A Letter to Recruiters: Or How to Recruit Quality Candidates

It’s come to my attention that your anticipated hiring will decrease this year by 7% for the Class of 2010 (NACE, 2010). Surely you are overwhelmed in trying to decide who to hire out of the potential graduates from the class of 2010. When looking for potential candidates to fill your open positions look for the student who:

1) Comes to class on time:

• Coming to class on time can be an indicator to determine if the new hire will come to work on time. It shows responsibility and good time management skills.

2) Participates in class discussion:

• Participation in class discussion indicates readiness and a desire to contribute.

3) Offers their time to campus or community initiatives:

• Offering freely of one’s time shows an attitude of help and social responsibility. It shows a willingness to go above and beyond what is required.

4) Uses critical thinking skills to solve problems:

• The student who thinks critically is the future employee that will make sound decisions by weighing options, taking calculated risks, and accepting suggestions from others.

5) Readily accepts the task of being group leader or team captain:

• The student that accepts the role of leader will likely display the same skills as a new employee. The student who takes the initiative to hone his or her leadership skills will be best prepared to move your companies forward.

I hope this bit of information helps you in making your decision. To the students who are reading this… does this describe you?

Harris-Stowe State University, located in midtown St. Louis, is a fouryear institution that offers 12 degree programs in the areas of Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Health Care Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Sciences and Computer Technology, Middle School Education, Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, Secondary Education and Urban Education. Ranked by U.S. News as one of America’s Best Colleges in the Midwest, the University, which has been in existence for more than 150 years, offers the most affordable bachelor’s degree in the metropolitan area.

Reference NACE Job Outlook Report, 2010. Retrieved March 19, 2010 from http://www.naceweb.org/Research/Job_Outlook/Job_Outlook.aspx? referal=research&menuID=69&nodetype=4