EFFECTIVENESS OF CAMPUS RECRUITMENT PRACTICES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYERS

Abstract

Campus recruitment has become a pivotal strategy for talent acquisition across both public and private sector organizations. This study investigates the effectiveness of campus recruitment practices by comparing the methodologies, outcomes, and strategic orientations of employers in these two sectors. The research focuses on key dimensions such as recruitment channels, selection criteria, employer branding, student engagement, and post-placement retention.

Using a mixed-methods approach, primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews with HR professionals and final-year students from institutions in the Udaipur zone. Quantitative analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, while qualitative insights were derived from thematic coding of interview responses.

Findings reveal that private sector employers exhibit greater flexibility, speed, and innovation in campus hiring. They leverage digital platforms, customized assessments, and dynamic branding strategies to attract top talent. Public sector organizations, on the other hand, follow standardized procedures with limited scope for customization, but offer higher job security and long-term stability, which appeals to a different segment of students.

The study highlights significant differences in offer acceptance rates, onboarding efficiency, and retention levels. It also uncovers gaps in student expectations versus employer deliverables, particularly in areas like career growth, work culture, and skill alignment. Based on these insights, the research proposes a hybrid recruitment framework that integrates the procedural rigor of public institutions with the agility and branding strength of private firms.

This comparative analysis contributes to the literature on strategic human resource management and offers actionable recommendations for recruiters, academic institutions, and policymakers aiming to enhance campus recruitment outcomes. It emphasizes the need for data-driven decision-making, continuous feedback loops, and collaborative engagement between industry and academia to build a more effective and inclusive recruitment ecosystem.