworkers by engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and offering mutual support. A sense of camaraderie and connection can foster a positive work environment and bolster mental well-being. As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, let's commit to nurturing our minds and supporting those around us. By embracing self-care, fostering work-life balance, promoting workplace well-being, and offering compassionate support to loved ones, we contribute to a culture of mental health awareness and resilience. Remember, you are not alone. Reach out for support if you need it, and let's journey toward better mental health together.
30 Apr, 2024
On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule to amend current requirements employees in white-collar occupations must satisfy to qualify for an overtime exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final rule will take effect on July 1, 2024. Increased Salary Level The FLSA white-collar exemptions apply to individuals in executive, administrative, professional, and some outside sales and computer-related occupations. Some highly compensated employees may also qualify for the FLSA white-collar overtime exemption. To qualify for this exemption, white-collar employees must satisfy the standard salary level test, among other criteria. This salary level is a wage threshold that white-collar employees must receive to qualify for the exemption. Starting July 1, 2024, the DOL’s final rule increases the standard salary level from: $684 to $844 per week ($35,568 to $43,888 per year); and $107,432 to $132,964 per year for highly compensated employees. On Jan. 1, 2025, the standard salary level will then increase from: $844 to $1,128 per week ($43,888 to $58,656 per year); and $132,964 to $151,164 per year for highly compensated employees. Automatic Updates The DOL’s final rule also includes mechanisms allowing the agency to automatically update the white-collar salary level thresholds without having to rely on the rulemaking process. Effective July 1, 2027, and every three years thereafter, the DOL will increase the standard salary level. The agency will apply up-to-date wage data to determine new salary levels. Impact on Employers The first salary level increase in July is expected to impact nearly 1 million workers, while the second increase in January is expected to affect approximately 3 million workers. Employers should become familiar with the final rule and evaluate what changes they may need to adopt to comply with the rule’s requirements. Legal challenges to the rule are anticipated, which may delay the final rule’s implementation.

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