Companies use perks to lure students into hot job sectors

By Mark Richmond
Senior Writer

Tim Hoff knew there would be some pampering from the companies that were courting him. After all, he was about to graduate and enter into one of the hottest job sectors in the country. But he wasn't expecting the huge crate of food on his doorstep — a tribute from one of the many companies he had interviewed with.

"It was 27 cubic feet of chips and Doritos," said Hoff, a senior in the Schools of Engineering. The food was part of a gift package sent by Frito-Lay, one of the many companies Hoff interviewed with during the semester.

Other students have recounted similar experiences with companies seeking to attract college graduates. Chris Shafran, a senior in the Schools of Engineering, described the hotel he stayed in during a visit for an interview with Dupont. "It was very, very five-star," he said. The all-expense paid trip included airfare and hotel services. The bathroom in his room even had a whirlpool in case someone had to relax after a hard day of interviewing.

Such experiences are becoming more common as job demands increase in a rapidly growing economy. Although not all graduating students receive similar treatment during the interviewing process, those entering hot job sectors, such as engineering and computer science, are in such high demand that companies are willing to go to great lengths to get their attention.

Carol Barrett, executive associate director of the Center for Career Opportunities, said that some of the pampering has always been part of the interviewing process. Barrett said "It's a tradition that a company invites you to their site and (pays for) the travel expenses and hotel accommodations. Usually, there's some kind of dinner and a full-day interview; that stuff isn't new. But some of the giveaways are new and typical of hot job markets."

Barrett also credited the recent economic boom with creating a high demand for college graduates. She said that the job market has seen phenomenal growth over the past five years and as a result, students are presented with a broad range of opportunities.

"When you look at the job market versus the number of people available, things are so out of kilter that companies are willing to do a little more to maintain contact with students," Barrett said. "Things like boxes of candy just kind of add a personal touch."

But when a student must choose where to work after graduation, the small perks used to entice them during the interviewing process don't play much of a role. Barrett said, "We find that most college students are looking for the very best opportunity for their first career. Students say, 'I do not want to be bored; I want something that will give me an opportunity to continue learning.' "

Companies use perks to lure students into hot job sectors

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