How government agencies can successfully recruit college and university students, recent grads, and other early career candidates

Just as every corporate and non-profit employer has different hiring challenges, so does every government employer. And just as there are corporate and non-profit employers all over the world, so are there government employers.

Government agencies at the local, regional, and federal levels strive to attract energetic, talented individuals who are at the beginning of their careers and are keen to make a significant impact. Why? Numerous reasons. One is that college and university students, recent graduates, and other candidates early in their careers are ideal candidates as they bring fresh perspectives, essential skills, and a drive for innovation. Another is that they tend to be less expensive than candidates who have years of experience.

Here’s how government recruiters and human resource specialists can effectively reach, engage, and hire these (mostly) young job seekers:

Understand Their Motivations

• Mission-driven Work: Promote the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact society. This aligns well with the desires of young professionals looking to effect change.
• Job Security and Benefits: Stress the perks of government employment, such as stable career paths, excellent benefits, and retirement plans, which appeal to the job seekers who are early in their careers.

Streamline the Application Process

• Simplify Procedures: Government hiring processes can often be daunting due to their complexity. Simplifying these can make government roles more attractive to young job seekers.
• Digital First: Ensure the entire application process can be completed online and is optimized for mobile devices, catering to the tech-savvy younger generation.

Leverage Technology and Social Media

• Engaging Online Presence: Use job boards like College Recruiter and LinkedIn and social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to post job openings, share employee stories, and interact with potential candidates. Incorporating multimedia, such as videos and live sessions, can make the government sector more relatable.
• Virtual Job Fairs and Webinars: Engage with potential candidates nationwide through online events that provide a deep dive into what working for the government entails.

Offer Internships and Co-op Programs

• Build a Pipeline: Internships and cooperative programs are crucial for introducing students to government work. These placements can naturally transition into full-time roles.
• Meaningful Work Experience: Assign significant and impactful projects to interns and co-op students to showcase the meaningful work your agency performs.

Foster a Culture of Growth and Development

• Career Advancement Opportunities: Clearly communicate the career progression opportunities within your agency and the support available for ongoing education and professional development.
• Mentorship Programs: Connect young employees with mentors who can provide guidance, easing their transition into the complexities of government roles.

Partner with Educational Institutions and Use Specialized Job Boards

• Campus Engagement: Forge strong connections with colleges and universities to maintain visibility and spark interest among students.
• Utilize College Recruiter: Leverage College Recruiter, the leading job search site for students, recent graduates, and early-career candidates, to post jobs and reach those seeking part-time, seasonal, internship, and entry-level positions.

Highlight Diversity and Inclusion

• Promote Inclusivity: Demonstrate a commitment to diverse hiring practices. Young professionals value inclusivity and seek out employers who embrace a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Accessibility: Ensure your recruitment materials and procedures are accessible to everyone, reflecting your agency’s commitment to inclusivity.

Adopting these strategies will enable government recruiters to effectively attract, engage, and retain ambitious young professionals, ensuring a diverse and capable workforce ready to address both current and future challenges.