University students are the top professionals of the future and the enthusiastic and qualified workers of today. Therefore, it is worth starting to recruit students already during their studies. Not only does it strengthen the employer brand for the company, but it also allows professionals in the industry to be recruited before they have had time turn their heads towards competitors. We at Tuudo have recruited most of our current employees during their studies, which has allowed us to follow closely their growth into experts in their field.
So, how do you then recruit students? We know student target group like our own pockets, so we collected these 7 tips for successful recruitment!
1. Choose the right channel
Newspaper announcements, posters in campus hallways or even email newsletters are no longer the most effective ways to reach university students. When planning your recruitment campaign, think carefully what kinds of channels are best for reaching students. Social media and universities’ own digital channels are an excellent way to start targeted recruitment for students. For example, with Tuudo app you can reach up to 130 000 students a month from 25 universities with a single view.
2. Think outside the box
When you want to recruit students from a specific field, it is best to keep an open mind. Depending on the job, it might interest students that have already changed their field or are currently studying in another location. So, if you are used to applying for students in a particular field from only one or two universities, it might be time to expand your area nationwide. Students move a lot after work – we have first-hand experience of this! – and often return to their hometown to work, for example. Summer jobs and internships are also often applied outside the current place of residence. In addition, students in many fields are educated in more than one university in Finland. Check the universities that offer the particular line of study and expand your search to them!
3. Make sure the job is appropriate for a student
Students in the final stages of their studies can often work even full-time, but most students are more suited for part-time work. It is also good to remember that students rarely have years of work experience. So, it is a good idea to emphasize the importance of the right attitude for example and provide opportunities for further training while working. Occasional work, hourly paid work and working during weekends are usually good options for students.
4. Put effort into the job posting and the interview
Especially in competitive industries the need for employees can be high. When the demand is higher than the supply, it is worth putting some extra effort into the job posting. According to the Student Working Life Survey 2020 commissioned by Tuudo, students especially value jobs that have for example relaxed work community, extensive opportunities to develop one’s own skills and, of course, interesting work assignments. The most important values for students are responsibility, relevance and equality. If you identified your business from these, let it show on the job posting!
When it comes to the job interview, remember that it is not necessary to have the interview in a closed room. For example, going for a walk or lunch can be a nice variation for the applicant.
If you need more information on how you can develop your recruitment to attract the top professionals of the future, get in touch!
5. Hire a student for summer job or internship
Firms do not always have the opportunity to offer part-time work, but competition for fresh skills can be intense. Students can also be engaged to the company through summer jobs or internship opportunities during their studies. Depending on the industry the firm may give students an opportunity to complete their thesis for the company.
6. Build an employer image
Hiring the best professionals is not just about publishing job postings. It’s worth investing in your company’s employer branding before, during and after recruitment. Open communication during the application phase, the recruitment process and at the end will leave the candidate with a positive feeling about the whole process.
Be present where students are: social media, events and platforms (more about this in the next section). Remember to communicate your work community, brand, values and other important things in a way that students hear you. When students know you in advance, the job notice doesn’t have to do all the work in inspiring the candidates.
More tips about employer branding here!
7. Participate in events
Keep track of different kinds of recruiting events arranged on university campuses and take part in those. During pandemic many of the traditional get togethers have been replaced by different kinds of digital events, where you can safely but efficiently continue the recruitment like before and being part of students’ daily lives as an employer. Digital events can also be cheaper option compared to traditional events: no working time is spent on physical stands, there are no travel costs while working at your own desk and you do not have to spend budget on other fair goods.
Tuudo will host a nationwide recruitment fair again in September 2022 for all the students in 25 universities all over Finland. There is no easier way to join a recruitment fair, we promise you that!
Registration for the event isopen.Contact usand book your place!
The article was first published 1.12.2020. The text has been edited to keep it up to date.