MightyRecruiterAccording to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses are creating the majority of new jobs on the market. Still, it can be hard for a small business to stand out during a campus recruitment event that caters to large corporations. If your company doesn’t have the financial resources to secure a spot front and center at a large university’s career fair, it’s time to get creative about small business college recruiting.
Realize Your Company’s Size Is an Advantage
When it comes to small business college recruiting, not all students who attend events are looking to work for a large corporation. Many college students actually prefer to work for small to midsized businesses because they feel a smaller company will have values similar to their own. In addition, people who decide to work for small companies often find they have closer relationships with the people they work with, including management, and that it is easier to move up the corporate ladder and learn more about the field.
Look at Smaller Schools
College recruiting is usually associated with large, well-known universities, but small business college recruiting might be better suited to look at smaller schools. Keep in mind a smaller school does not equal smaller talent. Many students choose to go to lesser known colleges or universities to stay close to home, because they are more affordable, or simply because they don’t like the atmosphere of large campuses. Because large companies tend to pass over these smaller institutions, it might be easier for a small business recruiter to find the right talent for the business. Don’t be fooled by the lack of obvious and desired majors at small colleges. Students are still learning the skills they need to work in their desired field, so focus more on the applicant than on the majors provided by the institution.
Think Outside the Campus
Small business college recruiting isn’t limited to attending career fairs at schools across the country. Many small business recruiters opt to contact the students in one-on-one situations. Some small businesses ask to give in-class presentations. Although these presentations are similar to those given in career fairs, the audience is much smaller, which usually allows the presenter to speak to interested students afterward with little to no time constraints. Another way to contact students directly is to talk to the presidents of fraternities, sororities or college clubs. Not only will they be able to provide you with information on students who might fit your needs and be interested in your company, but they might even contact them on your behalf.
Speak the Millennial Language
When used correctly, social media is an excellent tool for small business college recruiting. It’s rare to find a college student who doesn’t have at least one social media account and most have multiple accounts. When using social media to try to connect with prospective employees, don’t focus on showing your business in a highly professional setting because it could come across as too formal. Social media is about sharing, getting to know people, and personality. Be transparent about the people behind the social media account and allow them to use their own personalities in their posts. Instead of focusing on job postings or other information located elsewhere on the web, aim to show your followers ïexclusiveï content. Share information about how new hires like their work, what the environment is like and how advancement opportunities work, for example. Above all, be sure to keep up with social media trends. Instagram, Twitter and Facebook are considered the most popular at the moment, but this is always subject to change. Want proof? Just look at how quickly Snapchat is gaining users.
Shorten the Hiring Process
One of the biggest complaints students have about the recruiting process is how long the hiring process takes at large corporations. The time between speaking to a recruiter and actually receiving an offer is often months. Small business college recruiting should focus on a streamlined hiring process on a more personal level. If you think someone would be a great fit for your business, don’t hesitate to make them an offer. Students often take the first job offered to them and don’t wait to see if anything ïbetterï comes along, so twiddling your thumbs about making an offer will probably work to your disadvantage. Small business college recruiting can be easier for recruiters and potential employees alike with a streamlined and personal process. For more tips on recruiting and running a small business, check out the other articles and tools available on Mighty Recruiter.