With employers planning to hire 21 percent more college graduates this year than they did in 2010, bosses and recruiters need to be on the lookout for the best potential talent out there.

According to a recent BNET article, one of the most critical steps in ensuring that you are hiring the top college graduates is to conduct a series of interviews, making cuts along the way in order to get a better view of the candidates.

Another critical tool that can often go by the boards is to consult with the graduate's previous professors, particularly those in the relevant field. By doing this, employers can get a better idea about the candidate's work habits and concrete skills in terms of writing and other aspects.

While resumes are an important document to dissect, the best way to find top talent straight out of college is to look beyond the resume and examine the candidate's passion for the company and the specific position, according to the news source. Finding passion in other aspects of life such as hobbies can also give the employer a better view of the candidate and a deeper understanding of whether the person has the ability to show a strong commitment and a high level of dedication.