Start Recruiting Now

~ by Mike Tomlinson, Ontario Yearbook Print Consultant

The best yearbook programs don’t start in the fall…they start now.

If you want a stronger, more confident yearbook team next year, early recruitment is one of the most important things you can do. Waiting until the end of the school year (or worse, next fall) often means scrambling to fill roles, losing valuable knowledge, and starting from scratch.

Recruiting early gives you time to build excitement, develop skills and create continuity so next year’s team hits the ground running instead of playing catchup.

WHY EARLY RECRUITMENT MATTERS

Starting recruitment early isn’t just about filling seats, it’s about building a culture. When students are recruited ahead of time:

• They feel chosen and valued
• They can learn before deadlines hit
• They understand the commitment before officially signing up
• They’re more likely to stay engaged long-term

Early recruitment also allows for mentoring, shadowing, and leadership development…key ingredients for a successful yearbook program.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN FUTURE TEAM MEMBERS

The best yearbook students aren’t always the ones with the highest grades or the most design experience. Look for students who are:

• Curious and observant
• Reliable and organized
• Comfortable talking to others
• Willing to learn and try new things
• Proud of their school community

Yearbook needs writers, photographers, designers, marketers, organizers, and leaders. Make it clear that there’s a place for many different skill sets, not just “art kids”.

GET THIS YEAR’S TEAM INVOLVED IN RECRUITING

Your current team is your best recruitment tool!

1. Turn Students into Ambassadors: encourage team members to talk about yearbook in their other classes, clubs, and teams. Peer-to-peer conversations are often more effective than announcements.
2. Ask For Nominations: have current staff nominate classmates they think would be a good fit and explain why. This often surfaces strong candidates who wouldn’t think to apply on their own.
3. Share the Real Experience: let students talk honestly about:
   – What they’ve learned
   – Challenges they’ve overcome
   – Skills they’ve gained
   – Why they stayed on the team

Authenticity attracts the right people.

MAKE RECRUITMENT VISIBLE…AND EXCITING!

If students don’t know what yearbook really is, they won’t join. Try:

• A short presentation in English, art, or media classes
• Posters or digital signage featuring current staff
• A social media takeover or behind-the-scenes posts
• A lunchtime info table with the current book on display

Focus on what students gain, not just what they have to do:

• Leadership experience
• Creative and real-world skills
• Resume and portfolio material
• A chance to shape their school’s story

LET STUDENTS “TEST DRIVE” YEARBOOK

Commitment feels easier when students know what they’re signing up for. Ideas to help them try it out:

• Invite interested students to a meeting or work session
• Let them shadow a photographer or editor
• Give them a small task (caption writing, photo sorting, interviews)

A low-pressure introduction builds confidence and buy-in.

THINK ABOUT STRUCTURE BEFORE YOU RECRUIT

Before next year’s team is finalized, consider:

• How many students you realistically need
• What roles will exist (editors, photographers, marketers, etc.)
• How leadership will transition
• What skills you want to strengthen next year

Clear expectations help students decide if yearbook is right for them and help you build a balanced team.

START TRAINING BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS

Early recruitment opens the door to early learning. If possible:

• Introduce basic photography, writing, or design concepts
• Review this year’s book together…what worked, what didn’t
• Explain the production timeline and deadlines
• Talk about goals for next year’s book

Even a small head start makes a huge difference come fall.

BUILD CONTINUITY, NOT CHAOS

A strong yearbook program isn’t rebuilt every year…it’s passed down. Early recruitment allows:

• Knowledge transfer between outgoing and incoming students
• Leadership mentoring
• Less stress at the start of the year
• Better planning and storytelling

That continuity shows in the final book, and in the confidence of the team creating it.

Remember, yearbook is more than a class. It’s leadership, storytelling, and community. When you recruit early and intentionally, you’re not just filling spots, you’re investing in students and setting your program up for long-term success.