The US economy started off the year strong with low interest rates and healthy demand for college grads. Despite shocks from Hurricane Katrina, skyrocketing energy prices, and labor union splits, the economy is still humming. No where is this more evident than in the college recruiting sector. Campuses are bustling as companies are turning out in strong numbers to recruit this fall. Competition is getting tight for new grads. How will your company position itself as an employer of choice for top talent?

Multifaceted outreach and on-target messaging are critical components of the campus requiting equation. With this niche -- more than others -- you really need to know your audience. Like most corporations, college campuses are diverse communities with a strong international focus. To compete in the college marketplace, companies must launch multifaceted outreach campaigns that speak to a diverse, international audience. This means utilizing a combination of face-to-face and web-based recruitment techniques that appeal to students of all cultures and nationalities.

For many years, campus recruiting efforts were limited to cocktail receptions and on-campus career fairs. The Internet has changed the playingfield, however, in-person events can still be valuable tools, especially if used creatively. Instead of just dolling out cookies and collateral at an event, some companies have upped the ante by hiring candidates on the spot. Professional associations are partnering with corporations to hold "direct-hire events." At the latter, prescreened candidates arrive at a career fair for an interview and often leave with multiple offers. Job offers are delivered at the event, giving recruiters the opportunity to capture a candidate on the spot.

In addition to brick-and-morter career fairs, online recruiting should be a priority. Your website's college recruiting section should inform and entertain with things like blogs and podcasts. Beyond standard web-outreach, holding an online career event or open house is another way to grab a candidate's attention. Services like TalentEvent! can create a custom, interactive event where students can apply for jobs, chat with recruiters or employees, or view presentations and downloads. Interative events are not only fun and entertaining for candidates, they also help the recruiter engage in meaningful relationship-building with potential hires.

With work visas capped, recruiters have hit the limit on hiring from foreign countries for awhile. Hiring capable students will be crucial to ensuring your company has the best human capital to do the job. To appeal to students, evaluate your recruiting program frequently to determine what mix of technology, tools, and face-to-face interaction best serves your hiring goals. Most importantly, listen to what students are asking for and taylor your message to their interests and needs. Your ability to connect with candidates is just as important as the medium you choose to deliver your message.

Recruiters World Special Reports is a timely, in-depth news series that explores vital issues and trends affecting the human-capital industry. Published monthly, Recruiters World Special Reports is presented and distributed exclusively through Recruiters World in Review. Visit the Special Reports archive to read previous articles. Watch for new articles as they appear on the Recruiters World home page.