Higher Education HR Recruitment Strategies

by Tara Duggan
Recruitment strategies for higher education should emphasize the benefits of working at educational institutions.


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Recruiting and retaining staff in higher education institutions of any size requires planning and coordination. HR departments need to consider the types of jobs available and interests of the candidate pool. This helps match applicants appropriately. By setting goals and establishing clear strategies, institutions attract, retain and develop the best employees to achieve their educational objectives. Using the same techniques used by corporations, who typically need to respond quickly to remain competitive and meet demands, higher education can establish a plan and similarly avoid a staffing crisis. This helps ensure an adequate workforce is available at all times, ready to meet any educational challenge.

Developing Large Pools of Applicants

Recruitment strategies for higher education typically involve attracting large numbers of potential candidates, so you have more to chose from. Tactics include establishing a toll-free number to call, making it easy for applicants to contact you. You can also create brochures and posters that promote the benefits of working in higher education. The opportunity for free training can be a great incentive.

Offering Internships

Higher education institutions can offer entry-level jobs, such as internships and apprenticeships, that enable employees to work while getting an education. Formal programs typically offer both instructor-led training and on-the-job experiences. Additionally, recruitment strategies can target graduates of the institution for positions. Familiarity with policies and procedures make these candidates an ideal match.

Promoting Work-Life Balance

Because of the flexible nature of higher education operations, you can offer flexible work arrangements. This helps employees maintain a healthy work-life balance and improves productivity. For example, a higher education institution may offer day care options for employees. The institution can staff these child care programs with students studying early childhood education. Your institution may also offer cultural activities, sporting events, and entertainment not possible in corporate environments. This relaxed atmosphere may appeal to those just starting out, making a career change, or leaving a stressful workplace. Recruitment strategies should include distributing literature that describes these benefits, including the employee rewards program offered, if any.

Emphasizing Diversity

Higher education institutions typically offer a broad array of enrichment programs to their students. An environment with a diverse student body may appeal to individuals seeking an innovative, creative and non-discriminatory place to work. Recruitment strategies should appeal to multigenerational workers and those from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Recruitment strategies might also include a post-interview survey with people who decline offers to learn more about why they reject the position. Use this information to adjust your strategy and attract desired talent to your institution. Compete for top talent by implementing a comprehensive orientation program. You may also need to analyze and address attrition issues, to find out why such programs fail to help new employees transition to a successful career at your higher education institution..

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