6 tips for employers hiring students for education roles other than through on-campus interviewing

Employers seeking to recruit education students have several effective alternatives to on-campus interviews. One key strategy is partnering with universities and teacher preparation programs to offer student teaching opportunities or internships. By engaging students during their practicum or field experience, employers can showcase their school or district’s culture and values. This allows students to gain practical experience while also building a relationship with the potential employer, making the transition into a full-time teaching role smoother upon graduation.

In addition, employers can leverage online platforms tailored to education students. Job boards that focus on education roles or internships are excellent resources for reaching aspiring teachers. Social media and professional networks like LinkedIn offer avenues to connect with education students, especially when combined with content such as webinars, Q&A sessions, or virtual career fairs. These digital tools enable employers to highlight their commitment to education, create a sense of community, and reach a wider audience without relying solely on traditional campus recruitment methods.

In the digital age, Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies are seeking innovative strategies to attract fresh talent from colleges and universities without relying solely on traditional campus recruitment. We’ve gathered top tips from founders and managing directors, ranging from hosting virtual education events to launching targeted digital campaigns. Here are six expert insights on alternative recruiting methods for education roles.

• Host Virtual Education Events
• Engage with College Organizations
• Partner with AmeriCorps Programs
• Collaborate with Online Learning Platforms
• Utilize Digital Recruitment Platforms
• Launch Targeted Digital Campaigns

Host Virtual Education Events

For Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies looking to hire college students and recent graduates for education roles, my top tip is to create a strong online presence through educational content and virtual events. We’ve seen the power of hosting webinars, online workshops, and virtual job fairs designed to attract students interested in education.

By offering interactive sessions highlighting real-world applications, companies can showcase their commitment to learning and development, making them more appealing to graduates seeking meaningful careers. For example, one of our partners hosted a virtual workshop series on innovative teaching methods, attracting top talent and positioning the company as a thought leader in the education space. Engaging students in this way can effectively replace traditional on-campus recruiting, providing a dynamic platform for building connections and identifying passionate, qualified candidates.

Christopher Pappas, Founder, eLearning Industry Inc

Engage with College Organizations

My top tip for Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies looking to hire college students and recent grads without sticking to traditional on-campus recruiting is to tap into college organizations that align with your industry. Keep an eye out for clubs, societies, and groups that relate to what your company does. Reach out to these organizations to find networking opportunities, and ask leaders for recommendations of members who might be a good fit for your team.

You could also attend meetings, community events, or mixers hosted by these groups to get your name out there and start building relationships with potential candidates. This strategy allows for face-to-face interactions, which can help you gain trust and a better understanding of the candidates who can really contribute to your company. It’s a more personal approach that can reveal the potential in students beyond what you see on a résumé or at a large job fair.

Tom Hamilton Stubber, Managing Director, TutorCruncher

Partner with AmeriCorps Programs

One unexpected strategy to recruit recent college graduates outside of campus recruiting for education roles is to build relationships with local and national AmeriCorps programs.

By hosting a professional development workshop or serving as a sponsor for education-focused programs like Campus Compact, City Year, and Teach for America, an organization can build trust with young professionals interested in education fields ranging from K-12 through higher education.

Beyond connecting with current AmeriCorps members, recruiting organizations can also partner with AmeriCorps alumni groups or podcasts like “AmeriCorps Connections” to reach recent graduates considering careers in education.

Dr. Jena Pugh, Graduate School Strategist, Dr. Jena Pugh, LLC

Collaborate with Online Learning Platforms

My top tip for Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies is to focus on building strategic partnerships with online learning platforms and education-focused tech companies. By offering internships, apprenticeships, or project-based roles directly through these platforms, you can tap into a global pool of qualified students and graduates. 

This approach saves time and resources while broadening your reach beyond traditional on-campus recruiting. It also allows you to assess candidates’ skills in real-world scenarios before making full-time offers. Even connecting with influencers can be a fantastic way to help recruit the best, aligned candidates.

Ronald Osborne, Founder, Ronald Osborne Business Coach

Utilize Digital Recruitment Platforms

To hire college students and recent graduates without relying on traditional on-campus recruiting, our top tip from Voceer is to leverage digital recruitment platforms and partnerships that focus on connecting with early-career talent in education roles. Platforms like College Recruiter, Handshake, and LinkedIn have large networks of students and new graduates, allowing employers to access diverse talent pools without the logistical challenges of campus visits. By focusing on digital strategies, employers can meet students online while ensuring a broader, more inclusive reach beyond the limitations of campus recruitment.

Gary Edwards, Owner, Voceer

Launch Targeted Digital Campaigns

Our top tip would be to launch targeted digital campaigns across multiple channels.

Create virtual experiences showcasing your organization’s culture and opportunities. Host interactive webinars or virtual open houses where students engage directly with current employees in education roles. Promote these events through popular social media channels like Instagram and TikTok.

Partner with university career centers to offer virtual mock interviews or resume workshops, providing value to students while identifying promising talent.

Today’s students are digital natives who appreciate authenticity. Short-form video content, featuring young professionals, can effectively create interest in your opportunities.

By leveraging these digital strategies, you’ll reach a wider, more diverse candidate pool while creating meaningful connections with potential hires.

Jason Gilbert, Founder, GradLabs