Trend Points to Streamlined Recruiting

BETHLEHEM, PA–Employers are interviewing fewer new college graduates for every hire they make, according to a recent study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
Results of NACE’s 2007 Recruiting Benchmarks Survey show that employers interview 3.9 new college graduates for every hire they make. This is the lowest interview-to-hire ratio that has been reported through NACE surveys in the past 17 years.
“This trend suggests that the screening processes recruiters use to identify viable candidates have become more efficient over time, which makes the entire recruiting process more streamlined and cost effective,” says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.

Increased efficiency in the screening process allows recruiters to concentrate on a select few candidates at the interview stage, providing an advantage in a competitive job market. The competitive market for college hires places a premium on getting to the offer stage quickly.
“Based on information NACE collected from our Job Outlook Preview survey and a poll of Salary Survey participants, we know that some employers are recruiting and extending offers earlier in the school year,” Mackes adds. “To be as competitive as possible, employers have found it imperative to improve their processes with efficient strategies and practices, such as reducing the interview-to-hire ratio.”
About NACE’s Recruiting Benchmarks Survey: NACE’s 2007 Recruiting Benchmarks Survey was conducted from January through May 1, 2007, to gather information regarding employers’ college recruiting programs and internship and cooperative education programs. Surveys were sent to 1,212 NACE employer members; 287, or 23.7 percent, responded.
Article by NACE. About NACE: Since 1956, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has been the leading source of information about the college job market. NACE maintains a virtual press room for the media. NACE is headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.