Tips for Effective Recruiting and Hiring
The Co-op Program is aligned with the calendar schedule of the academic year. Although companies and colleges operate on a different time frame, employers can increase their chances of hiring a student when the academic calendar and your recruiting plans coincide. The co-op staff is committed to providing quality and personalized service to our industry and business partners. These tips are intended to guide and assist you in the co-op recruiting process. To discuss your particular hiring needs, please call Mary Rose Tichar at 216-368-4447.
Spring/Summer Co-op Student Schedule
August – September Students attend a co-op orientation meeting, meet with co-op faculty advisor, completes application form, and meet with Co-op staff for resume review and mock interview October 1st October 2 – 15th Mid-October December Deadline for handing in resume and application, students attend Co-op Prep Meetings Resumes are sent via email and U.S. Mail to employers Students begin interviews The last day of classes and final exams take place during the first two weeks of December, students leave campus for winter break
Tip: Call the Co-op office in August or September to schedule your on-campus interviews, or meet with your colleagues to plan for on-site interviews. While it may not be possible to finalize your plans for co-op hiring at this time, keep in mind that students leave campus by mid-December. Once they leave campus, conducting an interview and completing necessary paperwork becomes more challenging. A Spring/Summer Co-op runs from January through August.
Summer/Fall Co-op Student Schedule
January Students attend an orientation meeting, meet with co-op faculty advisor, complete application form, and meet with Co-op staff for resume review and mock interview Deadline for handing in resume and application, students attend Co-op Prep Meetings Resumes are sent via email and U.S. Mail to employers
Feb 14th Feb 15 – 28
Cooperative Education
Office of Engineering Student Programs
Mid-February May
Students begin interviews The last day of classes and final exams take place in early May, students leave campus for the summer.
Tip: Call the Co-op office in January and February to schedule your on-campus interviews, or meet with your colleagues to plan for on-site interviews. While it may not be possible to finalize your plans for co-op hiring at this time, keep in mind that students leave campus by early May. Once they leave campus, conducting an interview and completing necessary paperwork becomes more challenging. A Summer/Fall Co-op runs from mid-May through December.
Follow up with the Students
Before you conclude your interview session with the student, let them know when you will contact them to let them know if they have been chosen or not chosen for the position. In addition to a challenging curriculum, students are trying to make plans for housing, classes, or other employment especially for the summer. Students really appreciate knowing the status of their candidacy, even if they have not been chosen. Often times, it helps them finalize their decision with an offer from another company.
Job Description
If possible, forward the job description to the Co-op office or to the students prior to the interview so they can prepare for a productive interview. If your company is interviewing co-op students for the first time, you will need to submit a job description to the Co-op staff prior to contacting the students in order for the co-op position to be approved. See sample job description on web page.
Communication with Students
The best way to contact a student is by email. Many students use their cell phones exclusively and do not activate the voice mail messaging system on their campus phone. If you are having trouble contacting a student, please contact Mary Rose Tichar for assistance. 216-368-4447 or mrt2@case.edu
Cooperative Education
Office of Engineering Student Programs