CNGA LooseLeaf February March 2019

colorad o nga.org alumni can attend for free. Employers pay a fee to participate in the fairs, but they did not pay to participate in last year’s mixer. That may change to a minimal fee, but was not determined by the time this article was written. While career fairs are held during the day, usually about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., mixers are in the evenings, which can be easier for alumni to fit into their schedules. The first event last February was attended by 35 companies and about 120 students. This year’s event is on February 27 at the CSU Alumni Center. Company names are set on cocktail tables, which are assigned to two companies each. A map to the tables is available to all attendees, making it easier for students to find companies of interest. Company representatives have name tags and can bring little flyers to hand out, but the tables have little space for materials and are mainly for setting down refreshments. “I think the best thing employers can do is make sure that the people who are passionate about their company and like to talk to students are the ones coming on the campus. The most detrimental thing a company can do is say, ‘Hey Bob, go to Fort Collins and talk to some students,’ and for Bob, the last thing he wants is to talk to people looking for jobs,” said the career services manager. “The right representative of an employer is really just an approachable person who the students feel like they can talk to.” Sending two to three employees is ideal for these career events, especially the mixers, which can get really busy at the beginning. With more people to meet students, companies won’t miss any students due to a wait. To increase success in meeting and staying in touch with a prospective hire, companies should make sure that they have business cards with them. Students should also bring contact cards to hand to employers. “Students always like giveaways. I don’t know how impactful those are as far as retention or recruitment of employees, but it’s good at the end of the day for students to see something in their bags from your company to remind them,” she said. Students of all grade levels can attend career events, and Crocket tells companies not to limit themselves to talking to or hiring only juniors or seniors. “Some younger students are interested. If they can get that work experience before coming to your company as a full-time employee, that could be even better. I really encourage companies to hire students who are eager to learn and work,” she explained. When asked about what today’s students and college graduates are seeking from employers, she replied it depends on the How Our Company Benefits from Career Events By Michael Schleining, CCNP, Sales Manager, Arbor Valley Nursery Arbor Valley Nursery started participating in career fairs in 2017. In less than two years, the company found two key employees at Colorado State University career events and other employees at county job fairs. We decided it was a good way to get people thinking “Arbor Valley” and increase our brand recognition. Even if we did not find employees, we would increase our presence at CSU and in the community and position ourselves as thought leaders and as an opportunity within the industry. One thing we have realized is that many of the students that we meet at career fairs will go on to work for one of our customers, and the relationship has already been started due to the connection at these events. Historically, little to no green industry representation has been at these fairs, which can be disheartening for students of horticulture. Even if we're not what they are looking for, having a presence is beneficial. Our presence shows the university that industry is interested in graduating horticulture students, which may lead to more resources and attention being allocated to related college departments. Last year, the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture hosted its first "HLA Mixer and Recognition Event." This was a great networking opportunity with not only horticulture students, but also other industry leaders and landscape contractors. It was a great way to have Colorado horticulture all in one room. I encourage all CNGA members to attend this February’s mixer and continue attending annually, even if you don't have current employment opportunities. For companies in need of new hires, these events attract attendees who are typically career-oriented and motivated to find employment. They are all in one place at one time, minimizing the amount of resources needed to find a single employee. At job fairs in Adams and Weld counties, we have been successful in finding new hires for more labor- oriented and driving positions. To ensure that the staff investment in attending the events and taking time away from other company tasks is worthwhile, company representatives should come prepared with detailed information about current and future opportunities. They should also collect contact information from prospective employees for following up later. Arbor Valley sends out a CultureIndex survey to everyone who we meet at these events, to get a better idea of their personalities, work tendencies, and other characteristics that reveal suitability for joining our staff. Admittedly, it is sometimes hard to find qualified and interested individuals. A lot of time is spent explaining what we do and what a nursery is to people who are not familiar with the green industry. But, if you send employees who are approachable and passionate about their jobs to these events, you don't have to have the best or biggest booth to attract potential hires. Just be inviting and ready to tell people why you love what you do, why you enjoy working for your employer, what opportunities there are, and your company is sure to benefit from these events. You may not find a student or job seeker who is the right fit for a current opening immediately, but the goodwill and brand recognition will reap many long-term rewards for your company. Photo courtesy of Arbor Valley Nursery 13 LooseLeaf February/March 2019 continues on page 14 »