Graduates are a valuable asset to your business, thanks to having the latest theoretical knowledge and bringing fresh new energy to your workforce. However, with companies battling to attract the best graduate talent, your business needs to stand out from the crowd.
So, how do you find and attract new graduates on the job market?
Here is your 5-point plan to graduate recruitment:
- Sign up to a graduate recruitment agency
The hiring process can be time-consuming and stressful for any employer; therefore, you could consider signing up to a graduate recruitment agency such as Inspiring Interns to manage it on your behalf. Their job is to help you find the best talent for your advertised job role by searching their database of graduates from the best universities across the UK and informing you of candidates who may be suitable. While browsing their website, you’ll come across candidate video CVs which will give you a better idea of the individual’s personality and creativity, which in turn, should help you choose a graduate that best fits your job specification.
- Get on social media
As a digital marketing professional, you’re likely well aware of the benefits that social media can provide in the business world. During the hiring process, social media will become your best friend. Gen Z spends hours scrolling through their smartphones every single day, so grab their attention with a winning job advert across popular social media platforms. Snapchat is the number one platform used by Gen Z. However, you should also consider using other platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to market your job advertisement to 20-year-olds.
- Emphasise your company’s values
Gen Z is a diverse generation with a sole focus on values. With this in mind, businesses should make an effort to promote their unique company values within the job advert to attract candidates with the same outlook. Authenticity is key. Promote values that your business emphasises and promotes. Today’s graduates are picky and choosy about the companies they work for and one thing they won’t stand for is falseness.
- Offer training opportunities
Gen Z is typically hungry for new opportunities. No one wants to start their career in a dead-end job – especially hardworking graduates who have spent three years at university with the intent of enhancing their career. If you want to attract talented grads, you need to sell the dream career, not just the job itself. Therefore, ensure the graduate job offers training opportunities for the candidate to progress through the ranks, should they wish to. What’s more, also clarify in the advert whether they will be given mentorship throughout the programme. Today’s graduates tend to seek regular feedback from employers, as part of their professional development.
- Consider an internship programme
If you’re not quite ready to hire full-time graduates to your company just yet, you could consider hiring an intern. Internships are a win-win for companies and graduates – it gives the company an opportunity to trial the graduate in the role, while the graduate can learn on the job and determine whether it is the right career path for them. Internships can last anywhere between 3 months to 12 months. Should the graduate impress and prove to be a valuable member of the workforce, you may then decide to hire them permanently once the term has come to an end.