University recruiting tips for the year 2000.

Section: TECHNOLOGY NEWS
When recruiting high-tech candidates at the campus level, many companies have a narrow focus, according to Mike Iserson, president of NC3, the National Corporate College Consultants based in Connecticut.

Iserson, who designs and implements recruiting programs for corporations, advises companies on the best ways to achieve hiring objectives in the new millennium:

Seek out other universities with developmental programs. The tendency has been to focus on a select few schools, but the competition is increasing.

Focus on more than high-tech skills. Corporate mentality has always been to hire those who can hit the ground running. Incorporate training programs for people who don't bring the entire skill set to the company. Interpersonal skills are almost more important than the tech side of it. If they can understand the system, how it fits into business processes and communicate it, that's important.

Increase involvement with training and internship programs. Companies need to make a bigger investment. Sponsor programs at the high school level, emphasizing technology as a tool. Iserson says that students play around a lot with computers and the Internet, but they don't know much about how it works. A "How to build Website" program might really spark some interest.

Build the right relationships. Companies spend a lot of time developing relationships with school personnel and faculty. The audience of importance, though, is the kids.