Strategies for Success

Overview 

Use the strategies we offer below to help you successfully recruit at UC Berkeley. If you would like to consult with Employer Relations Staff about your recruiting strategies, contact us online or at 510-642-0464.

Fundamentals & Getting Started

Step 1: Sign up for Handshake 

Create a Handshake account. Every employer should start by creating a free account on Handshake, the career management platform we use to connect employers and students. Learn more about how to post opportunities in this article: Post Jobs & Internships on Handshake. 

Step 2: Learn about Berkeley Students

We encourage employers to learn more about UC Berkeley and Berkeley students:

• Learn About the Campus
• Berkeley Students By the Numbers
• Where Do Cal Grads Go?

Step 3: Attend a #HireCal Session

We invite you to attend one of our upcoming #HireCal Zoom sessions, which includes a presentation to help you understand how you can maximize your recruiting efforts at Cal and learn and share best practices with others. Advanced registration is required. Click on the date below to be taken to the registration page. Sessions will continue to be added so please check back periodically, if you’re unable to attend any of the sessions below:

• August 18, 1pm PT
• September 8, 11am PT
• October 5, 11am PT
• November 9, 1pm PT

 

Hiring Needs Alignment

Immediate Hiring Needs 

When open requisitions require quick, targeted sourcing cycles within the current semester, we suggest the following: 

• Handshake: Post jobs and internships on Handshake 
• Targeted Student Email Service: Send an email blast using our Targeted Student Email Service – deploy filtered, direct email to specific cohorts segmented by filters like major, year or other criteria about your job opportunities and campus recruiting activities.
• Resume Book: Purchase one of our Resume Books, which include targeted resumes around 11 different career fields of interest.

Projected Hiring Needs 

When forecasting future pipeline requirements or building rolling cohort programs, we suggest the following: 

• Academic & Recruiting Calendar: Academic coordination is key. Align target dates with the official campus recruiting calendar and key campus dates and events. Start early! 
• Career Fairs: Participate in career fairs to source candidates and build a positive brand and presence on campus. Dates for career fairs are typically confirmed by end mid-June. Registration closes 2 weeks before fair date.
• On-Campus Interviews (OCI): Schedule OCI to conveniently conduct first round interviews at Berkeley Career Engagement. We have 15 rooms available (free of charge) that hold 3 to 6 people. Rooms are available Monday through Thursday, 9:00am – 4:30pm during the first 10-11 weeks of each semester (typically late August to mid-November, mid-January to March).
• Events: Get face time with students by hosting information sessions, coffee chats, or office hours to promote your organization, meet prospective candidates, and keep students engaged.
• Targeted Student Email Service: Send an email blast using our Targeted Student Email Service – deploy filtered, direct email to specific cohorts segmented by filters like major, year or other criteria about your job opportunities and campus recruiting activities.

 

Gain a Competitive Edge

Consistency is key. It could take up to 3 years of consistent and expanded engagement activities on campus to build brand recognition and a strong positive reputation with students. An inconsistent presence can bring you back to square one or even damage your brand. Below are suggestions to gain a competitive edge and make the most of your recruitment at Berkeley.

1. Join the Berkeley Circle Partner Program

The Berkeley Circle Partner Program helps organizations maximize recruitment efforts, increase student connections, and promote a positive brand.

2. Regularly participate in Berkeley Career Engagement activities

Volunteer for panels, programs and workshops to create a buzz about your organization and positive word of mouth advertising. Encourage your organization’s Cal Alumni to engage with students via My Berkeley and programming like Cal Job Shadow Program.

3. Collaborate with student organizations

Search and connect with one of our many student organizations. These organizations are interested in connecting with employers for career and professional development opportunities. Offer to speak to their group, co-sponsor an information session, or buy food for a group meeting.

4. Reach out to faculty

It can be difficult to present in classrooms on our campus; relationships with faculty are often built on an academic or research focus. Leverage the relationships your Cal Alumni and/or senior executives have with faculty to get an introduction and be prepared to offer support for research or department initiatives. Find faculty by department, expertise, or research description.

 

Best Practices & Tips in College Recruiting

Use the strategies we offer below to help you successfully recruit at UC Berkeley. If you would like to consult with Employer Relations Staff about your recruiting strategies, contact us online or at 510-642-0464.

• Read the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) collection of articles on best practices 
• DEI Recruitment Best Practices Guide (PDF)
• Department of Labor Resources for Hiring People with Disabilities
• Review our U.S Employer’s Guide to Hiring UC Berkeley International Students (PDF)
• Connect with International Student Organizations
• Check out this Employer Toolkit for Hiring Dreamers (DACA) (PDF) by TheDream.US

 

Tools to Build 

Below is a reminder of all the tools available to you if you recruit at Berkeley. We encourage employers to engage in multiple avenues to have the greatest success in recruiting students. 

Recruiting & Sourcing Channels	Brand Building & Deep Engagement
Handshake Free job and internship posting to all UC Berkeley students. Immediate access!	Information Sessions Info sessions, tech talk, case interview workshop, coffee chats all promote your organization and offer opportunity to meet prospective candidates.
Parker Dewey  Help students launch their career with project-based micro-internships. Parker Dewey will manage the paperwork for this low cost, time efficient option.	Student Organizations  An authentic and powerful strategy to promote your company’s brand on campus and get face time with students who share particular interests.
Career Fairs & Forums Plan ahead, and have an opportunity to meet thousands of students! *Must have approved handshake account.	On-Campus Interviews  Source top talent with traditional On Campus Interview (OCI) experience, informal coffee chats for your team, or use Handshake to schedule virtual chats/interviews.
Targeted Student Email Service  Send an email blast using our Targeted Student Email Service – deploy filtered, direct email to specific cohorts segmented by filters like major, year or other criteria about your job opportunities and campus recruiting activities.	Volunteer Opportunities  Participate in workshops and events that expose students to different career paths, networking opportunities, etc. while preparing them for internships and career employment.
Resume Book  Purchase digital resume books, which include targeted resumes around 11 different career fields of interest.	Leverage Cal Alumni  We offer a variety of ways alumni can engage with our students including Cal Job Shadow Program (externship), My Berkeley, etc.
Berkeley Circle Partner Program  Join the Berkeley Circle Partner Program for high impact visibility across campus, prime placement at every career fair, priority access to on-campus recruiting, and advance registration for all career fairs and networking events, and more!	Brunch with Employers Create a series of high touch, low stress opportunities for students from traditionally underserved communities to engage in a welcoming environment. These take place before career fairs.