Abhishek Kumar
Hosting a graduate careers 'open house' is a great way for recruiters and employers to showcase their value proposition and attract top student talent.
What is an ‘open house’?
What is an ‘open house’?
An open house is an event that offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to visit a organisation's office, attend presentations and Q&A sessions, network with professionals, and explore available job opportunities.
Open houses are popular among graduate employers in Singapore, such as the Defence Science and Technology Agency, who collaborate with universities to make these events a central part of their recruitment strategy.
Defence Science and Technology Agency Open House Flyer. Source: National University of Singapore Centre for Future-ready Graduates
Why host an ‘open house’ for students and graduates?
Why host an ‘open house’ for students and graduates?
There are two main reasons you might consider incorporating an open house event into your graduate recruitment strategy.
Stand out from the crowd
Stand out from the crowd
Hosting an open house event allows for a more personalised and engaging experience with students, unlike competing with multiple employers for a few seconds of attention at a career fair. As the event is typically hosted by a single company, it enables one-on-one time with students, providing an opportunity to differentiate your organisation, showcase unique qualities, and enhance your employer brand.
Attract applications from better ‘fit’ candidates
Attract applications from better ‘fit’ candidates
Hosting an open house event can give students a genuine inside look at your organisation, including its mission, culture, and values, and allow them to gain a better understanding of what it's like to work for your company. It's an opportunity for students to ask questions and network with employees, helping them determine if they are a good fit for your company. A well-run open house can build a pipeline of better-fit candidates who align with your company's values and work environment, resulting in a more efficient recruiting process.
How to run an open house event
How to run an open house event
Want to host an open house event as part of your graduate or intern recruitment strategy? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
1. Pick your timing
1. Pick your timing
When planning an open house event for graduate recruitment, it's important to choose the right timing. Typically, these events are held during peak hiring seasons, such as Feb-April for graduate hiring and June-August for internships in Australia and NZ. However, it's also essential to consider the schedules of your target audience to maximise attendance. Hosting the event during a university holiday period may provide more flexibility for students and recent graduates to attend. Moreover, holding the event during a quieter time in the office could avoid disrupting daily operations. February is a good option for a graduate recruitment open house in Australia, as it coincides with the beginning of the semester and an increase in student’s interest in graduate careers.
2. Design your attraction strategy
2. Design your attraction strategy
To ensure maximum attendance at your open house event, start early with a comprehensive attraction and marketing strategy. Draft clear and concise messaging to highlight the benefits of attending your event, as well as providing information on what to expect during the event and how to RSVP. Choose appropriate channels to reach your target audience, such as social media, university career centres, job boards, and relevant student societies. Don't forget to tap into your existing talent community, including past interns, employees, and other contacts who may be interested in attending or referring potential candidates. Additionally, consider reaching out to candidates in your Prosple talent pool who may be a good fit. You can also post a free event listing with Prosple to reach our audience of 1 million student users every month.
3. Screening process
3. Screening process
When deciding which students can attend an open house event, companies may either extend an open invitation to all students, or conduct formal screening steps to manage the number of attendees. Inviting students who have applied for an internship or graduate position, or who have shown interest in a particular career path or industry, is a common approach. Some organisations set specific eligibility criteria and require students to go through an application process, while others partner with universities to identify top-performing students. The aim is to strike a balance between inviting enough candidates to make the event worthwhile, while still ensuring that it remains manageable and meaningful for all involved.
5. Event format & activities
5. Event format & activities
Consider including a variety of activities in your open house event, such as an office or site tour, presentation or panel discussion, Q&A sessions, breakout sessions with specific teams and departments, and a networking event. To accommodate students' schedules, consider hosting a half-day event that starts in the late afternoon and ends early evening. Alternatively, you could consider a virtual or hybrid event. However, if you have a suitable office location available, it's recommended to host the event on site to provide students with a better sense of your company's culture.
6. Post-event communications
6. Post-event communications
Effective follow-up communication is a crucial aspect of the open house event, as it leaves a lasting impression on attendees. It's essential to follow up with students after the event to express gratitude for their participation and provide them with information on the next steps in the recruitment process. This communication can include details on how to apply for available positions, or how to stay connected with the company for future opportunities. It's also an opportunity to answer any questions students may have had during the event, offer additional resources or career advice, and continue building a positive relationship with potential candidates.
A timely and personalised follow-up can leave a strong impression on students, increase engagement, and improve the likelihood of successful recruitment outcomes as a result of your open house.
