What Recruiters Look for in On-Campus Interviews

Continued - Part 3

By Mike Wilson

What challenges or obstacles do you face in pursuing your on-campus recruiting goals?

Bank of America -- One of our biggest concerns is meeting our diversity objectives. Not just race/gender but diversity in general, such as diversity of thought and approaches to problem-solving. Another concern is that candidates might “select themselves out” instead of considering our global company as an exciting, broad-range career opportunity.

BASF Chemical -- One of our biggest challenges is the shortage of technically trained professionals (chemical engineers and Ph.D. chemists). According to a study published last month, “New entrants into science and engineering are not being generated in sufficient numbers to replace the soon-to-be retirees. Trends in technical education show that the number of U.S. degrees granted in every field of science and engineering, other than the biological and social sciences, has remained flat or declined since 1985” (“The Coming Knowledge and Capability Shortage”). It has become hard to find qualified engineers and scientists, especially those willing to relocate.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car -- One of our biggest challenges is educating our audience about Enterprise: that it is truly a career opportunity with great upward mobility, versus just a job with a rental car company. Everyone starts with our company as a management trainee, and promotions come from within, based on performance. This means there are many roles and paths available to people even early in their careers.

FedEx Corporation -- One the biggest obstacles we see is the sheer number of potential candidates versus a multiplicity of staffing requirements within our organization. There is obviously an endless supply of recent grads; however, we are interested in the best and brightest. We also know the best go first; therefore, it is critical that we act expeditiously to ensure we meet our objectives.

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company -- We expect this recruiting season to be extremely competitive because of the national demand for entry-level talent. Therefore, we will have to do an even better job of going on campus and educating students on the benefits of working in the insurance industry, and specifically Liberty Mutual. We believe because of our breadth, success, and diversity we can offer the best of career opportunities to those who want to join an industry leader.

Nationwide Insurance -- One of our primary concerns is the increased competition for best and brightest. The changing demographic of retiring “Baby Boomers” in an improving economy has turned this season into a “seller’s market”.

Sodexho -- As a company that works in a services-related industry, we face stiff competition from the expansion of the industry and the greater number of non-traditional companies who are seeking candidates. We are also a “lesser known” industry segment, compared to companies and sectors that have strong “brand names”. Our company seeks many students with hospitality-related skills and experiences. We also offer opportunities for students with non-hospitality degrees in the areas of housekeeping and facilities management. With the wide variety of opportunities available in the hospitality and service industry today, it is a challenge for all recruiters.

Do you have any other tips or observations to help potential candidates and new hires?

Bank of America -- We believe students should look past just the concept of a job or paycheck, but moreover have a passion for the business and embrace the value system of the organization as compatible with their own beliefs.

BASF Chemical -- BASF’s Professional Development Program (PDP) provides new college graduates with the opportunity to gain an understanding of BASF from different perspectives and to apply their expertise through real-world assignments. PDP participants explore career options and develop technical and professional decision-making skills while fulfilling specific business needs through two nine-month rotational assignments at different sites. PDP participants gain valuable exposure to BASF culture and values, and have the opportunity to live and work in a wide range of locations, including some of our major sites in Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.

BASF is a globally diverse company with different products and businesses, and lots of opportunities. We know that this diversity creates an environment where new ideas and creative business strategies thrive, keeping BASF the leader in the chemical industry. BASF Corporation also offers a comprehensive program of employee benefits, including insurance coverage for medical, dental, life, and long-term disability, and employee savings (401k) and pension plans.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car -- I would like to pass on to those finishing their undergraduate college careers to keep an open mind while doing their research. As an example, we look at individuals from all types of academic backgrounds. You don’t have to be a business or marketing major to work here. A degree in liberal arts, communications, education, etc. comes with its own individual skills and talent, and Enterprise, like many companies, will recognize that.

FedEx Corporation -- “The average person has 8 careers in a lifetime...why not experience all of them at FedEx? (http://careers.fedex.com)”

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company -- We understand that graduating students have so many choices today. Subsequently, it is of critical importance that graduates determine their short and long-term goals as early as possible, with the full understanding that these goals by definition need to be flexible.

We are in the business of helping people and their quality of life. If those humanitarian goals strike a chord with your personal desires, we believe Liberty Mutual is the type of company you would want to work for.

Nationwide Insurance -- We would encourage students to really check our website to see if and when we are coming to campus. If we are not coming to your school, you can still apply direct by going to our website and registering.

Sodexho -- The hospitality industry is one of the largest in the world and offers tremendous career growth opportunities. Many students may have strong qualifications for this industry and not realize it. Even though they may not have majored in the hospitality area, they may have worked in the industry and could qualify for our business with other degrees that are not necessarily hospitality-related.

Michael Wilson is Director of Diversity, Diversity Services for Recruitment Enhancement Services (mwilson@resjobs.com), a division of Bernard Hodes Group.