Spotlight for Recruiting Professionals

Employer information sessions don’t have the draw they once had. Students want information about potential employers, but they don’t want to sit in a session that feels more like just another campus class or lecture.

Students value interacting with alumni, former interns, and recent hires because they are the authentic voices of the organizations. However, employers should avoid talking about things that students who have researched the employer already know.

So how can your organization offer information sessions that is exciting enough for students to attend? Here are some ideas that employer members said have been successful:

• Don’t call it an information session. Rebrand it and change the format. For example, “Special Advice With a Slice” brings students and recruiters together over pizza, and they can discuss information on full-time, co-op, and internship positions.
• Send alumni or new hires to campus to present “a day in the life of working at your company” to offer the insight students care about from someone walking the same path.
• Offer virtual information sessions that are recorded so that students who can’t attend can watch the video to get information about your organization.
• Place a recruiting table in high traffic areas on campus where students and recruiters can connect and engage about your organization and its opportunities.

Also, look for other on-campus opportunities to market your organization. For example, take part in employer roundtables and panels, or, for more direct engagement with students, help career services conduct mock interviews and case interviews.

You can also share your expertise by asking faculty members to allow your organization the opportunity to conduct a 10-minute talk on the class subject and how it relates to business.