Out of all the graduate-level careers in demand right now, engineering ranks amongst the top. Because such roles typically require a specialized education, most companies are constantly on the lookout for new recruits. The end of the school year provides a great way for companies to locate and secure newly graduated engineering students to fulfill their needs, but there are a few things to consider when searching for the ideal job candidate.

Update Your Job Descriptions

Firstly, you’ll want to make sure the job descriptions for any open positions are relevant and up-to-date. If possible, think back to the previous employee who held that job and their specific responsibilities. If they were constantly required to go above and beyond the job description, or if there are tasks listed in the job description that are completed by other means, then you’ll want to update the new listing before posting it on job boards, bulletin boards and websites.

Use an Engineering Recruiter

Specific engineering recruiters, like Automation Personnel Services, can also be used to fill the ranks of your workforce. Make sure to use resources that focus on the region where you are operating in. Aside from the fact that most engineering recruiters already have a list of pre-qualified and pre-screened applicants to draw from, they can also help you fill specialized roles that require a certain skill set, expertise or level of experience.

Promote Within

Before taking the search outside of your company, diligent managers may want to consider promoting a current employee. While this isn’t always a viable option, promoting from within is a great way to uphold productivity and fill the higher ranks of your workforce. Depending on the scope and scale of the position in question, it may be easier to promote a valued staff member and hire a replacement to fill their old role within the company.

Attend Tradeshows and Conferences

Tradeshows, conferences and job fairs that are specific to the engineering field present employers with a great platform for locating and securing recently graduated talent. Job fairs also are a great place to connect or network with recruiting firms who can help place employees or provide job requests. Proactive employers may even schedule similar special events to promote their own company, including open houses, luncheons or other activities.

Utilize Internships and Externships

Both internships and externships offer great opportunities when it comes to finding a newly graduated engineer. By developing your professional relationship prior to their graduation, you’ll be able to gain a better understanding of their specific skill set and areas of expertise. If their abilities match up to your needs and requirements, you may want to consider maintaining communications with the student until their graduate.

Students are able to benefit greatly from the use of internship and externship programs, as well. Not only does this give them the chance to refine their skills in a hands-on, real world setting, but it also gives them an intimate look at the inner workings of your company. Interns and externs who like what they experience, or those who become immediately engaged in their temporary position, might be contacting you upon their graduation.

With locations throughout the Southeast and nationwide, Automation Personnel Services can help place engineering candidates in a number of opportunities. Contact our team of recruiters today to help with any of your technical staffing needs.