Recruiting Tips

Want to maximize your recruiting efforts on the University of Idaho campus? Follow these simple tips.

Getting Started-Prior to your campus visit 

• Start early. Plan several months in advance and schedule your campus visit as early as possible. We suggest a minimum of three weeks advanced notice of your desired interview date in order to properly promote your visit and fill your interview schedules. 
• Make interview schedule changes (if necessary) prior to your arrival. 
• Arrange to have an information session the night before your interviews. This allows students the opportunity to learn more about your company and the opportunities available. 
• Collect handouts/giveaways that you may want to bring for your information session, or hand out during interviews. 
• Communicate with the Career Center staff about any questions you have about interview schedules prior to your arrival on campus. 
• The Career Center will mail you a campus map and parking permit. If for some reason you do not receive these materials, let the Career Center know at least two days prior to your arrival on campus.

Day of Interviews 

• Don’t forget your campus map and parking permit. If you park on campus without a permit there is a strong likelihood that you will be ticketed. 
• Plan extra time to find a parking space and the Career Center. 
• If for some reason you need to cancel an interview, please let the Career Center know as soon as possible. The recruiter is responsible for notifying students if their interview is canceled. 
• The Career Center opens at 8 a.m. but arrangements can be made for those employers who need to interview or arrive at the interview before 8 a.m. 
• Interviews are scheduled to end by 5 p.m. If you need to stay past 5 p.m., please make arrangements with Career Center staff prior to the end of the day. 
• If you get behind schedule, please let the Career Center staff know so that we can inform students when they arrive. 
• Bring extra business cards. We encourage students to ask for a business card after the interview in order to send thank you notes. 
• Let students know when they can expect to hear from you following their interview. 
• At the end of the day, please turn your student feed back forms and employer satisfaction survey in to the front desk.

After Interviewing 

• Follow-up with students as promised. Employers who fail to follow-up with students often receive negative feedback from students. 
• Arrange for second interviews or site visits. 
• Inform students and the Career Center if your hiring process has changed or is delayed. 
• Extend offers to candidates as soon as possible. 
• Submit placement data to the Career Center staff. (You will receive an on-line placement survey at the end of the recruiting period, or you can e-mail your placements to careercenter@uidaho.edu or submit the data on Vandal CareerConnection at any time.)

Make a Connection 

• There are various ways to connect to students and alumni. Promoting your company and the positions you are recruiting for is key to the success of your campus visit. 
• Student organizations. The UI has over 150 student organizations. Do presentations or workshops to targeted groups of students. 
• Attend career fairs. Consistent participation in campus career fairs is an excellent way to provide exposure for your organization, as well as upcoming information sessions and campus interviews. 
• Target academic classes. Plan early to connect with faculty members who can arrange for you to speak in their classes while you are on campus. 
• Information sessions. This is an excellent way to promote your company and interview schedules prior to your interviews. An information session is also the last opportunity to fill open interview slots prior to your interviews. 
• Send posters/information sheets/handouts to the Career Center for us to display in our office or around campus. 
• Advertise in The Argonaut, University of Idaho's student newspaper

Successful Information Sessions 

• Typically held the evening before interviews, information sessions provide an excellent opportunity to promote your organization and positions you are recruiting for. Information sessions should include: 
• A professional power point or video presentation. 
• Enthusiastic and professional presenters. 
• Useful information about the organization that students need to know. 
• Interaction between the recruiter and students. Encourage questions. 
• A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. 
• Refreshments! Don’t forget your audience; college students always respond favorably to free food! 
• Company giveaways. Promotional items are always popular. 
• A start and end time that stays within the established schedule. 
• Allow time at the end to speak with students one-on-one.

Participating in Career Fairs 
Career fairs allow you to showcase your organization and help promote your open positions.

Prior to the career fair 

• Make your reservations early! 
• Arrange travel so your organization is represented for the full time of the career fair. Arriving late and leaving early is not recommended. An empty booth sends the wrong message to students. 
• Identify and schedule personnel that will assist at the event. 
• Send staff that enjoys meeting and speaking with people and wants to participate. 
• If possible, invite UI alumni to help staff your table. 
• Order company promotional materials. These items are popular with students and create excitement. 
• Consider having a drawing for a special prize for students. 
• Send your display and promotional materials early in order to ensure arrival by the event date. 
• Bring your own shipping label for items to be shipped after the event. 
• Bring extra business cards! We encourage students to ask for business cards of recruiters they speak with.

The day of the career fair 

• Arrive early. Allow enough time for set-up. 
• Bring a nametag or request one from the career fair staff. 
• We suggest that you stand in front of the table to greet students. They are less likely to approach if you are sitting behind a table. 
• Arrange lunch coverage for your table. Avoid leaving your table empty if possible. If you must leave the table, leave a sign indicating your time of return. 
• If you have scheduled an upcoming information session and interview date, use the career fair to promote these events. Hand out flyers announcing this information. 
• If you are staying for interviews the next day, please make sure and utilize the interview sign up sheets in your packet. 
• Please stay the entire time of the career fair.

Questions? Contact the Career Center: 208-885-6121 or careercenter@uidaho.edu.