At UMass Lowell, Chancellor Julie Chen announced in April 2023 a guarantee that every undergraduate student will have the opportunity for at least one career-connected experience that is paid, credit-bearing, or both before graduation. This is an ambitious goal in good times, and even more so during the current downturn.
Recruiting effectively is never easy, and it has become even more challenging in the current climate. The economy is volatile; companies are laying off employees in droves, and job growth is nearly at a standstill. Despite these barriers, we employ strategies here at the Career & Co-op Center, as an Employer Relations team, to mitigate some of the challenges associated with the hiring process for both our employers seeking early-career talent and our students seeking roles that further their career development and journeys.
To our employers, here are some tips we think help support your recruitment at UML:
- Consider students outside of your typical skill sets. Look for transferable skills, signs of initiative, and evidence of continuous improvement.
- Re-tool job postings describing why your company is special and include any notable awards or recognitions.
- Strengthen employer branding using social media and networking.
- Streamline sourcing and screening processes to improve efficiency.
- Provide perks such as flexible schedules, professional development, wellness programs, and training programs to grow talent internally and reduce dependency on external hires.
- Collaborate early with colleges and universities. Offer internships, co-ops, and part-time roles. When these students graduate, you’ll have established relationships, making full-time hiring a win-win for both parties.
When it comes to our students, in addition to the work done by the career advising team, we always encourage them to keep the following things in mind…
- Continue to improve your skills through training
- Be intentional about your applications. Instead of applying to hundreds of jobs, research a few companies, and tailor your resume and cover letter to each role. This strategic approach signals genuine interest.
- Identify transferable skills and explore industries with less volatility.
- Consider contract or temporary positions that allow for skill-building, even if they lack the security of full-time roles. In today’s market, adaptability is key.
Navigating today’s challenging job market calls for a creative, people-focused strategy. Those companies and job seekers who embrace this shift will undoubtedly flourish and succeed in the future! And here at UML, we know the employers we work with do just that! For support with your hiring needs, expanding or enhancing your Handshake company profile and listings, or more — reach out to the Employer Relations team here! We’re here, happy, and excited to help!
